Copeland Associates
Project Location:
Coromandel Peninsula
Categories:
Residential Architectural Excellence, Cladding Building Envelope, Interior Fit Out
Project Description:
Hot Water Beach, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula is renowned for its beautiful beach, where natural hot springs in the sand are accessible at low tide for thermal bathing.
Facing the sky and the sea on the ridge behind the settlement, with expansive views north and east over the beach, surrounding coastline and the Pacific Ocean, the house is a refuge exposed to the elements.
Expressed as three distinct pavilions, the lines of connection between these spaces and their adjacent exterior courts mark a cross on the site as a primal gesture of encampment.
Materials have been chosen to integrate with the surrounding landscape: oil-stained cedar weather boards, mineral paint on plaster, natural steel finish on metal surfaces. Internally much use has been made of timber in the oak flooring, fitted joinery and grooved plywood ceilings.
The house is well-insulated and designed for both passive and active solar heating. Solar heated water is piped through the insulated floor slabs during winter months. Stored rainwater harvested from the roof is the sole water supply.