Anzac Bay House by JDA Studio | Project Feature

Maintaining the outward view of the bay from the streetscape, Anzac Bay House embraces its unique and secluded site. JDA Studio has sensitively approached the surrounding context and reimagined a family’s home.

Set in a tightly held-secret location on the quiet and secluded Anzac Bay, JDA Studio has conjured a family home that responds to its incredible location and outlook. Built by JKN Construction, Anzac Bay House is the second home to have the privilege of gracing this site. Demolishing the previous post-World War II made way for a home nestled amongst its streetscape where the deliberate sensitivity to its surrounding adjacencies is key to the overall approach to site.

Nestled in amongst its streetscape, the deliberate sensitivity to its surrounding adjacencies is key to the overall approach to site.

Located fifty kilometres across Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, along the banks of Anzac Bay in Waiheke Island, this permanent home is approached from the rear, where the view of the bay remains intentionally uninterrupted. On entry, the home opens itself up to the vistas beyond with full-height windows. From the bay, the house is so densely integrated into the site it appears as though it is floating. Split into two distinct zones, the linking element is an entry courtyard.

After approach, the home opens itself up to the vistas beyond with full-height windows.

Taking inspiration from its raw and unencumbered setting, the palette takes form of raw and earthy materiality.

At just under 220 square metres, the footprint is not elaborate but one based on core values. The steep drop at the south-facing bank edge creates a feeling when inside that the home is at the edge of a cliff, with the ground dropping out beneath it. Taking inspiration from its raw and unencumbered setting, the palette takes form of raw and earthy materiality. A combination of rendered elements, dark stained cedar, local rock and white render also add a nod to Grecian coastal abodes.

A combination of rendered elements, dark stained cedar, local rock and white render also add a nod to Grecian coastal abodes.

Purposed as a home to embrace not only location, but to carry those sensitivities through to its sustainable operation, numerous passive design initiatives are utilised throughout. The maximisation of thermal mass, cross-ventilation, wastewater reuse and rainwater collection allow for a lighter footprint.

Tasked with a brief to create a home that, although light in its impact on the earth, also needed a sense of solidity in place, reinforcing its permanence, JDA achieves this aim through materiality and formal. Anzac Bay House takes full advantage of its location and available vistas, while proposing a home that is respectfully contextual and delightfully engaging with its environment.

JDA Studio has conjured a family home that responds to its incredible location and outlook.

Purposed as a home to embrace not only location, but to carry those sensitivities to its sustainable operation, numerous passive design initiatives are utilised throughout.