On a site that already contained a small cottage and garage/studio, Modello were tasked with constructing a new house incorporating and recycling the existing garage, while maintaining the cottage for separate rental accommodation.
The site bounds the Waipu River estuary and has views over the estuary to Bream Bay and Bream Head with mature pohutukawa trees forming its eastern boundary. To the south there are views to a pa site that forms the boundary of the property. It was also considered necessary to maintain the neighbour’s views of Mt Manaia and this constrained the available site area.
Forms and materials were chosen to reflect the landscape and former use of the site in the 19th century as a boatyard. References have also been drawn from simple agricultural buildings nearby.
