HOUSE ON TAKAPUNA BEACH

completed 2019

The beach front site is dominated by two mature pohutukawa, with the house nestled quietly in behind them, offering views to Rangitoto through their twisting boughs.

The seaward spaces are generous in scale, with low and high level glazing providing tree dappled light and views to sea and sky.  Shutters and billowy drapes allow for varying degrees of privacy to the popular beach, while the cantilevered dark batten fence maintains a level of transparency along the beach front of the site.

The house is defined by large scale cast-in-situ concrete walls, combined with dark-stained vertical timber weatherboards, and elements of copper.  This raw pallet is softened on the interior with timber floors, light stained timber walls and soft furnishings.  A polished terrazzo ramp descends from the entry towards the sea view, echoing a key design feature of the previous house on the site.

Climbing plants on the façade, along with a green roof and interior planting combine to further soften the house, integrating greenery into the otherwise solid building.

The house navigates the line between casual beach house and compressed suburban dwelling, striving to capture the best qualities of these two conditions.

photos by Samuel Hartnett Photography

Awards: Winner – NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards 2021 – Housing

Winner – Home Magazine – City Home of the Year 2021