2005

We had the opportunity to design a family bach on a remote beach on the eastern side of Waiheke. Once a valley of mighty Kauri, long since harvested, it was crowded with macrocarpa, wattle trees and discarded farming equipment—set by a covenant, the house's location was to be in the lowest part of the valley.

Two themes, camping and water, formed the genesis of the original bach—something I once learned from a bitter experience: never camp in a dry river bed. The idea of a family campsite, with tents arranged as a central gathering area, with a pathway to allow water to flow through the encampment. A connection between the landscape and the sea. A stand of existing Nīkau palms defined the location of the structures.

2011

The bach was shortlisted for House of the Year (HOTY).

2016

Subsequent owners approached us to provide more accommodation and enhance the landscaping. We settled on creating a new living pavilion where the original carport was, thus framing the Nīkau Grove and providing the opportunity for a generous and wind-sheltered living area that caught the evening light. The interior underwent reconfiguration to suit a more sophisticated aesthetic, and a resort-style deck and spa extended the outdoor living areas on the seaward side of the house.

Exceptional stewardship of the surrounding bush (the property is 90% covenanted bush area) by the current owners, with extensive planting of native species and aggressive pest control, have rendered spectacular results in improving the landscape when viewed from the sea and within the house's interiors.

The project has transformed from a bach to a beach house, a sophisticated resort which nestles subtly into a restored landscape.

WATCH THE LOCAL PROJECT FEATURE VIDEO - Inside a Wooden Cabin House on a Remote Island (House Tour)