Camborne House
This hillside home is obliquely angled on the site for axial views across the water to Mana Island and towards the hills of Plimmerton and Pukerua Bay. The curved roof was an aerodynamic design to largely eliminate wind noise, as well as being a popular move to help preserve the fantastic panorama for the neighbours.
North-facing glass provides passive solar heating in the winter, while automatic opening windows manage the ventilation and cooling in the summer to maintain a comfortable temperature year round. Access has been considered carefully; future proofing this house is a lift shaft serving the two upper levels – currently used as storage cupboards.
The floating stair treads are recycled from Oregon beams rescued from a Whanganui warehouse by Aonui Architecture. The open risers allow views of the water and island from the breakfast bar.
Photography by Jason Mann