A Perched Immersion – The Nest by Edwards White Architects
Through a navigation of the elements, The Nest burrows itself into the sloping site to ensure a protective positioning while opening generously to embrace the surrounding landscape. Edwards White Architects proposes a dark and submissive form in place, drawing from its natural influences.
Seemingly desolate in its siting, The Nest sits perched atop a sloping site looking both outward and into the distance, with neighbouring properties as sparse as the landscape itself. Located in Whitianga, the home affords views out towards Mercury Bay and, through a modest approach to form, allows the surrounding natural elements to become the highlight. In amongst the undulating terrain, a limited clearing permits the home to be located with minimal intervention or excavation of the site. Although restrictive, the flattened area narrows down the brief and creates constraints to work within. Edwards White Architects draws from the traditional New Zealand ‘bach’ typology in ensuring the home and its many parts fit comfortably under the one sloping roof.
In its simplistic overall form, The Nest ensures the focus remains on the surrounding views and farmland, with unobstructed views outward as the main drawcard. Through restraint, the rural home combines a contemporary sensibility together with a sense of refinement internally. Each of the rooms is oriented to capture the sun at various times throughout the day and ensure a constant engagement. Surrounded by grazing slopes and rows of vegetation, there is an immediate calmness felt when looking out – enclosed and protected.
Although the original intention was to build three separate, moveable pod style accommodation forms, there was a shift to something more permanent and weighted to the site. Instead of the original plan, the final resolve sees three living zone pods that orient towards and away from the sun, based on their function; all three connect under the one roof and are bound by their commonality. Connecting back to the traditional ‘bach’ structure was also key, ensuring a simplified form was inserted into the landscape as a result. A warm palette connects the forms to the natural surrounds and adds a cocooning feel in the process. The accompanying darker gestures of metal and textiles then add further depth and richness to the spaces.
As a protective and elevated place to watch the world go by, The Nest combines the best of simplified rural living with a welcomed finesse, seeing Edwards White Architects ensure each occupant feels rested and safe.
