Taniwha
Taniwha is a harbourside beach home designed for two families to share, set along the sheltered edge of the Matarangi estuary. The design responds directly to the site’s unique conditions — with expansive water views to the south, balanced by the need for protection from prevailing winds.
An H-shaped plan gives each family their own mirrored bedroom wing, providing privacy and separation, while the central pavilion brings everyone together in a series of communal living spaces. This form creates sheltered outdoor living zones tucked in behind the main building line, allowing the home to open up to the views while still offering protection from the coastal elements.
The material palette is robust and natural — dark-stained plywood cladding gives the home a grounded, recessive presence, while warm cedar detailing softens the edges and enhances the relaxed, beachside character. A separate garage structure provides overflow space for guests and essential storage, reinforcing the home’s purpose as a practical, shared coastal retreat.
