This is a family home for return-clients on an eastern slope above Okahu Bay with stunning views framed by Pohutakawa. The key challenges were the very steep driveway which enters the site in the prime view, and a very large apartment building on the northern boundary.
The house was to operate primarily for the couple and their entertaining maximising the view, with separate apartment-style living for four children who come and go. The house was to be flexible into the future and include lift access. A large garage was required to accommodate cars and boats. The style would reflect their connection to the harbour and their boating lifestyle.
A key decision was to elevate the primary living to capitalise on the views and at the same time to separate it from the necessary car circulation. This was achieved, with loose reference to sailing and catamaran hulls, projecting out and over the lower garage and apartment.
A rational plan continued to evolve, skewing and sliding as it responded to the site. This created a generous entry scoop on one side and a sheltered sunny deck with connection to the ground on the other.
The two copper sheathed hulls are held apart by the generous double-height entry. The guest is gracefully welcomed, drawn up by the light and the view is gradually revealed. External claddings are continued in this space, emphasising it as one of transition. One side is open-plan living, dining kitchen, and the other private bedrooms and study/living.
