Three connected pavilions create one expansive yet low profile home – this is the art of living lightly on the land

The owners of this grand holiday home both have a passion for design. However, while they had several ideas for their new coastal build, they didn’t really have a clear direction as to how to achieve them. In the end, it was the land they had chosen itself that provided the clear way forward.

Bold and simple with strong shapes, and a homely, ‘kiwi’ feel were some early thoughts the couple had when they approached Landmark Homes North Shore, says senior designer Wendy King.

“They also wanted the home to be on a single level with great indoor out door flow – not surprising given the setting – but beyond this they were open to ideas."

In fact, with an unclear design direction it came down to the nature of the site to dictate the path forward. The dramatic 1:4 slope and several geotechnical issues helped shape the build platform that was available for the single level home.

To maximise living space and deck space on the limited buildable footprint, Landmark created a light-filled home comprised of three linked boxes. The boxes are rotated to maximise the views and to achieve a good fit on the narrow building platform.

The first box, or pavilion, includes the garage, second bedroom, second bathroom and a bunk room and hallway – this is where you enter. The middle pavilion has a very generous open-plan living, dining and kitchen space. And the third pavilion is home to the private master suite, complete with a large walk-in robe.

Of course, this is only half the living space the home offers. An outdoor room with operable louvres extends out from the kitchen/dining area, with another sprawling timber deck alongside, in front of the informal living space. 

Giant glass sliders glide away – making the modern indoor and outdoor living spaces one.

The home has several other decks, including one by the master bedroom, as well as a large courtyard deck to the rear, also reached by sliding glass doors.

“The property has spectacular views, but typically with that come strong winds,” says King. 

“The rear courtyard gives shelter from the prevailing south and east winds, while at the same time maintaining a connection to the views through the sliders and windows.”

It is perhaps unsurprising that a home so snugly married to the land would also make a connection to the natural setting in terms of its cladding. The vertical shiplap weatherboards add a natural feel to the contemporary, minimalist design.

And the home’s clean-lined matt black exterior aesthetic is also brought inside.

“Continuing the black box style inside with the cabinetry and shelving – along with the fireplace detailing – gives a sense of continuity from the outside,” says King.

Standing at the very heart of the home, the kitchen is another excellent case in point. With dark tones and strong, clean forms this is ideal for entertaining. In fact, the owners were so keen on a minimalist look here that the fridge is tucked into the  walk-in scullery behind – avoiding the visual clutter of fridge handles. Cabinetry that is on display has recessed pulls.

Matt finishes throughout – including in the kitchen – evoke the informal feel appropriate to a getaway home. Touches like negative details for recessed lighting evoke a relaxed and moody atmosphere

Wood floors through the public spaces add to the homely-meets-luxurious feel.

“The result is a modern holiday home that extends well beyond the traditional concept of the Kiwi bach,” King says.

Designed by: Landmark Homes North Shore /Rodney

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Dimitri Kotelevski and Simon Wilson, Swell Productions