Nestled in behind the sand dunes and bounded by a forest of ancient kānuka, this beach house was positioned to favour privacy and shelter over views of the sea. To make your way onto this Peka Peka property, you must first gently push your way past the native bush to get to the front door. The owners intentionally made it this way: you move, the native bush stays where it is. 

The native bush was an important starting point for this house, the KCDC district plan ensures that the bush along the road frontage remains protected for future owners to enjoy. This guardianship made construction of the house slightly more challenging for contractors with a stipulation that all work would be carried out in respectful deference to the trees.

A weekend bach that will one day become a place to retire to, the brief for this house was to provide the best of indoor and outdoor living. Set apart from the predominantly glazed, pergola-shaded living area, one can step down to a cosy snug with a wood burner.  

Clad in two contrasting cedar weatherboard profiles, the house opens out onto a sheltered internal courtyard protected from the prevailing coastal winds. The main house sits on one side of the glade while a separate sleep-out provides protection and privacy from the neighbouring site. 

Photography by Andy Spain