Herbst Architects’ Sensitive Retreat Invites the Outside in

A new beach house – “overlooking New Zealand’s breathtaking Whangarei Heads” – designed by Auckland husband-and-wife team Lance and Nicola Herbst is featured on design magazine Wallpaper’s website.

“Situated on a cranked ridge line … the architects have mediated the rich yet rough natural surroundings to form an open and relaxing summer retreat.

“Created for a keen sailor and his family of four, the house is a composition of different parts. The first to be commissioned was the boat shed, which acts as a gateway to the property and marks the end of vehicle traffic. The main house rests 100m uphill from there, split into two distinct parts, which are nestled on a steep natural landfall.

“Engaging in a direct dialogue with the site, the house adjusts both to the southern water line and northern mountain views – as well as the prevailing wind conditions – through hinged cedar cladding panels that can shift, reframing views when needed. ‘We believe that the more the building demands that you engage with nature and the basic daily rituals, the most delightful the experience,’ Lance explains.

“Castle Rock House constantly negotiates this indoors/outdoors relationship and the ‘the trade-off between convenience and delight’.

“The residence is defined by its openness. It hovers like a lightweight beach shelter within its fragile natural surrounds; a considered approach that is consistent in the Herbsts’ work and has won them many local awards over the last fifteen years. Thoughtful and detailed, this home is a celebration of New Zealand’s landscape and climate.”

Original article by Emma Blundell, Wallpaper, December 17, 2014.

Photo by Patrick Reynolds.