The home is a compact relaxed family home designed to a strict budget. It adheres to wholesome design principles –good orientation and use of shading, efficient planning, use of natural light and ventilation, and appropriate material selection.
This home is located in the small coastal township of Waikanae Beach. The siting of the home has been carefully considered, sitting on a remnant dune the resulting architecture addresses the streetscape in a confident manner whilst still engaging with the landscape. The exterior materials provide interest to the simple forms and reference the bach vernacular of flat roofs, timber floors and ply claddings which still exist at Waikanae Beach. The planning of the house allows for efficient use of floor space. The floor area is 210 m2 whilst the first floor is a modest 155 m2,yet internal rooms are generous in size. There are a variety of connections with the outdoors. The layout encourages a relaxed lifestyle and exploits views to the coast and Kapiti Island. All rooms have an excellent quality of natural light and passive ventilation. Excellent insulation ratings and double glazing mean a gas fire is the only heating required. A garden area to the north provides a lush area for play and relaxation, whilst a covered alfresco dining area encourages outdoor entertainment with the ambience of an open fire.
A utility area is located to the south-east, landscaped to screen washing lines, recycling and composting bins. Rainwater is collected for gardens and locally sourced natives planted widely to keep lawn areas small. The home is a compact relaxed family home designed to a strict budget. It adheres to wholesome design principles –good orientation and use of shading, efficient planning, use of natural light and ventilation, and appropriate material selection.