Local Rock House: the same stones for living and growing

Patterson Associates Architectural office inserts a holiday home in the nature of the vineyards

by Malcolm Clark
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Patterson Associates has designed the Local Rock House on Waiheke Island as a summer residence. An island famous for its fine vineyards, the quality of which is due to its unique geology.

The island is also home to some of the finest houses in Auckland and this one is located on a steep cliff above a white sandy tree-lined beach on the north coast.

The project uses the same secret ingredient as the wine, the pyrite-rich rocks that give “Waiheke” wine its distinctive character. These rocks, used as building material instil a sense of belonging to the project, establishing a continuity with the terraces of vineyards.

The rocky mass of the house has been organized like a bridge to open both sides and take advantage of both the east side overlooking the beach and the afternoon sun, on the opposite side. To do this, the main living area is divided between the large terrace with swimming pool, on the slope that descends to the sea, and a more protected courtyard on the west side, that owners often use as an outdoor cinema.

The bedrooms emerge above the stone walls as lookouts, protected by vertical brise soleil in a finely scaled play on materials. These contemporary alcoves create a romantic sense of isolation and look out over the tree-tops to open views on the crystal clear waters and on the beach below.

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    Local Rock House 454

    Local Rock House

    Waiheke Island / New Zealand / 2012