A Dark Emotive Box – Bay House by Strachan Group Architects

Stretching along its elevated south-facing site, Bay House sees a dark emotive box, punctuated with warm timber, emerge. Strachan Group Architects combines an inherent mood amidst a sense of balanced materiality.

Spread across three vertical levels, Bay House sees the combining of an emotive dark palette with the warmth of natural timber accents. Located in Castor Bay, on Auckland’s North Shore, the home stretches along its elevated south-facing positioning, recessed into the site. Throughout, a series of framed apertures are placed as curated portals, bordering views of the bay and urban cityscape beyond. Punctuated internally by way of a central atrium void, natural light and ventilation are invited through the core of the building into each of the internal zones. Strachan Group Architects brings together contrasts, with relief through openings both outwardly and inwardly focused.

Upon approach, visitors are made aware of the internal void through sensory cues, both the unexpected introduction of light, but also through sound. Integrated into this void space is a cascading pond above, resulting in the surprising sound of water floating through the space. The timber clad bridge that connects the living areas gives a sense of the expected relief from the dark hues of the external box. The central glass topped atrium is the main gestural break in this overall form, where the natural elements are welcomed into the centre of the home. Embedded into the rear of the site with masonry, the dark box opens up toward the northern edge, with roof lines opening upwards and lifting toward the sun, revealing extensive full height glazing.

Located in Castor Bay, on Auckland’s North Shore, the home stretches along its elevated south-facing positioning, recessed into the site.

Tasked with creating a home that felt both generous and efficient across its multiple levels, Strachan Group Architects took full advantage of the views, access to solar heat and energy gain and the introduction of controlled natural light where possible. A series of sheltered outdoor rooms are carved out as a means to engage with views, without compromising on climatic comfort. Passive solar design elements combine with the insulated thermal mass of the concrete floors, appropriate sizing and location of overhangs, and access to natural ventilation through curated openings and controlled access.

The timber clad bridge that connects the living areas gives a sense of the expected relief from the dark hues of the external box.

The materiality is both restrained and bold, in the contrasting palette of concrete, black stained cedar, yellow cedar and black steel. Throughout, all finishes and details through to landscaping elements align with these core colourway principles. The strength of the whole is emphasised by the sum of its parts, and in this case, Bay House brings a sense of self-assurance in its balance. Bay House responds to site with a confidence that allows for an intelligent ease of operation and comfort for its owners.