Completed last year, this Waiheke residence by Fearon Hay Architects is comprised of freestanding structures around a sheltered central courtyard and rests in a saddle above Matiatia Bay.  The natural undulations of the saddle have been subtly emphasized to form a natural setting for three roofed structures and a freestanding pool. Fearon Hay explain that their early inspiration for this work came from a study of lightweight, canopy-like structures, tensioned to the ground plane. Draped roof planes are tensioned in this house to the surrounding landscape over interior and exterior spaces and its monochromatic palette of muted exterior materials is complemented by rich timbers, textiles and coloured stone internally. With interiors by Penny Hay, furniture by some of our favourite manufacturers including B&B Italia and floor lamps by Tom Dixon (and the Spin-Candelabra spotted on the table), with further lighting by Catellani & Smith, and tapware from Boffi, this is a stunning home, that is suitably and accurately referred to as the Island Retreat.