Herbst Architects' sensitive retreat invites New Zealand's great outdoors inside

Exterior view of the retreat. Set on the shore, we see the ocean in the distance. The house is made out of multiple levels which are connected, and built mostly of natural materials, like wood.

Husband-and-wife team Lance and Nicola Herst have created a beach retreat for overlooking New Zealand's breathtaking Whangarei Heads

(Image credit: press)

By Emma Blundell

last updated 10 October 2022

in Features

Situated on a cranked ridge line overlooking New Zealand's breathtaking Whangarei Heads, about three hours north of Auckland, this new beach house is designed by husband-and-wife team Lance and Nicola Herbst. Balancing out the project's rocky site, the architects have mediated the rich yet rough natural surroundings to form an open and relaxing summer retreat.

Take an interactive tour of Castle Rock House

Created for a keen sailor and his family of four, the house is a composition of different parts. The first to be commissioned was the boat shed, which acts as a gateway to the property and marks the end of vehicle traffic. The main house rests 100m uphill from there, split into two distinct parts, which are nestled on a steep natural landfall.

A full level separates the internal functions, within the house's two main parts. On the top level sits a pinwheel arrangement of living spaces - a kitchen, lounge, and two covered decks - while three bedrooms are placed alongside in a linear annex below. The two floors are linked via a semi-covered walkway, grounded against a stabilising gabion wall and open at both ends.

Engaging in a direct dialogue with the site, the house adjusts both to the southern water line and northern mountain views - as well as the prevailing wind conditions - through hinged cedar cladding panels that can shift, reframing views when needed. 'We believe that the more the building demands that you engage with nature and the basic daily rituals, the most delightful the experience,' explains Lance.

Castle Rock House constantly negotiates this indoors/outdoors relationship and the 'the trade-off between convenience and delight'. Sliding doors disappear into walls, permitting refuge in bad weather when closed, but also encouraging a direct connection between decks when open. Artificial lighting is kept to a minimum, to promote the use of candles. An open wood fire supports outdoor cooking, while external showers are a minimal construction, sheltered only overhead.

The residence is defined by its openness. It hovers like a lightweight beach shelter within its fragile natural surrounds; a considered approach that is consistent in the Herbsts' work and has won them many local awards over the last fifteen years. Thoughtful and detailed, this home is a celebration of New Zealand's landscape and climate.

Exterior view of the retreat. The house is set at the top of a small hill and is surrounded by trees and other greenery. — Set 100m away from any vehicle traffic, Castle Rock House appears independent from any hustle and bustle, nestling into the steep natural landform

Exterior view of the retreat. The house is covered in cedar panned in dark brown color. — The house is clad in hinged cedar panels that shift, framing the seascape and landscape when needed

Dining area at the retreat. The interior has wooden finishes. Cedar covered fireplace is to the left, while the dining table with black chairs is in the center. — Understated wooden finishes ensure the architects' vision of a fusion between indoor and outdoor living remains constant throughout

The living area at the retreat, with a perfect nook for reading. The couch is set against the wall which has a large panoramic window through which we see the ocean and natural landscape. The shelves on the walls are full of books. — The house carefully negotiates the site's rocky environment, engaging in a direct dialogue with both the southern water line and northern mountain views

The patio at the retreat. A wooden table and black chairs sit next to the countertop which has a grill. It looks out at the ocean and other natural landscapes. — The Hersts have mediated the rough surroundings through the organic feel of their design, forming an open and relaxing summer retreat

The exterior view of the retreat. The two parts of the cedar covered house are connected via a semi-covered walkway. — The two floors are linked via a semi-covered walkway that is open at both ends

The patio at the retreat. A wooden table sits in the center surrounded by black chairs. To the left, there is a grill space. The patio looks out to the ocean. — The house constantly negotiates this relationship; sliding doors disappear into walls and panels open to reveal endless horizons

An open concept kitchen is connected to the dining area. — We believe that the more the building demands that you engage with nature and the basic daily rituals, the most delightful the experience,' explains Lance Herst

To the left, we see the patio outside and the living area to the right, through glass separating wall. — Solid internal walls are scarce in Castle Rock House and windows are as large as possible, meaning artificial light can be kept to a minimum

A look at the patio area at night. The lights are on and provide a warm, yellow light. — Castle Rock House is defined by its openness. It hovers like a lightweight beach shelter within its fragile natural surrounds

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