Rothesay Bay Retreat banner
Project by
Year of completion
2022
Building style
Contemporary

With the travel ban firmly in place, and covid restrictions ramping up, the timing couldn’t have been better for the creation of this peaceful sanctuary, tucked away in Rothesay Bay. Inspired by memories of family holidays in Bali, the brief was to turn an underutilised area of the site into a new garage, guest house and pool area.

The newly levelled driveway flows up towards the guest house, which seems to float above the garage, its striking cedar cladding mirroring the main house. Cedar screens provide privacy, and allow light to filter in, casting patterned shadows. The self-contained guest house has its own kitchenette and bathroom, ideal for the now grown-up children, or friends who’ve come to stay.

The lush greenery of Bali is recreated for the New Zealand context, with native plants sheltering the space and framing views of the ocean beyond. But within the sanctuary, the real hero is the infinity pool, painstakingly designed so that the water level and the timber decking are at the exact same level, creating a seamless transition.

It’s this sort of attention to detail that elevates the space, making it seem both effortless and entrenched, as if this little slice of private paradise has always been here, a calming sanctuary in a crazy world.

Awards and
recognition

2022
ADNZ
Highly Commended, New Home Under 150m2
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About the
Professional

Creative Arch is an award-winning, multi-disciplined architectural design practice, founded in 1998 by Architectural Designer / Director Mark McLeay.

The range of work at Creative Arch is as diverse as our clients, encompassing residential homes, alterations and renovations, coastal developments, sub-division developments, to commercial projects.

The team at Creative Arch are an enthusiastic group of talented professional architects and designers, with a depth of experience, from a range of different backgrounds and cultures. Creative Arch is a client-focused firm committed to providing excellence in service, culture, and project outcomes.

Client service is our first priority. Our guiding principle is to always listen and understand our client's needs and requirements. We view each client's architectural project as unique and deserving of an innovative plan and tailored design approach.
Any design project is a complicated creative undertaking with a multitude of tasks and issues to be resolved.

We believe in collaboration. Experience teaches us that the most successful architectural design projects are the ones when the client is committed to excellence and teamwork. We work alongside clients through the complete process from initial briefing to developing the design, through to the consenting process, and to construction and final completion.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.