Stone Wall Emerges to Become the Central Spine of Waiheke House

A stone wall emerges from the ridge to become the central backbone between two pavilions, one open and the other closed. The arrangement of the pavilions on each side of the stone wall, thereby dividing the occupancy of the house, created depth and containment. The living pavilion is glassed on three sides, creating an experience not much different from sitting outdoors at the crest. The other pavilion, dedicated to bedrooms and bathrooms, is more private, facing the land, nestled in the stone, with lower ceilings, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

The house is a sensory experience that unfolds as you walk through its spaces. From the arrival, with the view controlled by the curvature of the stone wall that gradually reveals the bay and the gulf beyond, to the transition of the sleeping and bathing area, where the narrow passage creates a sense of solidity, the Waiheke House is a celebration of simple human rituals.

The choice of natural materials, such as stone and wood, gives the house a sense of authenticity and a deep connection to nature. These materials were selected to age gracefully over time, adding even more charm to the residence.

The two pavilions, and the stone wall between them, are reductive in their simplicity but rich in their emotional resonance. Located on the ridge where the owners used to spend their summers camping on a platform and picnicking on the lawn, the residence evokes the poignant simplicity of those moments.

A Place of Pause - Waiheke House by Cheshire Architects
Location: Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand
Year: 2019
Architecture and Interior Design: Cheshire Architects
Lead Architect: George Gregory
Photo Credits: Sam Harnett