New Plymouth
2025
Situated on a beautiful stretch of North Taranaki coastline, with breathtaking west coast views toward New Plymouth’s Ngā Motu islands, the home is designed to complement the character of Waiwhakaiho while meeting design guidelines and land protection covenants.
The design response is a low-lying, generously spaced four-bedroom family home, with a floor plan that provides both exposure to the views and opportunities for private seclusion and retreat. Clean lines and bold angles are expressed through a combination of textured concrete formwork, partially buried into the hillside, which transitions to a soaring cantilevered roofline and subtle timber accents toward the coast.
The low-pitch membrane roof with parapet detailing is a distinctive feature that ensures height restrictions are met, while allowing surrounding flora and fauna to visually become part of the home.
The solid aesthetic at the rear provides a sense of stability and protection in the exposed environment, with the scale of the dwelling partially obscured by its careful integration into the hillside. In contrast, the front of the house features high timber ceilings and large-format spaces that offer panoramic views and sheltered outdoor living.
Interior features include hidden pocket doors, recessed joinery, and a considered lighting design that adds drama while highlighting key architectural elements. The entry forms the spine of the house, where exposed concrete formwork is emphasised by natural light descending from an open ceiling feature above. Custom kitchen and joinery are by Glen Johns, with landscape design by Michael Mansvelt.
