Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects designed the Rahimoana Villa, which is part of the Eagle’s Nest Resort located in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. The brief called for a spiritual refuge for the owners of the house and their guests. The dramatic isolation of the site afforded unrestricted openness in design, allowing a seamless connection with the exterior, taking up 360° views of the landscape.

The temple like pavilion sits long and low on the site; simplicity is key: the knife-edge roof is cantilevered from slender steel posts, and anchored to a masonry spine that continues through to the sub floor. The plinth both elevates the house to the views, and permits access to concealed services below.

A sheltered courtyard provides refuge from the elements when required, with an open fire and access to kitchen and other service areas: the gym, bedrooms and bathrooms. Rahimoana, meaning “sun god over the sea”, reflects and embraces the views, the horizon and the sea with a delicate simplicity of form, structure and materials.