Stiles and Hooker Ltd
Project Location:
Kawau Island
Categories:
Residential Architectural Excellence, Residential Engineering Excellence, Sustainability Award, Cladding Building Envelope
Project Description:
The brief emphasised the requirement to retain the character of the existing site with minimal impact on the natural landscape and vegetation. An existing bach and boathouse, a typical kiwi icon, but beyond salvage was to be removed and replaced with a contemporary structure to meet the owners needs for family holiday living, potential retirement accommodation and a retreat from their busy urban environment. The new separate buildings were to be located in a similar location to the existing. Inclusion of the existing boathouse footprint and floor slab in development was essential to ensure existing use rights were maintained and retain proximity to the beach front and mean high tide. The existing boat ramp and slipway were also to be integrated into the new boathouse.
A requirement for simplicity and open space planning, and social interaction dictated the spatial planning which forms a relationship with timber decks set at ground floor level which provide a seamless extension to living spaces, lawn and beach beyond when the glass walls are opened. Kitchen and sleeping quarters are stepped to fit the natural contour but arranged to ensure visual connection to the social spaces and harbour beyond from beach level.