A Treetop Bach – Palm Beach House by Vaughn McQuarrie Architects

Set amongst the treetops on Waiheke Island, Vaughn McQuarrie Architects Palm Beach House is a contemporary interpretation of New Zealand’s traditional bach vernacular.

Located on a steep bush covered site a few hundred metres from the golden sands of Palm Beach in Waiheke Island, Palm Beach House sits beneath the arms of an enormous pohutukawa tree. As a holiday home, the house forges a close connection to nature and exudes the feel of the traditional New Zealand bach. Having designed the entrance of the house as a drawbridge, the architects disengage the house from the ground and anchor the living space as a platform high in the treetops.

Following the south-facing topography, the house is designed as a series of internal and external spaces that interconnect through stairs and external bridges. Accommodating the steep site, the 100 square-metre floor space is split into upper and lower floors. The upper level houses the master bedroom with a studio space above it, while the lower level, accessed through a semi-enclosed spiral staircase, leads to two more bedrooms.

The main open-plan space is fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow the living area to open out to the decks completely. The central deck that provides breathtaking panoramic views acts as the main circulation space between different rooms. As a result, unlike most residential architecture, in order to move throughout the house, the inhabitants are required to step outside and truly experience the home’s surrounding natural environment.

Located on a steep bush covered site a few hundred metres from the golden sands of Palm Beach in Waiheke Island, Palm Beach House sits beneath the arms of an enormous pohutukawa tree.

The external cladding was deliberately chosen as a nod to the old fibrolite bachs that were once evident around the island. Meanwhile, the warm tones of timber sheets that adorn the interior are a response to the difficult access to the site. Using standard prefabricated sheet sizes, architects were able to install materials on-site and minimise the amount of cutting and waste.

Celebrating New Zealand’s unique bach vernacular, Palm Beach House clearly expresses and extends the nation’s cultural values. Simultaneously sophisticated, rustic and refreshing, the design displays a laidback appeal. Hidden away in a secluded site, the project facilitates a distinct and powerful connection with nature.

The upper level houses the master bedroom with a studio space above it, while the lower level, accessed through a semi-enclosed spiral staircase, leads to two more bedrooms.

Using standard prefabricated sheet sizes, architects were able to install materials on-site and minimise the amount of cutting and waste.