Kokako Heights House

Located at the Matata Conservation Estate, the site enjoys abundant native vegetation and sweeping views toward the Pacific Ocean and Moutohora (Whale Island). The clients—keen trampers and conservationists—lived in a tent on the land for over a year after walking the length of Aotearoa New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail, becoming deeply attuned to living only with what is essential. The design brief called for a measured response: protection from the elements, seamless integration with the land, and clear, direct access to the views. The resulting scheme is a modest ensemble of structures arranged along the western and northern edges, ensuring easy site access while aligning the plan with sun and sightlines. The folded roof form is intentionally subtle at ground level, gradually lifting toward the east where a fully glazed corner and clerestory windows harvest maximum sunlight. The shed follows a similar principle, its roof rising gently with the natural slope. The main dwelling sits along the northern boundary, maintaining uninterrupted views of the ocean and Whale Island. To the east, the main bedroom benefits from apex ceiling heights and plentiful natural light. On the opposite end, guest rooms open to native bush. At the center, the open-plan living area uses full-width sliding doors and a raked clerestory window to immerse daily life in the surrounding landscape. Charred and brushed Japanese cedar cladding introduces natural tactility at key touchpoints, while robust metal cladding recedes into the green backdrop of the bush. Inside, muted, often moody dark tones contrast with the golden warmth of the birch plywood raking ceiling. With its modest footprint and passive design strategies, the home minimizes both embodied and operational energy. The northern verandah shades high summer sun while allowing lower winter sun to warm the concrete slab. A highly efficient in-slab heating system serves as the only active heat source, paired with high-performance glass wool insulation and low-emission double glazing to reduce heat loss. Generous openings, sliding doors, and ceiling fans ensure natural ventilation during warm months. Together, these elements create a quietly integrated, climate-attuned home—one shaped by the land, light, and the clients’ commitment to essential living.