Pohutukawa House

Situated in the serene coastal landscape of Mangawhai, Northland, Pohutukawa House is a secluded family retreat designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Collaborating with NOTT Architects from Christchurch and built by Smith Construction, every element of this home was conceived with a minimal footprint, ensuring the landscape—featuring established pōhutawha trees and a private beach—remains undisturbed. The design approach prioritises harmony with the environment, making each decision driven by the site's natural features and the desire to impose as little as possible.  The interior showcases the versatile Atelier Siltstone Feature Plank 15mm flooring, selected for its warm, weathered coastal tone reminiscent of the nearby headland at low tide. External elements, including hard surfaces and decks, incorporate locally sourced stone, quarried just an hour north, and are equipped with sophisticated groundwater and drainage solutions to overcome complex site challenges. Constructed to withstand one-in-a-hundred-year weather events with marine-grade materials, Pohutukawa House exemplifies sustainable craftsmanship, with waste diverted through Sustainable Kaipara and soft plastics repurposed into fencing posts. The home offers a variety of spaces—from a cosy snug with a fireplace and art studio to an indoor-outdoor garden room, guest accommodation, and a master suite with both indoor and outdoor bathrooms—creating a harmonious retreat that celebrates coastal living at its finest.