California House

Set amongst the established coastal character of Waikanae Beach, California House takes its cues from the understated luxury of Californian residential architecture. Strong masonry forms, warm timber, generous glazing and lush subtropical planting come together to create a home that feels grounded, private and wonderfully relaxed.

From the street, the architecture is deliberately restrained. Pale concrete masonry walls create a sense of permanence and privacy, punctuated by dark framed windows, warm timber garage doors and carefully positioned exterior lighting. Rather than revealing the entire home at once, the design creates glimpses into the spaces beyond, allowing the house to gradually unfold as you move through it.

Behind this more solid exterior sits a completely different experience. The home opens into a series of sheltered outdoor spaces designed around the Waikanae Beach lifestyle. Living areas connect directly with courtyards, terraces and gardens, turning the centre of the home into a private retreat. A plunge pool, integrated spa, outdoor dining and relaxed seating areas create spaces that can shift easily from quiet mornings in the sun to long evenings entertaining friends and family.

The architecture uses landscaping as an integral part of the design. Nikau and palm forms, broad leaf planting, grasses and layered coastal vegetation soften the masonry and create a lush backdrop throughout the property. Planting is drawn close to windows and living spaces, giving the interior a sense of being immersed within the garden while maintaining privacy from neighbouring properties.

Inside, the material palette becomes warmer and more refined. Timber ceilings and finely detailed timber wall linings bring texture to the living areas, balanced by natural stone, soft neutral finishes and generous areas of glazing. The kitchen is anchored by a substantial stone island, creating a natural gathering point at the heart of the home while connecting visually with the dining, living and outdoor spaces beyond.

Light plays an important role throughout. Skylights bring daylight deep into the plan, while carefully positioned windows capture changing light across the day. In the evening, integrated architectural lighting washes across textured masonry, timber and planting, transforming the courtyards into intimate outdoor rooms.

At its heart, California House is designed around the idea of escape. It is a home that feels protective from the street and expansive from within, balancing architectural strength with warmth, greenery and sunlight. The result is a distinctly Waikanae Beach interpretation of Californian living, relaxed, sophisticated and designed to make everyday life feel a little more like being on holiday.