Shoal Beach House

2017 Gisborne & Hawke's bay Architecture award

Referencing the typology of beachside camp grounds and unadorned farm sheds, the simple form of this modern beach house stands crisply against its dramatic coastal backdrop. The building reveals itself as a collection of self-contained modules containing consistently well detailed, light-filled living and sleeping spaces, as well as a distinctly utilitarian masonry ablution block, all arranged around and accessed from a central sheltered outdoor gathering space. Thoughtful planning ensures sea views are maintained throughout, and considerable care is evident in the minimal detailing of the cedar weatherboard "skin", including integrated sliding panels and deeply recessed openings. [NZIA citation]