Designed to maximise connections with the ocean, this family residence opens directly onto a residential canal within the Pauanui Waterways, where a series of steps carry the occupants directly down from their sunny living room, past a generous deck and plunge pool into the pristine salt water of the Tairua Harbour. Kayaks, boats and jet-skis are kept moored at the house’s private jetty allowing the family immediate access to the local surf breaks and golden sand shores of the Coromandel coastline.

Running along the full length of the northern boundary, a lush green lawn doubles as vehicle and pedestrian access from the owner’s boat ramp to the outdoor shower to warm up, rinse off and store gear within the drying room following each snorkelling, diving or surfing adventure.

Arranged around a central courtyard loggia at the heart of the home, a media room/ bar with office space above are located within a gabled volume to the rear of the site, whilst the light and airy, open plan living, dining and kitchen pavilion spans across the front of the site. Large sliding doors on both sides of the living pavilion allow the house to open up almost entirely to connect the central courtyard to the waterways beyond.

Designed for year round entertaining, the courtyard loggia contains an outdoor fire and barbeque, perfectly located between the media room/bar and kitchen. Sliding shutters with operable louvres run along the northern edge of the courtyard to provide shelter from the summer sun or coastal breezes.

Our favourite palette of low maintenance materials are deployed to the exterior of the home, with the fine steel detailing of the exposed structure in counterpoint to the solidity and permanence of the board marked pre-cast concrete walls. Vast expanses of glazing provide maximum sun and visual connection to the outdoors from the public spaces on the ground floor, whilst sculptural fully welded dormer windows provide privacy to the private bedroom spaces on the first floor.

Luxurious bedrooms with their own ensuites provide accommodation for the family and guests rivalling the finest resorts, ensuring the family and their guests feel like they’re on holiday, without leaving home.