Edwards House
The brief was for a holiday house on Waiheke … “slightly more than a bach that can accommodate two families”. The clients who live overseas, found a small cottage in the shape of a “T” with the entrance at the bottom and spectacular views over Onetangi Beach to the north from the top.
We proposed adding a rectangular pavilion organised around an outdoor room and forming a courtyard with the cottage. The rectangular form sits naturally on the site given its proportions and allows views and sun through the day.
The entrance to the house is via the outdoor room, which both connects and divides the other areas of the building. Doors at either end allow access to more private outdoor areas. External and internal screens and shutters provide security and allow for climate control to suit the conditions.
The house was designed with a steeply pitched roof. This is supported on a continuous timber truss fixed at regular intervals to the white bagged block work walls which form the primary enclosure. A continuous plastered bondbeam separates the roof and walls and supports the rafters around the perimeter.
The courtyard between the cottage and the new building provides a cooler sheltered space with the outdoor room framing the sea views beyond.
Awards
Home and Entertaining Home of the Year Award 1999 Finalist