A Contemporary Family Home Greeted by a Double Height Entryway in Omaha, New Zealand

Tuatua House is a stylish contemporary family home located in Omaha, New Zealand. It was designed by Julian Guthrie, this elegant waterfront house with a mix of textured materials selected to withstand the harsh environment, boasts an open living area shares the space with the dining area and large kitchen.

by Gemma May 4, 2020 30 Images

Tuatua House by Julian Guthrie

The Tuatua house is located in a coastal subdivision. The brief required a generous family holiday home suitable for frequent guests and informal entertaining, with space to garage a boat and sports equipment.

The site is north facing toward the view, but visible from the public walkway, and has adjacent homes on the two side boundaries. The area is subject to strong winds, both northerly from the coast and from the south west.

The plan locates the main living area at the seaward north end of the site, and wraps around a west facing lawn and pool courtyard, enclosed by the children’s wing at the southern end.

The owners bedroom and two guest bedrooms are set on an upper level, creating private retreats from the level below.

The double height entry gallery is on axis to a sand dune beyond, so that the view is revealed as you progress to the living area. Stacking sliders from the gallery open the spaces into the garden, providing visual connection between the spaces.

The design addresses issues around privacy from the coastal walkway and adjacent homes, and creating flexible means of shelter from sun and wind. Exterior blinds, a slatted brise-soleil and a fabric canopy adapt the house to the conditions.

The design using a mix of textured materials selected to withstand the harsh environment. Bagged masonry and rustic cedar surfaces continue between inside and outside, and wrap up and over the forms blurring distinction between floor, walls and ceiling planes. The blank entry façade and grassed entry courtyard suggests an alternative to the neighbouring suburban typology.