On an island in the Bay of Islands, four separate buildings discretely occupy an east-facing bay. The houses are light pavilions which promote the concept of 'roof' as the predominant element of shelter. The monopitch roofs float above and beyond the spaces, supported on exo-skeletal structures beautifully detailed in wood. Exterior walls are taut joinery frames, offering minimal interruption between inside and out. The boatshed is totally underground, to reduce visual built form in the bay, with the guesthouse above.
The house has frequently been published internationally and has achieved what the Monument journal from Australia described as near 'mythic status'.
Awards:
NZIA Regional Award 2000
Tasman Small Practice Award 1999
NZIA Northern Regional Award for Architecture 1999
NZ Home and Building/Citroen 'Home of the Year' 1998
NZIA Branch Award for Architecture 1998
NZIA 10 Best Buildings Award 1997