A place in time
Created by Arcline Architecture and Newson Construction, a home on a Far North coastal hillside is inspired by the long family history in this landscape.
WORDS Cassie Doherty PHOTOGRAPHY Bellbird Pictures
The cladding is Weathergroove Fusion Smooth by Weathertex. A natural timber product, it’s environmentally friendly with a less-than-zero carbon footprint. It is a versatile architectural panel that’s ideal for covering large areas. It has a random vertical groove profile and can be painted in any colour with no LRV restrictions.
With extensive roofs and in an exposed coastal position, it was vital the home had well-functioning spouting and rainwater systems. Perfectly matching the aesthetic, it was provided by Northland Continuous Spouting.
With extensive roofs and in an exposed coastal position, it was vital the home had well-functioning spouting and rainwater systems. Perfectly matching the aesthetic, it was provided by Northland Continuous Spouting.
This is Totara North, a tight-knit community on the picturesque Whangaroa Harbour in Northland. The homeowners have generational land here, and a long history that hails back to what was then one of the country’s most significant shipyards, founded in the 1870s.
When it came time to build themselves a home here, the design by Arcline Architecture founder and design director Alan Simpkin was inspired by the stories, the estate and the landscape.
The brief from the owners was simple, says Alan. They were heading for semi-retirement, and with extended family also nearby on this land and kids and grandkids wanting to visit, the intent was to make the most of the site and create an easy, open feel. One specification was for a brightly coloured front door.
“It was one of the few things she asked for,” says Alan. “They really left it to us to allow the site to dictate what the house was going to be.”
Designed and manufactured by Kitchens by Wood Design in Kerikeri, this classic coastal-inspired space features clean lines, elegant stone benchtops and premium lacquered cabinetry for timeless appeal.
The site is a stunner, on an incline with pristine views, but it proved a challenging place to build. “It’s on a reasonably prominent hillside, and looks south over the harbour where all the boats are moored, and across to Whangaroa township. It’s a nice spot.”
But steep, and difficult to access. Revell Newson of Newson Construction in Kerikeri took on the build, and acknowledges it was a demanding project.
“We had to buy a new truck just for the job,” he says. “We bought a 3.5-tonne tipper to get product up and down the driveway, at least until we got the driveway concreted.” The site had a lot of engineering requirements, foundations went in during the depths of winter, and at times, says Revell, it felt like nothing was going their way.
However, strong project management systems, a collaborative mindset and innovative problem-solving skills saw them through the 17-month build. “We’ve worked with Alan and his team for about 15 years, and have gotten to know them really well. The support from Arcline Architecture whenever there’s been an issue is among the best that we have.” Alan is just as impressed: ”Rev and his team were extremely good.”
Newson Construction was pleased to have accomplished such a successful outcome for the homeowners “They are very cool people,” says Revell. “This had its challenges for sure, but hand on heart, it’s something that the team and I are pretty proud of. The way the house sits on the hill contour, you’re immediately absorbed by the sea view; it’s quite breathtaking.”
That was the opportunity that came alongside the difficulties, which Alan took advantage of in the design. The generous master suite, including a library, was placed in a prime position above the roofline, for a few reasons. First, to give the homeowner’s retreat the best of those glorious vistas. Second, it created a quiet getaway that freed up the rest of the house for frequent gatherings and entertaining. And lastly, because the view is south-facing, the design allowed for plenty of glazing to let in the light.
“We wanted as much glass as possible,” says Alan. “It feels almost like a ship’s bridge on top there.”
Haigh Workman undertook geotech, civil and structural engineering on the build. With the site presenting considerable challenges, the geotechnical team delivered a comprehensive assessment, including slope stability analyses and the design of retaining and inground stabilisation walls. Continuous construction monitoring was maintained through to project completion.
Downstairs connects well to outdoor living with extensive covered verandahs. Every house in New Zealand should have covered outdoor living, reckons Alan, in defence against our very changeable weather. There is a lot of hidden steelwork that’s to thank for the open and airy feel, with those extensive rooflines that almost float. It was important that there were minimal structural columns so as not to impede the outlooks. The long, low lines and wide windows are an updated nod to 1950s mid-century modern: a comfortable and timeless look, says Alan. “Frank Lloyd Wright, he was a master at what he was doing.”
The interiors have been deliberately kept understated to allow the scenery through those windows to do the talking. Accessibility for future years was carefully considered, with level entries, wide doorways and provision for a lift to be installed, if required.
The exterior is a dark contrast, so it melds with its coastal environment, with the vertical lines of the Weathertex cladding as a nod to the trees in the bush- clad surroundings.
With its views across the moorings of this coastal settlement with its heritage in boat-building and timber- milling, you can easily imagine the homeowners’ feeling of whakapapa, in this home that sits so beautifully in its full context.
Involved in this project
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Arcline Architecture
09 408 2233
arcline.co.nz
BUILDER
Newson Construction
021 408 522
newsonconstruction.co.nz
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Haigh Workman Ltd
0800 424 447
haighworkman.co.nz
CLADDING
Weathertex
0800 484 695
weathertex.co.nz
KITCHEN JOINERY
Kitchens by Wood Design
09 407 4383
kitchensbywooddesign.co.nz
SPOUTING & RAINWATER SYSTEMS
Northland Continuous Spouting Ltd
0800 50 1993
continuous.co.nz/northland
