Bream Tail house by SGA Architects

Responding to the sun, wind and rain is what drove the design of this beach home in Mangawhai Heads in northern New Zealand. As you can see from the photo’s the site is magnificent, but highly exposed to the elements. The owners asked SGA Architects to design a home that responded to the harsh climate and could also flexibly accommodate their regular visitors. The home takes on a bird-like form, with a roof structure articulated to respond to the prevailing nor east winds and regular driving rain. Clad in zinc to blend in with an often-inclement sky, the roof also folds up to catch the afternoon sun.

The climate dictated the darker palette of the exterior, while the warm, earthy interiors provide a sanctuary from the elements and a cosy space from which to enjoy striking views of the surrounding landscape.

[Photography by Patrick Reynolds]