Nestled in the serene landscape of Whangarei Heads, New Zealand, the Castle Rock Beach House, designed by Herbst Architects, stands as a stunning example of modern residential architecture seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings. This holiday house, conceived primarily for summer use, embodies a design philosophy that blurs the lines between the built environment and the raw beauty of nature, particularly the unique coastal rock formations that define Castle Rock Beach.
The architects’ core concept revolves around enhancing the experience of immersion in nature, challenging conventional notions of comfort to foster a deeper connection with the outdoors. The design also subtly nods to the nostalgic charm of the “Kiwi bach,” a traditional New Zealand holiday home, through careful manipulation of scale, form, materiality, and a deliberate limitation of amenities, encouraging a simpler, more nature-focused lifestyle.
To minimize the visual impact and harmonize with the undulating terrain, the house is ingeniously divided into two primary components. This strategic separation reduces the overall scale and allows the structure to gracefully follow the natural contours of the land. A key architectural feature is a single, deliberate cut into a knoll, reinforced by a robust gabion wall. This gabion wall acts as a structural spine, organizing the two main components of the house.
Functionally, the house is split across two levels, optimizing the panoramic views from the living spaces situated on the upper level. This elevation also steps the house downwards towards Castle Rock Beach, creating a visual and physical connection to the shore. The living pavilion is thoughtfully designed as a pinwheel arrangement of four interconnected spaces: a well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable lounge area, and two covered decks. The kitchen strategically orients itself towards both the north and south decks, allowing for flexible use depending on prevailing wind conditions, managed by a series of adaptable doors and shutters.
A staircase descends to the lower level, penetrating the gabion wall and leading to a covered outdoor walkway that runs alongside it, connecting to the bedroom quarters. Continuing the axis of the staircase, a pathway aligns with a prominent rock formation at the base of the slope, forging a direct and meaningful link to Castle Rock Beach itself.
The exterior of the Castle Rock Beach House is clad in a striking black stained rainscreen. This cladding introduces a textured, crenulated layer that strategically peels open in sections to frame views, ensure privacy, or offer protection from the wind. Throughout the structure, the structural timbers are intentionally exposed and left untreated, celebrating the natural beauty of the materials and reinforcing the home’s organic aesthetic.
Interior dining area of Castle Rock Beach House featuring wooden table and chairs, emphasizing natural light and connection to outdoor views
Floor plan of Castle Rock Beach House illustrating the layout and spatial arrangement of rooms in relation to Castle Rock Beach
Interior kitchen space in Castle Rock Beach House showcasing wooden beams and natural materials, reflecting beach house design principles
Interior shelving detail in Castle Rock Beach House, highlighting minimalist design and functional storage solutions for beachside living
The Castle Rock Beach House by Herbst Architects is more than just a holiday home; it’s a carefully considered architectural response to its unique coastal setting. It embodies a sensitive approach to design, prioritizing the experience of nature and capturing the essence of relaxed beachside living synonymous with the spirit of the Kiwi bach, all while offering a sophisticated and contemporary architectural statement at Castle Rock Beach.
