Overlooking a coastal reserve, the beach, is often full of people enjoying the elements, be it surfers, swimmers, paddle skis or boating. This sets the tone for a house that is all about sanctuary and relaxation.

The big idea is that when you walk in the door, whatever the world has thrown at you is washed away. However, importantly, while you are doing this you are not creating walls around yourself. The building still expresses itself to its great surroundings.

This duality of openness and cocooning is critical to the plan. Given its coastal proximity, hilly topography, and densely packed suburban plot, the result is a home that can drink in all the views and open itself to the beachy outlook but also provide a modicum of privacy. The material palette echoes the optimism of mid-century architecture and is purposely tactile and robust enough to withstand the ever-changing coastal environment. The coastal tones also play a part in anchoring the building within its landscape. Further connecting the house to its coastal context is a green roof composed entirely of coastal grasses and an edging of pebbled stones.

Our challenge was to make a building that is as spectacular as it’s setting and achieve the inherent serenity of the location, while still engaging the senses and meeting all its practical requirements.

Project Collaborators:
Interiors: Rowson Kitchens
Build: Chad Niwa Building
Landscape: Parker
Images: Simon Devitt