coromandel beach house

This beach house faces due east, looking over the sand dunes of Whangamata in the Coromandel, towards the South Pacific Ocean. The exterior is primarily clad in a ribbed terne, chosen for its mottled and dappled finish as it ages. Care was taken to ensure that the ribbed terne extrusion gave a sense of floating atop the solid base.

Internally, the concrete block forms the main tawa topped staircase. The ceiling is clad in tawa striations throughout the home, paired with the durable polished concrete floor. A rich and luxurious colour palette features in the bedrooms and living spaces.

Programmatically, the main living space is on the top floor, east facing towards the sea, and is flanked by the kitchen. The master bedroom discretely sits behind this, along with the adjoining ensuite, taking advantage of the westerly light. Bedrooms, kitchens and ancillary living spaces comprise the lower level.

This dwelling provides a warm, comfortable and sheltered environment, with viewports and forms that frame the exceptional views and extraordinary location.

Location: Whangamata, New Zealand

Photography: Simon Wilson
Completed: 2014