Article source: Bossley Architects

On an island in the Bay of Islands, four separate buildings discretely occupy an east-facing bay. The houses are light pavilions which promote the concept of ‘roof’ as the predominant element of shelter. The monopitch roofs float above and beyond the spaces, supported on exo-skeletal structures beautifully detailed in wood. Exterior walls are taut joinery frames, offering minimal interruption between inside and out. The boat shed is totally underground, to reduce visual built form in the bay, with the guesthouse above.

Image Courtesy © Patrick Reynolds

• Architects: Bossley Architects
• Project: Island Complex
• Location: Paihia, New Zealand
• Photography: Patrick Reynolds 
• Awards:
  • NZIA Regional Award 2000
  • Tasman Small Practice Award 1999
  • NZIA Northern Regional Award for Architecture 1999
  • NZ Home and Building/Citroen ‘Home of the Year’ 1998
  • NZIA Branch Award for Architecture 1998
  • NZIA 10 Best Buildings Award 1997

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