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Islands in the sun
Islands in the sun from Home & Architectural Trends volume 2501
Holidays are all about escape, and there is probably no greater escape than an island retreat in New Zealand, accessible only by boat – or helicopter.
But even with his pick of building sites, the owner of Hurakia Lodge says making the most of the spectacular views from this island near Auckland, New Zealand presented a challenge for the designers. John MacCulloch says the location has an obvious wow factor, and it was important that this wasn't diminished by the building.
The solution lay in three long, low pavilion-style wings that form a Y-shaped building, with expansive glazing providing a transparency through the house.
"It is possible to stand in the central living pavilion and look down either wing and through the glass walls to the sea beyond," MacCulloch says.
The design brief given to concept architect Greg Boyden of Jasmax specified a modern, flat-roofed house that would blend in with the surroundings in terms of its color. But MacCulloch says the house also needed to have its own presence.
"The house needed to make a strong statement in itself, while also providing a tasteful, warm and welcoming retreat."
In keeping with the requirement for a contemporary architectural form, the main living pavilion opens up on four sides to a large terrace that wraps around the building. Large eaves provide shelter from the summer sun. And the owners can open the large sliders to suit prevailing weather conditions.
The two bedroom wings semi-enclose a sheltered pool courtyard and outdoor living area. Freestanding concrete block walls at the opposite end of the pool are positioned to frame the best view of a picturesque group of small islands.
"Sometimes, leading the eye to a key aspect of the view is more dramatic than simply exposing a never-ending vista," says MacCulloch.
The exterior is also defined by the cladding, which features Aluart anodized aluminum panels. Many of these are designed as permanent artworks. Connecting panels between the bedroom wings and main pavilion, for example, feature a textural fiber pattern, while the anodized panels on the bedroom wings are decorated with a bubble pattern that conveys a sense of movement.
The interior, by Stewart Harris of Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors, was designed to complement rather than detract from the view.
"A simplified palette of colors and materials was the best way to allow the view to dominate – it also lets the architecture shine," says Harris. "We opted for natural colors, which have a subtle New Zealand flavor, but the interior also reflects international design influences."
Harris says natural linens and handwoven jute and wool carpets were specified. Wood was sourced from a renewable resource.
"There is a strong consistency of materials throughout the house. Similar colors provide a visual connection, and the use of contrasting textures adds interest. We avoided a look that is too conservative, frequently mixing classic elements with quirky accent pieces."
These items include sculptural lamps and artworks, a coffee table made from native tree trunks, and a Dedon Yin Yang chair on the terrace.
Comfort was also a priority, with the spacious, uncluttered living areas providing several grouped seating areas, each positioned to maximize a different slice of the spectacular view.
To maximize the spectacular views, concept architect Greg Boyden designed the house as a Y shape with a central living pavilion. The curved pathway leads down the hill to a private jetty.
Modern castaway – this island retreat in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland is just minutes from the city by helicopter but a world away in terms of peace and privacy. T
The two bedroom wings semi-enclose a large, sheltered pool courtyard and outdoor living area. The main living pavilion also opens directly to the pool terrace. Glass balustrading minimizes the visual impact of the pool fence.
Transparency is a defining feature of the house, with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring the view can be enjoyed in all directions. The main living pavilion can be opened up to a terrace on all four sides.
Interior designer Stewart Harris of Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors created a warm, neutral color palette, with contrasting textures providing added visual interest.
The central pavilion provides an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. The double-sided fireplace provides a glimpse of the view beyond.
Each wing of the house accommodates a master bedroom suite that overlooks the gulf. As with the living areas, the bedrooms feature warm neutral furnishings. Dark-stained wood shelving is built into the wall.
A freestanding bathtub in each suite provides an added touch of luxury and enhances the resort-style ambiance. The dark-stained wood vanities are designed as pieces of furniture.
Credit List
Architect
:
Greg Boyden AINZ, Jasmax; and Pete Bossley, Pete Bossley Architects (Auckland)
Spa
:
The Spa and Pool Factory
Artwork
:
Donna Harrison at Artscape
Cladding
:
Aluart anodized aluminum panels installed by Thermosash Commercial
Flooring
:
Bamboo laid by The Specialist; carpet from Source Mondial
Furniture and furnishings
:
Lounge seating from Designers' Collection and Trenzseater; dining table from Sefton Powrie; coffee tables from Republican and Advantage Interiors; outdoor furniture from Domo
Blinds and drapes
:
Inner Concepts
Bathroom floor and walls
:
Flamed Asia basalt tiles from Original Stone; Orito white ceramic tiles from European Ceramics
Bathtub
:
Foster from Franklin Plumbing
Basins
:
Robertson Agencies; Hansa Design Lino taps
Story by Colleen Hawkes
Photography by Jamie Cobeldick
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