In Te Arai, New Zealand, Sandiland by Studio John Irving Architects deftly balances intimacy with hospitality, and expansive living with shelter and refuge.

Prospect and refuge

Nestled in the dunes, a singular floating roof hovers above a collection of timber boxes that house a painting studio and private suites. Linking these blocks are the communal living and kitchen areas: social spaces realised with dark tones and natural finishes, creating a sense of refuge that contrasts with the immense skies, big seas, and views of the magnificent dunes and forested coastal edge.

A social kitchen

A generous, square island bench declares that this kitchen is a space to socialise. It has been purposefully designed as an open kitchen, designed for entertaining in keeping with the luxury of simplicity that defines the overall aesthetic of the home. Stacked sliding doors and the addition of an outdoor kitchen blur notions of where the house ends and the exterior begins, and throughout, Fisher & Paykel appliances have been integrated with care. They appeal, says architect John Irving, because they fade into the background. It's an exacting fade, too, with the very minimal gaps enabled by the appliances affording a seamless material finish.

Perfect details

Evoking a sense of luxurious simplicity requires rigorous attention to detail. Here, it can be seen in the black glass induction cooktop that contributes a subtle material fluidity to the black marble bench, and the black–stained timber cabinetry that frames the two ovens – each positioned for ease of use whether entertaining in groups or enjoying the serenity of the coastal location in smaller numbers. The cabinetry also cloaks an integrated French door refrigerator-freezer with a beautifully crafted custom timber pull handle, along with an integrated CoolDrawer, Single DishDrawer dishwasher and drop-door dishwasher. Each is carefully concealed to support the integrity of the overarching architectural concept.

Project details

Project: Sandiland

Project Type: Coastal House

Location: Te Arai, New Zealand

Architect: Studio John Irving Architects

Fisher & Paykel Products: Black Glass Induction Cooktop, Ovens, French Door Refrigerator-Freezer, CoolDrawer™, Single DishDrawer™ Dishwasher and Drop-Door Dishwasher

Photographer: Simon Wilson