OGLE HOUSE
BETHELL’S BEACH, AUCKLAND
NZIA New Zealand Award, 2003

“A blend of beauty and functionality, all in perfect harmony with the surroundings”, Penny Lewis, Home & Entertaining, April 2003.

This artist’s house and studio nestle into a steep site overlooking the dramatic, black sand dunes of Bethell’s Beach. Three timber boxes were created, two of which contain living and bedroom spaces, the third is the studio. The ends of the boxes are either clear glazing, framing views of nikau palms, distant dunes and the coast, or, where privacy is more critical, fibreglass translucent cladding which allows diffuse natural light. Two horizontal roofs float over the entry deck, circulation, bathroom and kitchen/dining spaces. Each box extends outwards via a deck hovering over the dunes and vegetation.