Nestled on a steep, bush-clad site, a small 1980s pole house with elevated north-western sea views, came with a brief to enhance the original knotty design into an enduring modern and light-filled home.

With a precipitous site and challenging access, it was important to minimise new ground works and utilise existing foundations. Our approach was to simplify the design whilst maintaining the beautiful features that drew the owners to the original home. We squared many of the 45-degree angles, simplified roof forms, re-configured the entrance and stairway and incorporated minor extensions to accommodate the additional spaces required. A new garage and off-street parking were also addressed by positioning parallel to the contours of the land and creating a ‘gateway’ down a bush path leading to the homes entrance.

The resulting access now leads through a compressed entrance into a light filled double-height kitchen, dining and living space enclosed with sarked ceilings and skylights. A generous decked pergola structure surrounds the two living areas providing extensive sea and bush views. Sheltered outdoor living is allowed for with timber under-slatting and sliding screens to move as the weather conditions change.

With a re-generated native garden enveloped in the bush this is now a home which it’s family and the local bird life have comfortably made their nest.

Photography © Hamish Melville