Onetangi Beach Property, NZ Residential Building, New Zealand Home, Architect, Photographs

Onetangi Beach House : New Zealand Property

Contemporary New Zealand Residence – design by Stevens Lawson Architects

8 Oct 2007

Onetangi Beach House

Design: Stevens Lawson Architects

The black timber house is situated beside a rocky outcrop at the eastern end of Onetangi Beach on Waiheke Island. It is dug into the base of a steep slope and partially tucked behind a mature Pohutukawa tree.

photos © Patrick Reynolds

It is a holiday home for a couple, their children and grandchildren.

The main living areas and bedroom are elevated to the first floor opening onto decks on two sides; affording striking views down the beach and providing separation from the boating and activities below.

photos © Patrick Reynolds

The house has an irregular, angular form that is responsive to its location and suggests an informality appropriate to a holiday home. The living spaces form a crescent shape which wraps around the pohutukawa and encloses an outdoor room with a fireplace.

The irregular carved timber fins have an organic, textured quality animating the building edge, while providing screening from the road and a sense of enclosure to the upper deck and living areas.

The simple roof is created from a single tilted plane which has been trimmed to fit the angular plan form, resulting in interior spaces with unusual geometries.

We have attempted to create a contemporary beach house with a strong local flavour, a sense of respect for its location and a commitment to the craft and delight of building.

photos © Patrick Reynolds