Owhanake Bay House Waiheke Island

CONTEXT

The site is located on Waiheke Island, overlooking Owhanake Bay and just below a significant ridge line.

For the semi-retired owners, single level accessibility was a requirement that set design challenges on a site with a 15 degree cross slope.

DESIGN

The house is a play on the idea of "living on the verandah" in a sub-tropical climate. Banks of eastern flap windows on gas struts open, leaving only "verandah posts" intact as occupants engage with the landscape under the shelter and shade of the "verandah" roof.

Three narrow pavilions "bend" to follow the natural contours, allowing ease of movement through the landscape and minimal excavation of the landform. As in the natural environment, folds in landforms often contain watercourses; hence the two wedges of space between the three pavilions become a gathering of water, points of cleansing. These two linkages contain 2 bath-houses, one the main ensuite and the other a plunge pool/spa.

NZIA LOCAL AWARD WINNER 2011 (Residential ARCHITECTURE)

"A sensitive building 'tucked' gracefully into its site, this building gives the impression that it actually breathes. Opening up with slices, nips and tucks to pull in light, sun and views it is a delightful and adaptive home that is both comfortable and captivating. One gets the sense that this building fits it s owner like a glove." Jury Citation

NZIA LOCAL AWARD WINNER 2011 (sustainable architecture)

"From the outset of design the Architect has intimately considered the environment, skillfully weaving a deeply sustainable approach into the building's DNA." Jury Citation