herbst architects aligns castle rock house with new zealand coastline

herbst architects aligns castle rock house with new zealand coastline
photo by patrick reynolds
all images courtesy of herbst architects

in new zealand, auckland-based pratice herbst architects has completed a beach house retreat that overlooks the region’s whangarei heads. the dwelling, named ‘castle rock house’, is a composition of fragmented, yet connected volumes that appear to tumble down the hillside, presenting sweeping views out to sea.

primary living accommodation is housed at the uppermost level, where an open plan kitchen with connected terrace is joined by a more secluded lounge area. the home’s sleeping quarters are found at a lower level with two large bedrooms placed alongside a dormitory-style room, capable of hosting four extra guests.

the dwelling is a composition of fragmented, yet connected volumes that seem to tumble down the hillside
photo by patrick reynolds

the home presents sweeping views out to sea
photo by patrick reynolds

internal living accommodation is divided across two levels
photo by patrick reynolds

a kitchen is joined by two connected terraces
photo by patrick reynolds

warm timbers make up the interior of the dwelling
photo by patrick reynolds

the secluded lounge area
photo by patrick reynolds

timber panels can be adjusted to maximize the configuration of the living space
photo by patrick reynolds

the structure is organically embedded with the natural terrain
photo by patrick reynolds

the viewing deck offers unobstructed panoramic vistas
photo by patrick reynolds

floor plan indicating the house’s spatial configuration