The design of this holiday home responds to its dramatic, elevated site on Auckland's west coast. Located across a contour line, the house takes maximum advantage of magnificent coastal views. Its robust steel frame construction with exposed cross-bracing resists frequent wild weather and high wind loads.

As local council regulations placed limitations on site excavation and vegetation removal, the house was built on an east-west axis at one side of the site. The living areas face due north and are arranged to provide the occupants with spectacular views from every room: the house is essentially one room deep. Timber decks extend from the living spaces on the northern side.

Courtyards on the southern and western ends of the structure provide shelter from prevailing westerly winds. An internal courtyard accommodates a hot tub.

Exterior and interior materials (steel, glass, timber, reinforced concrete, corrugated iron and dark plywood) compliment the strength and elemental character of the coastal environment, Raked roof lines recall the shapes of hang glider sails.

The style of the house is simple, with echoes of the traditional New Zealand bach - a place devoted to leisure and informal living. The long, low lines of the structure, with large expanses of glass framing views of cliffs, sea and sky, also evoke the feeling of living in a tent.

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