This is a north facing site fronting Onetangi beach with narrow public road running between the house and beach. The original single storey bungalow was built in 1940 and is largely retained. The front 6 metres of the existing house has been replaced by this project in 2 storeys.

The clients wished to expand their existing beach house. Extending vertically provided privacy separation for the generations as well as enhancing the outlook over the beach. Elevating the original front bedroom enabled the existing living area to double across the front of the house opening to the north. 

Joinery slides from east and west into a central pocket. The new upper deck provides cover to part of the lower deck. The design intent was to express the new form as a distinct addition, overhanging the original house. It is wrapped in the roofing material with the timber rainscreen front and back contrasted to the existing weatherboards in a modern vernacular in sympathy with the existing scale and unified by colour. 

The upper floor is divided into a enclosed sleeping zone and an open living area with vistas out to sea and back to the bush. The void brings light down into the original previously dark interior.

Photography by Jessica Chloe Photography