Rāwhiti Bach

by Studio Pacific Architecture

The two buildings at Rāwhiti Bach in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands – designed by Studio Pacific Architecture – are grounded in the site; blending with the local geography and flora. The two-storey house is reminiscent of a quintessential NZ beach house with generous and airy spaces opening to the sea. By contrast, the sleepout is a hard-edged concrete structure embedded in the earth with carved spaces and sculpted light. To accommodate the next generation of their family, our client wanted to replace their much-loved bach with one that would embrace the culture evolved over decades, would cater for anything from an intimate couple to a large celebratory crowd, and importantly become an heirloom for the next generation. The main building provides the primary gathering spaces, main bedroom, informal ‘loft’ space, and a boat store.

Together these contain a trace of the spatial arrangements of the previous bach, leading to a form designed as an assemblage of objects, with intended misalignments, slippages and quirks. It launches out of the ground, projecting out to near and distant views. The sleepout takes its lead from the site’s geographical qualities and, as a counterpoint to the main building, hunkers down into the hillside. It provides bedrooms that offer a retreat from the communal bustle of the main building. Shutters create a dynamic façade providing occupants with control over privacy and views to the landscape beyond. The buildings have been designed to be long lasting, be grounded in the site, engage with the landscape, reinforce the sense of place, and sculpt light and views. And ultimately, the design looks to reinforce and provide for a multiplicity of ways to come together, and share time and memories.