Nala Studio Architects had the pleasure of designing a home in one of New Zealand's most picturesque settings: Whakatane. The brief was to create a beachfront residence for a semi-retired couple, just a block from the beach, while adhering to strict development guidelines aimed at preserving the area's architectural character and natural beauty.
The Vision
The couple's vision was clear: a two-bedroom home with a versatile granny flat for visiting family. They wanted a permanent residence that embraced the casual elegance of a beach house, complete with a home office nook and a thermally efficient design that would make the most of the northeast-facing site and its uninterrupted views.
The Design Journey
Guests entering the home are greeted with a choice: descend to a secluded guest suite or ascend to the light-filled main living area, where expansive windows reveal sweeping ocean views. The master suite has been carefully positioned to capture the morning sun and the stunning scenery, offering the perfect start to each day.
The layout has been designed to ensure the living spaces capture the warmth of the afternoon sun, extending seamlessly into an alfresco dining area on the deck. This outdoor space is ideal for family gatherings or intimate meals, featuring built-in seating that adds both style and function.
Guest Accommodation and Privacy
The guest suite offers comfort and independence, with its own access, patio, and garden area, ensuring privacy for both visitors and homeowners.
Integration with the Environment
The exterior of the home transitions effortlessly from the generous decking to the natural landscape, providing shelter without compromising openness. Materials such as timber weatherboards, structural elements for the deck, and external shutters enhance thermal efficiency while blending harmoniously with the coastal environment, aging naturally to reflect the tones of driftwood.
The Final Ensemble
The finished residence perfectly balances the couple's lifestyle needs with environmental considerations. It embodies the essence of coastal living, serving as both a functional, elegant full-time home and a welcoming retreat for gatherings. The design respects the beachfront setting, enhancing it with thoughtful architecture that enriches the lives of its inhabitants.
Like all projects by Nala Studio Architects, this home reflects our commitment to context-sensitive, thoughtful design that adds value to both the environment and the people who live in it.
Nala Studio Architects had the pleasure of designing a home in one of New Zealand's most picturesque settings: Whakatane. The brief was to create a beachfront residence for a semi-retired couple, just a block from the beach, while adhering to strict development guidelines aimed at preserving the area's architectural character and natural beauty.
The Vision
The couple's vision was clear: a two-bedroom home with a versatile granny flat for visiting family. They wanted a permanent residence that embraced the casual elegance of a beach house, complete with a home office nook and a thermally efficient design that would make the most of the northeast-facing site and its uninterrupted views.
The Design Journey
Guests entering the home are greeted with a choice: descend to a secluded guest suite or ascend to the light-filled main living area, where expansive windows reveal sweeping ocean views. The master suite has been carefully positioned to capture the morning sun and the stunning scenery, offering the perfect start to each day.
The layout has been designed to ensure the living spaces capture the warmth of the afternoon sun, extending seamlessly into an alfresco dining area on the deck. This outdoor space is ideal for family gatherings or intimate meals, featuring built-in seating that adds both style and function.
Guest Accommodation and Privacy
The guest suite offers comfort and independence, with its own access, patio, and garden area, ensuring privacy for both visitors and homeowners.
Integration with the Environment
The exterior of the home transitions effortlessly from the generous decking to the natural landscape, providing shelter without compromising openness. Materials such as timber weatherboards, structural elements for the deck, and external shutters enhance thermal efficiency while blending harmoniously with the coastal environment, aging naturally to reflect the tones of driftwood.
The Final Ensemble
The finished residence perfectly balances the couple's lifestyle needs with environmental considerations. It embodies the essence of coastal living, serving as both a functional, elegant full-time home and a welcoming retreat for gatherings. The design respects the beachfront setting, enhancing it with thoughtful architecture that enriches the lives of its inhabitants.
Like all projects by Nala Studio Architects, this home reflects our commitment to context-sensitive, thoughtful design that adds value to both the environment and the people who live in it.
Nala Studio Architects had the pleasure of designing a home in one of New Zealand's most picturesque settings: Whakatane. The brief was to create a beachfront residence for a semi-retired couple, just a block from the beach, while adhering to strict development guidelines aimed at preserving the area's architectural character and natural beauty.
The Vision
The couple's vision was clear: a two-bedroom home with a versatile granny flat for visiting family. They wanted a permanent residence that embraced the casual elegance of a beach house, complete with a home office nook and a thermally efficient design that would make the most of the northeast-facing site and its uninterrupted views.
The Design Journey
Guests entering the home are greeted with a choice: descend to a secluded guest suite or ascend to the light-filled main living area, where expansive windows reveal sweeping ocean views. The master suite has been carefully positioned to capture the morning sun and the stunning scenery, offering the perfect start to each day.
The layout has been designed to ensure the living spaces capture the warmth of the afternoon sun, extending seamlessly into an alfresco dining area on the deck. This outdoor space is ideal for family gatherings or intimate meals, featuring built-in seating that adds both style and function.
Guest Accommodation and Privacy
The guest suite offers comfort and independence, with its own access, patio, and garden area, ensuring privacy for both visitors and homeowners.
Integration with the Environment
The exterior of the home transitions effortlessly from the generous decking to the natural landscape, providing shelter without compromising openness. Materials such as timber weatherboards, structural elements for the deck, and external shutters enhance thermal efficiency while blending harmoniously with the coastal environment, aging naturally to reflect the tones of driftwood.
The Final Ensemble
The finished residence perfectly balances the couple's lifestyle needs with environmental considerations. It embodies the essence of coastal living, serving as both a functional, elegant full-time home and a welcoming retreat for gatherings. The design respects the beachfront setting, enhancing it with thoughtful architecture that enriches the lives of its inhabitants.
Like all projects by Nala Studio Architects, this home reflects our commitment to context-sensitive, thoughtful design that adds value to both the environment and the people who live in it.