This stunning modern beach house was designed by Christian Anderson Architects, located on the headland in Owhanake Bay on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. This beach dwelling showcases sweeping views over a gulf landscape of rugged coastal hills and marine vistas.
Ideally positioned along an east-west cut on a north-facing ridge, the design of this spectacular property integrates natural materials and practical construction methods. It also reflects an understated vernacular response to the exposed site conditions. The homeowner went into this project with a conceived vision of the home on this site and played a key role in the development, thought process and inspiration of both design and implementation.
The residence has been oriented on the site to maximize exposure to the views and seasonal rhythms. The structure features a series of gabled forms, where outdoor areas are an extension of the home on both the front and backside of the property. These spaces were designed to be sheltered from the prevailing winds, allowing comfort in all weather conditions.
What We Love: This spectacular modern beach house features a design that is raw and earthy yet still elegant and refined. The use of natural materials of wood on the exterior facade will weather and age with time, to a beautiful silvery gray. Fantastic indoor-outdoor connection… and the views—jaw-dropping! Loving the outdoor living space with a cozy fireplace to enjoy all year round. This goes on our list of dream beach houses…
How about for you? Is this your vision of the perfect beach home? Let us know in the comments below!
Along the center axis, the framing consists of naturally weathered hardwood timbers for the posts, beams and trusses, reinforced by expressed steel brackets. The unification of interior/exterior is through the use of natural materials, including white-washed TGV soffits and interior linings, stained cedar siding and corrugated aluminum roofing.
Above: The living area opens in multiple directions, overlooking the Gulf in one direction and opening onto an expansive lawn in the other.
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Above: The bedrooms and bathrooms are elevated to take advantage of the dramatic ocean vistas. The bedroom features bi-fold glass doors leading out to a private deck, framing the sea. There is also a private den, garage and utility rooms, which are nestled along the south-western incline.
Above: The concrete paving is rendered in locally sourced chip, which not only reflects a coastal aesthetic, but is extremely durable in marine conditions.
Photos: Simon Devitt
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