SNELLS BEACH HOUSE Coastal New-Build, Snells Beach

Some decisions change the pace of your life entirely. Trading an inner-city apartment for a new-build on the Snells Beach coastline is exactly that kind of decision — and one that deserves a home equal to the leap.

The design is organised around the view, as any honest coastal home should be. The kitchen, living, dining, and master bedroom are positioned at street-entrance level, where the sea is always present. Below, the natural curvature of the land was cut into to create a lower level housing two guest bedrooms and bathrooms, each opening to an outdoor seating area and lawn — a quieter, more sheltered world beneath the main living spaces.

The exterior makes a considered and confident statement. ABODO Vulcan Charred Cladding — inspired by the traditional Japanese timber preservation process of yakisugi, or shou sugi ban — gives the home its striking richly textured black facade, one that requires almost no maintenance and only improves with age. White bagged brick runs alongside it in deliberate contrast, the juxtaposition creating a street presence that is both arresting and grounded.

Low maintenance. High character. And a slow coastal lifestyle that, by all accounts, our clients have taken to completely.

Project Scope - concept design, developed design, resource consent, building consent, on-site monitoring.