Bayswater Residence

Consisting of an existing property containing a residential dwelling & pool, plus an empty sloping beachfront section, this design was inspired by designer Luis Barragan’s ethos of cohesion between architecture and natural elements of the land. Presented as a coastal landscape carved out of lands edge, careful use of space, scale, proportion and repetition help this design achieve an overall sense of balance and unity. The existing sloped section has been equally divided into three terraces. Significant construction elements (including a mid-level yoga/project studio), have been designed to fit into not only the site, but also make charming connections with the existing house and pool. The upper terrace has been projected outwards to elevate extensive sea views, while the lower level gently dilutes onto the beachfront esplanade. Contours have been shaped to form a keen sense of harmony and flow as the expansive lawns seamlessly bond with the various outdoor rooms. Poolside/alfresco dinning, yoga studio, orchard, and oceanside glamping/day platform are linked by peaceful lawn channels that encourage the observer to move from one private outdoor space to the next. Concepts of colour, restraint and subtlety are all virtues which have been simulated through the careful use of NZ native plants. Distilled by regular onshore sea breezes, plants have been selected with particular focus on creating a sense of movement (haumata, toetoe, matt rush etc), and limiting height (shrubs, flaxes, groundcovers) so as not to impede spectacular inner-harbour views from all of the terraced levels on the property. Designed as an abstract connection between land and sea, the chosen combination of natural materials & flora will provide an attractive sheltered habitat with year-round sources of nutrition for local wildlife that wish to seek residence on the site.