“With elevated harbour views from the Kaimai’s over Matakana Island to Mount Maunganui the site required special treatment architecturally. Hemmed in by an unstable sea cliff to the west and a height restriction to the north the owners brief was a two storey home with the upstairs as high as we can get it!”

Strong geometrical shapes provide structural balance to the building. The horizontal lines in the harbour landscape are reflected in the design with the cantilevered flat roof line and decks leading to the weir edge pool above the cliff blend into the seascape.

Concrete, steel and glass form the exterior of the building with external automated aluminium blinds providing passive solar controls to the windows. Sliding doors open completely through the external northern wall maximising outdoor access. High windows provide ventilation for the interior while suspended concrete floors provide thermal mass for Geothermal hotwater heating piped throughout the home and finishing in the pool heated to 35 degrees. With concrete walls heavily insulated externally and the low profile roof clad with warm roof technology the home provides the highest level of thermal efficiency and acoustic performance.

A dramatic light filled two storey entry sits comfortably in the streetscape and presents a formal entry to the home providing the sense of arrival with a visual link to the harbour views visible through the entry hall. A neutral white palette is used externally and internally for simplicity and timeless style.

The 374m2 three bedroom home includes three metre stud height, open plan living, generous kitchen, scullery, dining area, guest suite and office. To the north the sheltered outdoor entertaining area enjoys the harbour views and retains privacy from neighbouring homes.