Oneroa Beach House

This beach house was designed for a mature couple as their weekend escape from the city on Waiheke Island. The site, although on the waterfront at Oneroa Beach, is quite urban, with neighbouring properties jostling for position and optimum views. Like most sites along this ridge, it is long and narrow, and covers approximately half an acre with a width of only 16 metres. The brief required independent and private accommodation for the couple with two additional bedrooms for their teenage children and guests. Extensive entertainment and outdoor areas protected from the prevailing breezes, yet with views and sun, were primary generators. Garaging, guest parking, privacy from neighbours and taking advantage of the previously ignored southern views further informed the design. The client's 1964 Convertible Mustang and other toys are housed in the garage adjacent to the road. A long crushed shell driveway takes one past the pe'tanque court to a series of ramped steps which lead to the guest entry ramp, reminiscent of the boarding of ferries to and from the island. Once inside the gate, the ramp continues alongside the pool, reinforcing the connection between the visitor and the water, terminating at the front door. Casual entry for the residents is under the ramp adjacent to the tensile carport structure. This entry leads past the service rooms and outdo