Blessed with sea views to the horizon!

This coastal ridge site on Waiheke Island is blessed with sea views to the horizon. The concept was to design a primary dwelling and a sleep-out for guests. The house is linked to the sleep-out by a timber boardwalk that spans a gully.

The aesthetic of the bach was a starting point for the design and dictated the choice of materials. Yet a refined interpretation of these low-maintenance products was called for. Cedar board-and-batten teams with dark grey corrugated metal cladding – a palette that allows the home to recede into its surroundings.

Internally, plywood wall and ceiling linings and particle board flooring lend a nostalgic charm. Much consideration was given to detailing the joins and fixings in order to balance the rustic appeal with contemporary sensibility. Plywood kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with routed apertures as handles continues this pared-back theme. There is no plasterboard in the house, so no painting was required.

Built-in furniture meant this weekend escape needed minimal furnishing. Rather than an open-plan living area, the living zones are separated by a built-in divider.