(NZ) On the Cliff Above Omaha Bay – Leigh Bach by Scarlet Architects

Carefully responding to its site through contrasts and undulation, Leigh Bach by Scarlet Architects stretches out from the road to the cliff face, the journey from entry to view undertaken through the house itself along the building’s central spine.

Overlooking Omaha Bay, the experience of coming to witness view is designed to be an experience in itself. Upon entry, glimpses of the sea beyond can be seen, and after moving along an undulating internal path – engaging with various courtyards and landscaped elements along the way – the view is revealed, all the more impressive for having undertaken the previous journey. This transition space is conceived of as the spine of the home, and the planning of each of the adjoining spaces shows an engagement with this central binding element, both in its role connecting the spaces within the house and in its ability to shape the journey that culminates in the panoramic view.

Scarlet Architects has responded to the cliff-facing site, and its various undulations, with subtleties that reference its context. Core to the design was creating a controllable level of comfort all year round. The client and their fury friend wanted the mix of openness and access to natural breezeways during summer, while contrasted against a more intimate and warm space during winter.

Overlooking Omaha Bay, the experience of coming to witness view is designed to be an experience in itself.

Within the backdrop of this awe-inspiring location, contrasts between materiality and the natural conditions beyond can be seen throughout. Internally, functionality has been purposefully delineated, providing a sense of enclosure and release, and a gradual unfolding of views in various locations. Deep sills provide both an aperture for framed vistas, but also become an integrated element of joinery, encouraging engagement of inhabitants with the architecture.

Although clear of neighbouring properties at present, the possibility of future development has been considered as part of the focus and planning of spaces and views. Through the optimisation of uninterrupted views to the east, lines of sight are deliberately directional. Similarly, the continuity of materiality on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, and across internal and external areas, evidences a cohesive approach driven not only by materiality that is robust enough to perform on both planes, but also to reinforce the overall formal qualities and direction of sight lines.

Leigh Bach is a home that embraces its enviable position on the clifftop. Scarlet Architects has designed every element in response to the unique and nuanced elements of the site, in planning, elevation and the connection to the cliff face, while undulations and pockets of integrated landscaping allow for diffusion of the line between inside and out, encouraging engagement with site.

Scarlet Architects has responded to the cliff-facing site.