NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Jacobsens Mid-Winter Tour
Whitianga
On the 7th of August 2021, the Waikato Bay of Plenty NZIA Branch hosted a winter tour around Kuaotunu, Whangapoua, Otama, and Opito Bay. Nicole and Charlotte from our University of Auckland SANNZ team were lucky enough to secure spots on the tour. Following an early start at the Whitianga Fight Club Ballroom, we made our way to our first stop.
Stop 1
Waipapa – SGA
NZIA Local Award 2021 / Waikato Bay of Plenty / Housing
https://www.sgaltd.co.nz/waipapa
This family beach retreat draws inspiration from the local vernacular of the red shed and rural landscape with its scoria-red corrugate contrasting the dark stained cedar. Inside the rich timber continues throughout. The living area is entirely clad in the same cedar while in the bedrooms the cedar is used to highlight details such as built-in bookshelves and joinery. The outdoor living space was a highlight with a demonstration by the owners of how it can be modified simply by opening or closing the adjustable screens.
Stop 2
Light Mine – Crosson Architects
HOME Magazine / Home of the Year Winner 2020
2021 World Architecture Festival / Lisbon / Finalist
https://crosson.co.nz/light-mine-kuaotunu/
This home is incredibly sculptural with mine shafts that reference the long-abandoned gold mines surrounding the historical gold mining town. With multiple pavilion-style buildings on the site, this house allows for multi-generational as well as secluded living. The entire house is clad in recycled totara which contrasts the highly crafted timber interior finish. We were lucky enough to have Ken Crosson meet us at both Light Mine and DNA House to talk us through the design and answer any questions we may have had.
Stop 3
DNA House – Crosson Architects
NZIA Local Award 2018 / Waikato Bay of Plenty
HOME Magazine / Home of the Year Finalist 2018
https://crosson.co.nz/dna-house-coromandel/
Raised on stilts one floor above ground level this house is a striking addition to the landscape. Wrapped in a series of bi-folding perforated metal screens, the light is filtered in and provides protection as well as allowing the house to be ‘locked up’ when the owners are not in residence. The views are perfectly framed out to the ocean as well as the mountains by manipulating the ridgelines and peaks of the roof.
Stop 4
Hill to Horizon – Lloyd Hartley Architects & Studio Brick Architects
Rural Home of the Year 2021
HOME Magazine / Home of the Year Finalist 2021
https://www.studiobrick.nz/work/hilltohorizon
Located just down the road from the DNA House this recently finished house designed and built-in collaboration between Lloyd Hartley Architects and Studio Brick Architects boasts incredible views, high-level craftsmanship, and striking material use. From the front entry, you are faced with the staircase which brings you into the center of the second-story living space. Rich timbers, stone, and dark cabinetry contrast in the main living area with a muted colour pallet allowing the view to take center stage. All bedrooms but the Master are situated on the bottom floor which provides a real beach retreat feel.
Stop 5
Opito Bay – Bull O’Sullivan
http://www.bosarchitecture.co.nz/projects/opito-bay/?t=Residential
This beach retreat sits nestled into Opito Bay. With reference to a boat in its design, this Bach sleeps 16 people allowing for the owner’s large family to all enjoy time together. The interior ceiling is inspired by the art which the owners collect, proudly exhibited throughout the house.
