Set on the beach front of Piha, this idyllic and secluded beach escape ‘Pohutukawa Beach House’ is the perfect city getaway. Nestled amongst a site that was once 90% covered in mature Pohutukawa trees, the house was designed in a way that minimised their destruction, in turn, maximising the use of the wood that was taken down during the construction process. Designed by Herbst Architects, the result is a modern and intimate structure that re-connects its inhabitants with nature, placing them in direct contact with both life on the beach and under the trees.

Laced with wood and floor-to-ceiling glass, the coastal environment is the central focus of the design with bedrooms and garage housed in two towers, with a loosely defined public space that links both sections. Warm woods were used on the walls and furniture with a complementary color scheme of oranges, tans, and browns to keep the interiors cohesive with the exterior architecture while the mid-century furnishings provide a relaxing and comfortable interior that makes for the perfect weekend escape.