The client, a respected bespoke home builder had completed 4 homes in a 5 lot development with tight resource consent conditions and small lots. This final home on the beach side was to be his own home, and be the best of them, taking into account all the features of previously built homes. A walk through of these homes enabled relatively easy design research into materials and what worked as far as flow and outdoor spaces.

However, a previously resource consented design, a site of only 325sq.m and the need to go to 3 levels posed it’s own problems. The client also wanted to use natural materials like cedar, corten steel , polished concrete and painted brick with the need to keep low maintenance in mind, given the environment it was to be built in.

This 288sq.m, 4 bedroom, 3 level beach haven with split level access from the entry up to the gallery which wraps around the courtyard to enable multiple room access to the lap pool and outdoor areas. The gallery then leads up to the main living area via polished concrete steps and a unispan floor. In behind the designer kitchen, another stairway leads up to the master bedroom retreat which takes in the sea views from a private balcony. The site has been fully maximised with the entry at street level offering privacy and security and allowing second level living to have the views of the dunes.

Design Features and Creative Solutions

• During the design process, a computer modelled sun study and daylighting envelope ensured the clients enjoy a light filled home as a finished product and previous consent conditions were adhered to.
• The materials chosen had to reflect the beach side location and a selection of NZ traditional mediums were chosen in the form of cedar and brick, but were used in more contemporary ways.
• A key feature of the living space is the use of full width windows to take in the view of the dunes and a glimpse of the pool area and outdoor spaces through low windows. A key component of the brief was bringing the outdoor materials inside with the use of polished concrete floors, an internal wall of Bevel back weatherboards and a corten steel fireplace surround.
• The entry features a window looking directly into the pool, giving a deflected light effect and offering a sense of space to an otherwise pokey area. Utilizing the split level landing for gallery and outdoor access along with the wider stairs to the living space and a hidden 3rd level stair minimises vertical travel clutter normally associated with 3 level dwellings.
• All rooms have slider doors to allow an open and light environment and prevent slamming doors when the home is opened up in summer to allow the sea breeze through.