Sliding cedar shutters at Kapiti Beach House by Geoff Fletcher Architects provide this otherwise glass box with shelter, privacy and a camouflage cloak — preparing it for every situation…
The clients of this Kapiti Beach House wanted to create a discreet and private beach house. This would be in addition to another small cottage on the site — the perfect private retreat for guests and visiting family to stay.
Which exceptional views from the top of the sand dune, it was also essential that the new home maximise sunlight and outdoor living.
The concept Geoff Fletcher Architects came up with is a glass box wrapped in a movable layer of grey cedar. The cedar shutters can slide closed for privacy, protection from storms and for security when unoccupied. Or, they can slide open to open the house to the view and the outdoors. It offers a sense of retreat no matter what the weather.
Attention has been paid to how the new house will fit in with the landscape. The top of the sand dune was removed and the new structure nestles into the sand. Exisiting vegetation was removed and then reinstated to give the sense that the building had been there forever. Ultimately the cedar will grey off and blend into the sand dunes, where planting and flaxes will help to soften the severity of this modern box.
The house is pushed as far west as possible on the 'no-build line'. To avoid overheating, west glazing protected by the sliding cedar shutters.
North glazing opens to unite the kitchen and dining with the outdoor entertainment area and fireplace. The new house was designed to go with the old by creating a garden entry between the two with sheltered outdoor deck areas linked by matching steps.
The interior is quiet and calm, a foil to the view. Timber technology has been used to achieve a biscuit slim floor and roof with no under beams for a floating appearance. Double glu-lam beams cantilever to structure the entry and span over all the major openings.
The bathroom is essentially a plywood box with an incredible glazed ceiling so you feel like you're convening with nature every time you take a shower. Lucky this home isn't under a flight path!
