Photographer - Simon Wilson

Bowentown Bach

This eroded singular form sits on the threshold of a seaside subdivision and coastal wilderness.  Passing through the weathering exterior, the confronting angular form approached gives way to warm timber linings.  A diagonal path bi-sects the plan and presents the stairwell, leading guests up to the elevated living space.  From this raised position occupants sit and observe the wind-swept dunes.  The dynamic of the external geometry is made known throughout the interior generating both the lofty expansive breathing space and tapering back down to the low, snug window seat.  Apertures favour connections to the natural environment, while solid walls provide refuge from neighbouring suburbia.

Date
2019

Location
Bowentown, Bay of Plenty

The warm natural colour palate of the interior is sympathetic to the tones of the coastal dunes allowing the view to remain the primary experience.  Rough sawn timber flooring gives a tactile experience under-foot with an aestetic softness.  Although much of Coromandel's architectural expression has been about ease of transition between internal and external, this buildings narrative is much more about refuge and a curated experience of the environment.

"This strong external form is about refuge in a singular object of character, in contrast to the courtyard and pavilion approach now familiar on New Zealand's east cost.  The weathered shell is carefully incised, revealing only an entryway cut to the street.  Upon entry, however, a warm, honeyed living space looks out to the expansive foredune and sea.  A second cut allows for the northern deck and access down to the dunes"

- NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Jury

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