West Coast House

Rising out of the rugged surrounds of the West coast, this rectilinear beach house sits as a foil to the wild stand of pohutukawa trees that protects a north facing main courtyard, giving natural privacy and screening from the sun and sea breezes. The trees also provide a natural framing for two distinct diagonal views to the distinctive Piha landforms, Lion and Monkey rock.

The courtyard has become the front door and wind direction rather than protocol determines the entry path into the house. The central black stone wall is the anchor for the cantilevered stairs that divides the house into two distinctive areas. To the west is the Main Bedroom and Living room below; are the quiet, contemplative spaces of retrenchment and revitalisation. To the east is the Main living area with the guest bedrooms and study above.
The exterior palette consists of Steel, glass, Cedar and stack bond Concrete block all being natural in palette. Various colours and polish is added to the concrete blocks that define different functions of the structure. This material is also predominant on the interior. This is contrasted with soft floating clear timber acoustic panels carrying the lighting and audio services.

This house has been a very satisfying result winning, NZIA Branch Award, NZIA National Supreme Award and the Master Builders Supreme Award. This is was the first time in New Zealand that this had been achieved.