Weekend Getaway - Capturing the sunrise over Omaha Beach, New Zealand, this modern vernacular Kiwi bach by the Leuschke Group, laps up morning and evening sun on its sunken decks.
Program
The owners requested a three bedroom holiday home to be built on the Omaha Beach front. Colours had to be subdued and materials tactile. In response, the Architects introduced a selection of contrasting materials; chiselled and smooth basalt, clear and etched glass, bandsawn and dressed timbers interplayed with smooth stone surfaces.
A simple palette of materials and colours were interwoven to create this beach house. Upon arrival an intricately crafted timber box acknowledges the point of entry, and opens up to reveal the garage. A glass canopy stretches out over the front door and streams of light from above draw you in. Out through further layers of glass to the back deck, extensive sea views beckon...
Sunken timber decks on the beach side invite sand and sea to become an integral part of the experience of the property.
Layout
The rectangular plot stretches eastward towards the beach, dictating that house is shadowed from the the northern sun by adjoining houses. To maximise light from this direction a ‘Danpalon’ (opaque polycarbonate) screen along the boundary wall shuts out the neighbours and allows the owners to sense nature more acutely, letting in diffused sunlight and the beating of wind and rain.
Note: This is a true hark back to the original settlers shelters in New Zealand, which the quintessential kiwi bach (holiday cabin) mimics. They are built with thin galvanised roofs, easily transported and constructed, that hummed in the wind, amplified the fall of rain and pounding surf (a comforting sound to many).
Set back from the wall is the open plan living area: kitchen, dining and living. Bright and airy, the space opens out to decks at either end of the day. As the westerly sun shines in, glass doors slide back and the divided kitchen bench becomes a singular white unit. Combining the indoor dining table, sink and hobs, with the outdoor table and built in BBQ. This deck, wrapped is also in Danpalon, glows as the sun sets and entertaining continues. A simpler breakfast table features on the eastern deck, for contemplating the surf, as sets roll in.
On the southern wall of the residence are two small bedrooms and a master site which takes in the sights, smells and sounds of the Pacific ocean. Literally en suite, the intimate shower, wash basin and WC extend along the southern wall of the master bedroom. Dividing the two smaller rooms is a more conventional dual access en suite and a third powder room WC.
Separating the open plan living and sleeping wings are the wonderful timber clad garage and a more intimate living room, that can be glazed off from the main area.
The result
Sophisticated use of simple construction materials dark wood and bassalt blocks, creates a high class, low maintenance three bedroom getaway.
Plan
Architect: Leuschke Group Ltd
Completed: 2006
Materials: Basalt and Timber
Google Map: Satellite
via: Leuschke Group Ltd