Drawing aesthetic inspiration from the vernacular red shed across the adjacent banks of the Pungapunga river, Waipapa provides a family beach retreat that sits peacefully within its rural landscape. Westerly aspects over the river to rolling green hills are a rich contrast to the white sand and surf of Whangapoua beach, a short walk to the north.
The site is subject to strong prevailing north-easterlies and south-westerlies that sweep across the paddocks. In summer the sun can be harsh and relentless. Two distinct zones are brought together under the split gable roof – living to the north and sleeping to the south. The living wing is intricately clad in dark stained cedar, a retreat for the eyes, whilst the sleeping quarters offer respite from the heat of the day, cloaked in a rich scoria-red corrugate. The internal environment responds to the various climatic conditions, large overhangs, cedar under-slatted roofing, and electronic actuator screens help to naturally cool, protect and expand the living quarters and offer windward and leeward outdoor living options.
The continuity of materiality from exterior to interior further blurs the boundary between outside and in. A serene palette of kwila flooring, meranti and dark stained cedar soar to lofty heights in the living zones. Extensive built-in cabinetry offers a multitude of spots to read a book and slip into an afternoon snooze or act as overflow sleeping beyond the four bedrooms and rumpus when the need arises. Quintessentially, the sheltered outdoor room with integrated BBQ and black steel-formed fireplace can be enjoyed all year round, a place to gather and enjoy our kiwi lifestyle throughout the seasons.
Photography by: Simon Wilson.
Strachan Group Architects is a multiple award-winning Auckland practice. Grounded in a specific and detailed first-hand knowledge of construction the team brings a highly developed sense of craft to the task of creating sustainable buildings with precision and elegance.
The keen sense of attention that the practice brings to the interpretation of a client’s brief is equalled by a rich and complex understanding of how to respond to the subtleties of site, the impacts of the natural environment, and the many contexts within which a building must operate. To these qualities SGA adds a precise understanding of the requirements of construction, with an advanced level of experience of prefabrication and the use of digitally controlled machinery in the fabrication of building elements under tightly controlled conditions.
SGA takes pride in it's ability to communicate ideas about building as they develop in conversation with clients, consultants and contractors. This skill has been honed in the extensive involvement the practice has had in education, where it has delivered a number of design/build projects with architecture students that have been recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects by a series of Awards.
Recognised by their peers as an innovative and exciting practice, SGA consists of a group of highly skilled people with a diverse range of complimentary skills. This flexible team is highly attuned to new developments in the building industry, appreciated by their many clients and capable of undertaking work at any scale.