The site in Shelly Bay is elevated above the road, incorporating a significant established Pohutukawa, and set against the tree covered hillside. The site is afforded expansive views out across the foreshore to the harbour and hills beyond.

The house wraps around the Pohutukawa tree with a large elevated ‘L’ shaped living space extending out towards the harbour and distant views, perched above the road for privacy and as a tranquil spot from which to observe the activity below. The shapes used for the driveway and planters at ground level and the upper roof deck are reflective of the organic nature of the foreshore environment.

The lower floor and oval planter are clad in vertically lined ‘board form’ concrete that reflects the rocks and rugged concrete edges to this coastal locality. By contrast, the upper floor is clad in horizontal timber that appears lighter and more layered, filtering the light and views and reflecting the variations of the bush clad hillside behind.

Entry, garage and three bedrooms are located on the ground floor, set back from the road with a lift linking the three floors. The main bedroom is on the first floor, with the living spaces, and looks out to the harbour view through the branches of the pohutukawa tree, providing privacy from the road.

A more enclosed TV-den space is tucked in behind the kitchen with views up to the trees behind. There is a large multipurpose flexible study/spare bedroom/rumpus space on the upper level that opens out to a large roof terrace arranged around a planted roof garden.

This concept is for a 4/5 bedroom home with 320m2 floor area plus 105m2 of decks and terraces.