Located on the coastal edge of Hongoeka Bay north of Plimmerton, overlooking Mana Island is a new building affectionately known as 'The Boathouse'. The initial brief called for a small retreat that could be used by the owner’s family and friends, reflecting their passion for the local area and the surrounding landscape.

The idea of a boathouse was conceived, a simple building that reflected its location and close relationship to the bay. The design intention was to reference the influences and language of a typical boatshed and to reinterpret the traditional crafting of timber and the expression of structure, cladding, lining and joinery in an honest but unique way. 

The use of materials is simple and deliberate. The extensive use of timber provides a connection to the building’s strong natural environment. Outside, cedar weatherboards are finished in Environmental Choice approved Resene Waterborne Woodsman while inside the plywood is coated in a clear urethane finish providing protection while allowing the grain to show through.

The weather can vary from still clear days where Mana Island is clearly visible to gale force winds and airborne salt spray threatening anything that is not fixed down.  Covering all weather extremes, the building can be handily opened up to the exterior on three sides, maximising exposure to the sea and land or alternatively closed down through the use of large sliding screens to protect against the elements.

Architect: Richard Middleton and Geoff Pitts, Novak+Middleton
Building Contractor: Dave Harper, Custom Homes Wellington Ltd
Painting Contractor: Craig Olive
Resene: Yvette Collins, Central Region Architectural Services Representative
Structural Engineer: Clendon, Burns and Park Ltd
Photography: Paul McCredie
From the Resene News – issue 1/2011