Adjacent to the Mangawhai estuary, this home of sweeping gestures takes cues from the natural environment — from the dark hues of pōhutukawa boughs to the lighter tones of the sandbanks.
Here, the landscape is in constant flux. It was the ebb and flow of the tides and the pattern of the water’s movement that began the conceptual journey for the design of this house, the 2024 Rural Home of the Year.
Incorporating the sweeping, interlaced patterns of the estuarine environment, it is one of flowing curves juxtaposed with elements of solidity.
Using a combination of sandy-toned brick and vertical timber, Belinda George Architects devised an exterior material palette that would subtly reflect the environment — the brick meeting the hues of the sandbanks, and the timber, finished with Dryden WoodOil in Black-X, a deep, warm brown, echoing the boughs of the pōhutukawa that line the banks of the estuary.
The combination creates a contrast within its architectural composition, but a synergy with this striking coastal setting.
Dryden WoodOil has a flat, natural finish to maintain the timber’s beauty and complement its character. It can be applied quickly and easily, and will increase the core strength and durability of the wood. In harsh coastal environments, Dryden WoodOil performs exceptionally well, migrating deep into the timber and preventing the absorption of water, reducing cupping and extending its lifespan.
