‘owhanake bay house’ by strachan group architects, waiheke island, new zealand image © patrick reynolds all images courtesy of strachan group architects

positioned upon a bluff on the coast of waiheke island, new zealand, the ‘owhanake bay house’ by new zealand-based practice strachan group architects offers vistas to the adjacent hauraki gulf. the single-storey structure accommodates the needs of inhabitants while navigating a site with significantly changing slopes. a cluster of three narrow pavilions, the dwelling follows the topography, requiring minimal excavation and alteration to the landscape. flap windows oriented towards the eastern views engage the dwellers with their surroundings and sub-tropical climate.

integrated into the spatial experience, folds in the terrain beneath the home naturally collect water, forming points of cleansing. at these areas, glazed walls and translucent polycarbonate roofs are used to further the blur boundaries between indoors and outdoors and naturally illuminate the spaces. an outdoor room with partial screening by the land formation creates a shelter from afternoon sun while an outdoor fireplace warms the area during the winter months.

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house view of bay from the residence image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house entry corridor image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house dining terrace image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house dining terrace image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house living area image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house bathroom image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house image © patrick reynolds

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house context plan

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house floor plan / level 0 1. kitchen 2. dining 3. lounge 4. outdoor room 5. indoor plunge pool 6. guest bedroom 7. guest bathroom 8. master bedroom 9. ensuite 10. dressing room 11. study 12. laundry 13. store 14. garage 15. rear porch 16. pond 17. bridge 18. deck

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house sketch

strachan group architects: owhanake bay house sketch

project info:

location: waiheke island, new zealand head architect: dave strachan builders/main contractor: tomik ltd (auckland & waiheke island based) structural engineer: adam mackenzie year: 2008 images: all photography by patrick reynolds sketches: all sketches done by dave strachan