Perched high on a hill on the wind
swept East Coast of Northland
is this stunning build by LTD
Architectural Design Studio.
The driving storms and gale force winds that bear down on this remote site gave the team its most design challenges, creating a home that would withstand the pressures from this extreme environment. Anchoring the home down into the site with deeply bedded concrete walls was the first step, but also keeping the pitched roofs low to reduce the building’s profile, limiting its exposure to the elements.
Owned by a small young family within the Bream Tail Working Farm, this amazing location is situated on a protected coastline, and the 2ha site is covered in lush native bush. LTD director Joseph Long said the clients wanted a home that made the most of the natural environment, and that was modern and smart, yet strong and robust.
The design could be best explained as
simultaneously simple and resilient yet
strikingly beautiful.
Allowing the house to be light and open rather than a bunker was created through the use of large glazed windows and carefully framed openings – to also maximise the incredible views of the ocean, and down the beach towards Mangawhai Heads. Cantilevered living areas allows part of the home to be situated out over a naturally landscaped slope, as it falls away towards the cliff face. The use of concrete walls both inside and out give this home a real brutal edge, but also a sense of permanence, as its sits within the natural landscape. The contrast of the raging sea below balanced with the calm of the bush surrounds, creates a real yin and yang effect.
LTD Architectural Design Studio was established in 2008 and has branches in both ends of the country – one in Auckland, the other in Nelson, and the company directors set out to raise the standard of
design in our local built environment. Since they the team has worked in some incredible locations to create buildings that reflect the character of the people who live in them and place in which they live. We design with sensitivity to the physical and cultural context of the site, using natural materials and finishes where possible with a focus on robust and elegant detailing. We have a tight knit team of skilled architectural designers and technicians to handle new residential and commercial projects, alterations and additions of any complexity.
“We’re passionate about sustainability
and doing things right for the environment.”
LTD received a Highly Commended at the Auckland Regional Architectural Designers New Zealand Awards 2023 in August 2023 for this Bream Tail House, and also won a Regional Award for its Park Ave alteration. This means LTD is entered as a national finalist for the Supreme Award which will be announced later in 2023. LTD designs not only high quality residential homes specialising in coastal and rural design, but also multi-unit developments, commercial projects such as retail, hospitality and light industrial as well as substantial renovations and alterations.