Watchtower

With the soaring value of beachfront building sites, New Zealand's traditional family baches are becoming a thing of the past, but there's no doubt the spirit of those pioneering holiday homes lives on.

This new house, designed by architect Richard Middleton of Novak+Middleton takes its cue from those old-style baches, but adds a strong contemporary flavour.

The architect says the design of the house was also influenced by the view, the undulating sand dunes and the exposed nature of the beachfront site.

"The owners had a strong desire for privacy and security," Middleton says. "This also helped determine the exterior facade, which is a composition of solid and void. The walls facing the street are intentionally solid to provide privacy and shelter. They act as a barrier between the public and private spaces. Beyond the entry, the solidity gives way to transparency, with the living spaces opening to the sand dunes and the view beyond."

Middleton says the long, narrow site generated the primary axis for the house, which also took a long, narrow form.

"This allowed us to run a lap pool down the northern boundary, with an alternative sheltered outdoor living area. The primary axis is further defined by a gallery space that links the entry with the living pavilion."

To maximise the outlook, the main volume is elevated above the gallery and the three bedrooms on that level. But the architect has ensured it is still possible to glimpse the sea view from the entry the view draws guests through the house to the expansive, open-plan living space.

"The split-level design means the main volume is two-and-a-half storeys high it is almost like a beach watchtower," says Middleton. "The smaller scale of the second storey, which accommodates the master suite, is a deliberate nod to the past. It references the older holiday homes that once stood on this strip of land between the road and the sea, and the way they changed as successive generations added rooms and altered the original forms. The dark-stained cedar weatherboards were also chosen to evoke that look."

An awning extending from the top storey features a large rectangular cutout.

"The awning is more of a gesture, in terms of creating a sense of shelter," says the architect. "The cutout generates more light and sun."

An expansive wall of glazing in the living area ensures there is a close visual connection with the view and the immediate landscape of the sand dunes. There is also a glass sliding door opening back to the pool area.

"The house design needed to take into account the terrific gales and salt spray that can occur on this coast," Middleton says. "Having an alternative sheltered area increases the time the owners can spend outdoors."

Although open plan, the living area can be divided into two if required. Large sliding panel doors can be pulled to separate the more formal living space from the dining area, kitchen and family area.

Tucked back from the living area, the kitchen wraps around the northeast corner of the house, in a U shape. In keeping with the contemporary design of the rest of the interior, the kitchen features sleek lacquered cabinets.

Story by: Trendsideas