Onekoura holiday house by Arthouse Architecture

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The colours and materials of the house sit comfortably in the green surrounds. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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Looking up at the house from the beach. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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Looking along the deck to the beach and beyond. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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View from the bath. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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The glass balustrade on the deck allows for unrestricted views from the living space. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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Open plan kitchen, dining and living space. Image: John-Paul Pochin

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Architect Brendon Monk has designed a holiday house that compliments its setting in the clean green Marlborough Sounds.

Onekoura is in Queen Charlotte Sound, which is the easternmost of the main sounds in the Marlborough Sounds. It is an area of spectacular beauty, with dense bush along the shoreline of small bays and coves.

This holiday home, designed by Arthouse Architecture, is on a steep site in one of these bush clad bays. The restrictions of such a site played a role in how the house was designed, says design and project architect Brendon Monk.

The clients had owned the site for a long period, and it had an existing A-frame building. This had served them well, but they wanted a new house that would better accommodate their growing extended family. They also wanted a house that would respond better to both the dynamic views and wildly varying weather conditions.

Years of experience with the site served the client and architect well in the design process. Although there are two neighboring houses, neither can be seen from the house and the site is on the best side of the sound to get the most sun.

A wraparound deck with glass balustrades gives the open plan living area an unobstructed view of the bay. When the conditions are too inhospitable to eat or relax on this side of the house, a covered deck at the rear of the house provides a sheltered alternative.

This is also the entry area, marked by a curved, sculptural roof that protects the door and deck. It is a less formal entry than you might find in a residential house, says Monk. This reflects the more relaxed nature of holiday living, with guests being immediately in the heart of the living space on arrival.

The house is as green as its surrounds; water comes from roof collection and a natural spring. Correct orientation, shading, and LED lighting throughout all contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the house, says Monk.