Anzac Bay House

The Anzac Bay House is a permanent oasis for a young family perched on the banks of Anzac Bay, Waiheke Island, fifty kilometres across Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand.

On approach from the street, the house fits with the landscape, nestling in to the steep south facing bank with Anzac Bay below. A linear pathway meets the house and blends in to it to cascade down to the glass living space, leading the eye to the expansive views of Anzac Bay.

The house is split into two wings. The clean, linear forms are in contrast to the soft rolling banks of the bay though the design and material palette draws inspiration from its setting including including dark stained cedar, local rock and white render. The two forms are placed adjacent to each other, a bedroom wing and a living wing and are linked by a compact entry courtyard viewed on entry from the front door. 

The client’s brief for a strong, resolved and functional house has been achieved by creating a sense of solidity, simplicity and connection to its site. With rigorous attention to site planning, layout and crisp construction detailing, the house was truly tailor made for its setting, and for modern family life.

Completed 2018
Photography by Simon Devitt