Bowentown Bach House

Bowentown Bach House 

Edwards White Architects

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

LEAD ARCHITECT
Brian White

MANUFACTURERS
Miele, Apl Nz, Award Appliances, Colorsteel, Dekton, Dryden Woodoil, Greens Tapware, Mohawk Flooring, Mr Ralph, Rosenfeld Kidson, Tile Space, Vintage Lighting, Warmington Fires

ENGINEERING
Arnold And Johnstone

CONTRACTORS
David Beattie Builders

TECHNICIAN
Mark Parton

PHOTOGRAPHS
Simon Wilson

AREA
195 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Waihi Beach, New Zealand

CATEGORY
Houses

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

Located in the small settlement of Bowentown, on the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s North Island and placed within a rugged coastal landscape, the Bowentown Bach utilizes its surroundings to create a space of refuge that looks out onto the vast foredunes and ocean ahead.

This eroded singular form sits on the threshold of a seaside subdivision and coastal wilderness. The unique concept for this dwelling takes inspiration from a piece of driftwood.

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

Washed up, weathered, and charred from an unsuccessful beach fire, gradually receding into the dunes.

Incisions reveal golden hues of protected, untouched inner wood.

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

The Bowentown Bach is designed to resemble this, creating a warm and inviting living space.

Passing through the dark weathering exterior, the confronting angular form approached gives way to a moment of warmth and invitation from the interior timber lining.

A diagonal circulation path bi-sects the plan and presents the stairwell, leading guests to the elevated living space.

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

From this raised position, occupants sit and observe the wind-swept dunes.

The dynamic of the external geometry is made known throughout the interior, generating both the lofty, expansive breathing space and tapering back down to the low, snug window seat to create a cosseted sense of intimacy.

Custom bookcases, kitchen shelves and window seats fit perfectly into the corners of this unique floor plan.

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

Apertures favor connections to the natural environment, while solid walls provide refuge from neighboring suburbia.

The interior's warm and natural color palate is sympathetic to the tones of the coastal dunes, allowing the view to remain the primary experience and offering an uninterrupted connection to the breathtaking outdoors.

Rough-sawn timber flooring gives a tactile experience underfoot with an aesthetic softness, infusing the space with a sense of comfort and serenity.

Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson
Bowentown Bach House
© Simon Wilson

Although much of Coromandel’s architectural expression has been about ease of transition between internal and external, this building's narrative is more about refuge and a curated environment experience.


Bowentown Bach House
Plan - Ground Floor
Bowentown Bach House
Plan - 1st Floor
Bowentown Bach House
Plan - Roof
Bowentown Bach House
Plan - Site


Bowentown Bach House
Elevations 01
Bowentown Bach House
Elevations 02


Bowentown Bach House
Section