Peka Peka II House by Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects in New Zealand

Project: Peka Peka House II
Architects: Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects
Location: Peka Peka, New Zealand
Area: 2,960 sq ft
Photography: Andy Spain

Peka Peka II House by Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects

The architecture studio Herriot Melhuish O’Neill designed an exquisite modern cottage on the Peka Peka beachfront at Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, between ancient forest and dunes. The spacious single-family home of nearly 3000 square feet was created using just two simple volumes.

Situated behind the dunes and bordered by ancient kānuka forest, this premium home is designed to offer maximum privacy and shelter from sea views. The project was developed by John Melhuish, director of Herriot + Melhuish Architecture (HMA). The Peka Peka beach house was awarded a prize in the housing category at the NZIA architectural awards in Wellington 2016 and became a finalist in the international NZIA architecture awards in New Zealand 2016.

This is a unique beach house, distinct from all previous studio projects created over 20 years ago. To reach this home, one must walk through local vegetation before arriving at the entrance door. Owners specifically designed it so that you move while nature stays put.

Local vegetation became an important starting point for designing this house. The KCDC development plan guarantees preservation of ancient kānuka trees along the road for future owners. This complicated construction since all work must be done with respect to the trees.

Jury remarked: "Using just two simple volumes of the house (main building and bedroom), dunes, and surrounding kānuka forest, a smart, relaxed, and very private courtyard was created. Layered windows and pergolas play with light and shadow, enhancing interior spaces and the courtyard, while precise and beautiful detailing completes a very pleasant picture."

This cozy retreat can also serve as a future home. The challenge was to create the best combination of interior and exterior space. In addition to the main area with large windows and pergola, there is a cozy room with fireplace.

The house is built from two contrasting profiles of cedar cladding, opening to a sheltered inner courtyard protected from the wind. The main building is on one side, while a separate bedroom provides protection and privacy from neighboring plots.

– Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects