Context
The site is located on Waiheke Island, overlooking Owhanake Bay and just below a significant ridge line. For the semi-retired owners, single level accessibility was a requirement that set design challenges on a site with a 15 degree cross slope.
Design
The house is a play on the idea of "living on the verandah" in a sub-tropical climate. Banks of eastern flap windows on gas struts open, leaving only "verandah posts" intact as occupants engage with the landscape under the shelter and shade of the "verandah" roof.
Three narrow pavilions "bend" to follow the natural contours, allowing ease of movement through the landscape and minimal excavation of the landform. As in the natural environment, folds in landforms often contain watercourses; hence the two wedges of space between the three pavilions become a gathering of water, points of cleansing. These two linkages contain 2 bath-houses, one the main ensuite and the other a plunge pool/spa.
NZIA NATIONAL AWARD WINNER 2012 – RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE, HOUSES
“This is one of those happy occasions when a house is more properly called a home. On a coastal site, in a landscape progressively rehabilitated by the clients, the Architect has designed a comfortable and appropriate dwelling that is direct without being directional. The house is generous and liveable, well ordered and well ventilated, and successfully integrated with its natural surroundings. Eminently fit for purpose, the house may have even exceeded expectations; if it has done so it is because the Architect and clients have clearly proceeded in sympathy. “ (Jury Citation)
NZIA LOCAL AWARD WINNER 2011 - HOUSING - RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
"A sensitive building 'tucked' gracefully into its site, this building gives the impression that it actually breathes. Opening up with slices, nips and tucks to pull in light, sun and views it is a delightful and adaptive home that is both comfortable and captivating. One gets the sense that this building fits it s owner like a glove." (Jury Citation)
NZIA LOCAL AWARD WINNER 2011 - SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
"From the outset of design the Architect has intimately considered the environment, skilfully weaving a deeply sustainable approach into the building's DNA." (Jury Citation)
Products used in
Owhanake Bay House
Professionals used in
Owhanake Bay House
More projects from
SGA
About the
Professional
Strachan Group Architects is a multiple award-winning Auckland practice. Grounded in a specific and detailed first-hand knowledge of construction the team brings a highly developed sense of craft to the task of creating sustainable buildings with precision and elegance.
The keen sense of attention that the practice brings to the interpretation of a client’s brief is equalled by a rich and complex understanding of how to respond to the subtleties of site, the impacts of the natural environment, and the many contexts within which a building must operate. To these qualities SGA adds a precise understanding of the requirements of construction, with an advanced level of experience of prefabrication and the use of digitally controlled machinery in the fabrication of building elements under tightly controlled conditions.
SGA takes pride in it's ability to communicate ideas about building as they develop in conversation with clients, consultants and contractors. This skill has been honed in the extensive involvement the practice has had in education, where it has delivered a number of design/build projects with architecture students that have been recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects by a series of Awards.
Recognised by their peers as an innovative and exciting practice, SGA consists of a group of highly skilled people with a diverse range of complimentary skills. This flexible team is highly attuned to new developments in the building industry, appreciated by their many clients and capable of undertaking work at any scale.