Matapouri is one of Northland's most beloved beaches — a small, sheltered bay that has been drawing families back for generations. This house sits right in the middle of it, with decks reaching out to both sides to catch every angle of the coastal outlook.

The site itself presented a real puzzle: generous in area but with overland flow paths, neighbouring boundaries and a steep section significantly limiting where the house could go. The design makes the most of every metre of buildable land, packing in open plan living, space for guests and covered outdoor dining without ever feeling cramped.

Dark metal cladding and cedar soffit give the house a considered exterior presence that wears well in the coastal climate — robust enough to handle the salt air, warm enough to feel like a genuine bach rather than a box.