Karahu House.

This holiday house places the main living spaces on the upper level at the seaward end of the site giving the best views of the bay and full privacy from the coastal walkway. At ground level, sliding timber shutters provide the flexibility to open or screen the house and inner courtyard.

The plan wraps around a central space comprising a lawn and pool courtyard area that receives the northern sun and is sheltered from both the prevailing winds and the sight of passersby. All rooms in the house open off a central double height verandah space, which is ambiguous between being interior or exterior.

The home uses natural timbers, stone and rendered walls to provide warmth and texture appropriate to the coastal setting.

The informal configuration of the space, and the seamless connection of interior to exterior creates a casual holiday atmosphere that allows the family and their guests to relax and enjoy the beach living.

Photography by: Patrick Reynolds.