This project focused on reorganizing the plan of the small existing cottage and creating an expansive living area that opens up to the North. An addition of 2 metres was made to the entire Northern facade and linked to a large terrace. The 3 bedrooms and bathroom are tucked to the South side along a naturally light hallway that insures fluid circulation throughout the house. In order to keep the low profile and discreet character of the house, the roofline was simply extended and finished up by a sculptural slatted timber rain-screen as a facade.

2013 NZIA Architecture Award - Sustainable Architecture - Gisborne-Hawkes Bay Region

JUDGES CITATION: Clear consideration of the project has seen the construction of a thermal-mass slab inside the extensively glazed north facing addition, and the incorporation of log fire water heating and new insulation, all achieved within a re-cycled existing dwelling, when demolition and re-building was a definite option.

2013 NZIA Architecture Award - Small Project Architecture

JUDGES CITATION: Take a low-slung, minimal lit, many-times altered beach bach, add an internal rooflight to warm the core and a small, extensively glazed extension to the north face. Provide an adjoining courtyard and consistent detailing and the result is a deceptively simple, thoroughly delightful, totally beach appropriate dwelling.

Photographs by Russell Kleyn