House at Narrowneck is situated in Auckland, Zealand, comprised of three dwelling units to house an elderly parent, young grandchildren and allow work from home. Designed by Mitchell and Stout Architects, the 5,597 square foot (520 square meters)residence is nestled on a site with an elevated beach side section on a busy road with great views over the harbor. The concrete walls of the house associate with the old concrete fortifications along the coastline. They are to be covered with creeper. Plastic roofs, like wings, give privacy and protection. The traditional verandah is now a roof terrace, hedged and roofed, to take in the views. A separate Studio is the folly – a diminutive house for guests and work.

Rainwater is collected off the roof via a large gutter into a tank for domestic use. Solar panels augment the heating of water. The materials of precast concrete, plywood, plastic and quarry tile are common vernacular fare in Auckland, but not usually put together like this.

Photos: Patrick Reynolds