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2025

The Lookout

Port Waikato

Perched atop a gentle hill in rural Port Waikato, The Lookout enjoys sweeping views of the coast and the forested hills opposite, velveted in native trees.

The house is designed to feel both intimate and expansive, creating a serene retreat that engages with its natural surroundings.

The home is arranged in an offset barbell plan, separating spaces thoughtfully while maintaining a sense of openness. It features three bedrooms, two living areas, and a large office, providing flexible spaces for quiet retreat, work, or accommodating guests. The plan allows the house to function as a private sanctuary for two, yet it can easily open up for another family to occupy the second wing.

The interior materials are robust, durable, and connected to nature, creating a warm and grounded environment. Natural finishes and tactile surfaces complement the expansive views, bringing the landscape indoors and encouraging a sense of calm and connection.

The exterior draws inspiration from the New Zealand shed vernacular, with striking black corrugated metal contrasted by warm cedar insets, creating a dialogue between modernity and the rural context. Designed for off-grid living, the house balances sustainability, comfort, and beauty, offering a contemplative retreat that responds to both the land and its inhabitants.

 

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The interior materials are robust, durable, and connected to nature, creating a warm and grounded environment.

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Designed for off-grid living, the house balances sustainability, comfort, and beauty, offering a contemplative retreat that responds to both the land and its inhabitants.

RN.PortWaikato.384

Photography

Simon Wilson