Beach house takes prize

A beach house in Whangarei was the sole Northland winner in this year's Auckland architecture awards from a record number of entries.

The open plan living Matapouri Bay house was designed by Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects and was one of 42 winners in the awards organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

The New Zealand Architecture Awards is the official, peer-reviewed awards programme of the NZIA, the professional body to which 90 per cent of the country's registered architects belong. Each of the NZIA's eight constituent branches holds an annual awards programme for its catchment area.

The Matapouri home was designed as a refuge from the frenetic city lives of the owners, and the beach house provides relaxed holiday living.

The plan is organised around a central spine, with spaces orientated to specific views.

The materials used were primarily timber, with stained shiplap cladding and plywood linings. The exposed structure is saligna, and the flooring is kwila.

The house closes down with the use of sliding panels and hinged shutters, ensuring security is maintained when not in use.

The judges said the clever intersection of two geometries and an intelligent interpretation of the site resulted in a beautifully sculptural home.

They said the dark exterior was shadowy and atmospheric and the interior gave way to soft interior finishes and a relaxed, informal plan that landed itself to framed views.

"Good use is made of moveable timber screens, which can lock down when not in use, and an outdoor room which provides additional cover from wind is welcome sun trap," the judges noted.