Coopers Beach House in Far North, New Zealand by Dorrington Architects & Associates

Article source: Tim Dorrington Architects

This beach house has an overall feeling of simple restraint. Modest materials used in deceptively simple ways manipulate site, space and light to organise the “bach” in a straightforward, playful and inventive way. The surprise placement of circulation along the perimeter appears to have been the key move in unlocking the architectural solution.
(Judges comment, NZIA awards)

Exterior view

• Architects: Dorrington Architects & Associates
• Project: Coopers Beach House
• Location: Far North, New Zealand
• Architect Design: Emma-Jane Hetherington
• Area: 277m2
• Photography: Emma-Jane Hetherington

Polycarbonate corridor linking the house

Located in a beachside subdivision in the far north the site is almost flat. Due to the “suburban” nature of this site it was extremely important to incorporate as much privacy as possible, without compromising the available views and sun.

The house consists of four main elements – a bedroom block, living pavilion, garage and the corridor that links these.

Looking down corridor to front door

The living pavilion sits apart to the north of the bedroom block and references a campsite in homage to the campground that occupied this area for many years. Two sides of the pavilion completely open up evoking a sense of casual living associated with the traditional Kiwi-family camping holiday, while windows to the other sides further bring the outside in.

Exterior view of living pavilion

The garage and basement of the bedroom block are linked to the rest of the house by the polycarbonate-clad corridor. Conceived as a breezeway this works more as an exterior space, connecting the various elements of the house.

The material palette reflects the tight budget of the project and also helps convey the camping reference. Bondor panels are used for the sloped roofs and in turn provide the ceilings. Clear sealed concrete block and eterpan, corrugated polycarbonate sheet and plywood cladding, meranti and hoop pine ply cabinetry, and polished concrete floors provide a rustic natural palette. In practical terms these materials are all hard wearing and ensure easy care, perfect for a family beach house that will also function as a rental property.

Front exterior by night

Main living

Bathroom

Detail of kitchen

Exterior view by night

Tags: Far North, New Zealand

Category: House

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