Our brief was to design a holiday house that was sensitive to all the elements of an exposed coastal environment. The clients wanted the house to feel comfortable and to function well for when they are there on their own, plus expand to accommodate their friends and family. The exposed, level, beach front site allowed for a concept of multiple building forms that provide sea and island views while creating a sheltered inner courtyard facing to the Northwest.

A mature Norfolk Pine, situated at the road frontage, provided an axis from which the buildings were set out; from the double height entry through to the sheltered courtyard beyond. The main house, bunkroom wing, and guest house are clustered around this central courtyard. The effect has been to create spaces which allow family and guests to come together, when required, plus allowing the clients to have private space. Verandahs afford sheltered, outdoor living spaces and link with pergolas to provide covered circulation around the central courtyard.

The materials were selected to give the house a relaxed lodge style appeal. Bandsawn plywood and battens clad the exterior with timber joinery and cedar shingle roofing, detailed in copper. This style is also reflected in the interior with bandsawn grooved plywood, exposed rafters and battened plaster board walls.

The overall effect has been to interpret a large brief by breaking down the scale of the forms to create numerous intimate spaces both inside and out to give an overall relaxed beachside lifestyle.

Photography: Margot Photography