Herne Bay Hideaway, New Zealand Home Building Project, NZ Residential Architecture Photos
Herne Bay Hideaway near Auckland
15 July 2020
Herne Bay Hideaway
Design: Lloyd Hartley Architects
Location: Herne Bay, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

At the end of a long driveway and nestled amongst the neighbouring houses and established pohutukawa trees, an existing 1960?s brick & tile home sat stubbornly in the middle of the site. While functional, the existing dwelling provided a confronting car-centric entry and failed to engage with the landscape or the spectacular views over Cox?s Bay.

Lloyd Hartley were asked to transform Herne Bay Hideaway into a modern home that responds to its context and provides a private city oasis for a young family.
The primary architectural strategy is a covered entry courtyard, with the house bridging over, to create a pedestrian friendly entrance. This space also provides a sense of release to the end of the long drive via borrowed views to neighbouring tennis-court.

The spatial enhancement of crucial areas is a key driver to the rest of the design with the open stairwell drawing in light from above and the main living areas given extra height to fully embrace the stunning outlook and natural light.

The house is extended to provide a direct link to the rear landscaping and exterior upper level decks are provided to allow the various living areas and courtyards to connect.

A carefully selected palette of natural materials and cl...