Island Living – Waikopua by Daniel Marshall Architects and Dash Build

Embraced by the natural landscape, Waikopua by Daniel Marshall Architects and Dash Build promises an authentic island-living experience. Infused with materials that work with the everchanging elements of Waiheke Island, Waikopua is both a home and a retreat that evokes the feelings of escapism and solitude.

Situated on Waiheke Island, just off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, Waikopua is a collaboration between Daniel Marshall Architects (DMA) and Dash Build. Built almost off the grid, Waikopua has had sewage and water systems implemented to offer the occupants an unparalleled escape to disappear from urban life. Supplying architecture and interior design, DMA collaborated with Dash Build to craft the home and installed a resilience and natural connection by using materials that respond directly to the elements of the island.

Supplying architecture and interior design, DMA collaborated with Dash Build to craft the home and installed a resilience and natural connection by using materials that respond directly to the elements of the island.

Respecting the history of the site, DMA and Dash Build have positioned Waikopua house to become one with the surrounding flora and rockface. Used to help form the design, the foliage, rockface and island landscape provided the basis for the new volumes. Installed on the exterior of the home, large louvers become a sculptural element and device to control light. Fixed at a set angle to stop the harsher sunlight flooding in, the louvers help to turn the interior into a refuge at all times of day. Designed to age over time and be weathered by the elements of the location, the chosen materials further reflect a connection to Waiheke Island. Broken up by timber elements, the driveway is the focal point of the home upon arrival. The avenue, which reflects the colour of the beach, acts as both a guide through the premises and provides sightlines down to the ocean.

Inspired by the idea of a campsite, Waikopua is formed by three separate accommodation units, with the main pavilion designed as the social heart of the home. With double-height ceilings, the kitchen, living and dining rooms have been positioned downstairs with a wide glass door that immediately connects to outside with sweeping ocean views. Interior choices of honeyed timber, concrete and brown tiling further show DMA and Dash Build’s desire to permeate the inside with essences of the surrounding island. Located just behind the main pavilion, the guest house is a separate area, allowing for a sense of a privacy within the campsite-inspired layout. Conveniently placed underneath the guest house, the garage has been customised to close on a 103-degree corner. Wrapping around and following the curve of the drive, the design allows for the easy manoeuvring of a boat in and out of the water.

Interior choices of honeyed timber, concrete and brown tiling further show DMA and Dash Build’s desire to permeate the inside with essences of the surrounding island.

Nestled between the guest house and main pavilion, the exterior entertainment area features a weatherboard and concrete deck, which provides an informal gathering space to enjoy the company of others. Positioned in front of the main pavilion, a front lawn then provides another space for unwinding and connecting to the local flora.

From the black weatherboards that blend into the surrounding plant life to the tiles that reference the rockface of the island, Waikopua by DMA and Dash Build evolves and embeds itself into the landscape. Providing an escape from city living for years to come, the home is designed to stand the test of time and age gracefully.