In 2019 Red Architecture were commissioned to design a dwelling for a small, seaside site at Moonlight Bay in Raglan NZ. Earlier this month they were awarded the 2021 ADNZ Resene Residential New Home up to 150m2 Architectural Design Award for the Moonlight Bay house designed by Tane Cox.
Tell us about the Moonlight Bay house project. What was the brief?
The brief was for a refined, flexible, and robust dwelling. Design considerations included maximising the small site, managing the steep contour in regards to buildability and access, sheltering from the predominant westerly and creating spaces that were suitable for adults, kids and guests to occupy with respect to privacy and separation when needed.
What was the result?
We decided on the dwelling being arranged as a group of small pods. This allowed the home to push into the tighter corners of the site, terrace the contour, and make use of the interesting interstitial spaces that were created because of the separated programme.
The resulting plan provides a small dwelling that feels intimate for a family of four, yet can also sleep 6 adults, and 6 children at its maximum capacity. The sleeping spaces provide a mix of single and double sleeping arrangements with basic storage areas for sleeping bags, blankets, etc.
Kitchen utilities in the main living, the lower pod and the outdoor area ensure multiple groups can function enjoyably across different areas in an independent way.
Careful consideration was taken in ensuring the dwelling nestled into the site and its palette was considerate to the immediate environment to ensure its visual impact was minimal.
What qualities do you particularly like about the house you have designed?
I really love all the connecting parts of the house, in particular the sunken outdoor dine space. The in-between spaces really enhance the primary spaces.
You have worked on a few interesting projects in Raglan now. Do you have a connection with the place? What do you like about designing for this environment and community?
It’s one of my favourite places for sure. It’s a town that really fosters free thinking and projects that reflect the environment they are in.
