Piha is a place people are deeply attached to. This house was built for a client who had always wanted to live there properly — a family home, not a weekender, designed to make the most of one of Auckland's most dramatic coastal settings.

The site sits on a protected ridge, which meant a resource consent was required before any building could happen. It also meant dark cladding was specified by council conditions — a constraint that became a design asset. Dark brick and timber cladding give the house a quiet, grounded presence that suits the landscape perfectly.

Every living space has a view. The vaulted ceiling in the main living area brings height and drama while pulling light in from multiple angles. Timber ceiling linings add warmth throughout. The brief was simple: maximise the light, keep the beach in view, and make it feel like home.