Perched almost seamlessly in the Pohutukawa trees, the Herne Bay Hideaway from Lloyd Hartley Architects pulls the exterior water views in, capturing the soft glimmering light of Cox’s Bay, Auckland.
The Auckland-based architects transformed an uninspiring 1960s brick-and-tile home into the stunning family Herne Bay Hideaway that captures tranquil vistas in one of the city’s most prestigious suburbs.
The clients were a young family who wanted a timeless adaption of the existing house using quality materials, maximising their environment and natural light without exposing them to the surrounding neighbours.
The Fusion Granite kitchen bench from NZ brand SCE Stone & Design adds warmth, colour and texture to the contemporary kitchen.
The kitchen features luxury appliances by Gaggenau, the Icon range taps by Astra Walker and the BCN Slide Base Stool for Kristalia.
The new extended deck wraps around the house, providing extra living zones to maximise the view throughout the year — even through the colder months thanks to the external EF5000 by Escea Fireplace.
The first element of the brief was to transform the orientation from facing the long driveway, to the sweeping views of the bay. On the western end, the architects added a deck to look over the water and extended the ceiling line to follow the pitch of the new roof. These additions fill the space with light, anchoring the home in the Pohutukawa trees and marine outlook.
Using natural materials with clean detailing, the design offers a simple palette that highlights the views; adding warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. The heart of the home features the monolithic Fusion Granite benchtop from SCE Stone and Design, which became the focus of the room.
The vast wall of windows opens the house to the bay; connecting the interior to the external deck. Which, with an operable louvre roof and exterior EF5000 by Escea Fireplace, offers flexibility throughout the year.
The architects chose a timber QLiv Side to Side Table and black Laclasica Chairs to carry the thematics from the kitchen into the dining.
The architect’s custom brass handrail is one continuous line from the front door to the main living areas, while the open stairwell offers light throughout the entire home.
Lloyd Hartley Architects used an incredibly rigorous design process to ensure the client’s needs were met. “We believe in a collaborative approach and enjoy the challenge of designing for family units and the inherently different ways everyone uses their homes,” says architect, Ben Lloyd. “It is easy to design large open-plan spaces but the majority of the time a home is only being used by a small group of people.”
As such, the team employed the use of tailored cabinetry elements, interconnected spaces, and access to exterior decks allowing Herne Bay Hideaway to ‘breathe’ — meaning the family has room to entertain while maintaining the sense of privacy and closeness.
A spa-like master en-suite, open to the bay views and natural light maintains privacy thanks to dark timber slats, and the signature skylight which ensures solitude yet illumination. “To have the walls seamlessly meet the sky is magical,” Ben says.
The light streaming in through the skylight in the shower makes mornings a little easier for the young family.
The architects designed an all-black powder room with Trend Biarritz mosaics from SCE Stone and Design and Sugar Bomb lighting by Christopher Boots to add a playful contrast to the light-filled living rooms.
The black Apaiser Haven Bath create a spa-like feel — complete with views over Cox’s Bay — in the master ensuite.
The favourite element of the project for Ben was the most significant design aspect — reinventing the entrance. The architects bridged the second story over the entry to meet up with the site’s topography; introducing an entry courtyard and borrowing views from neighbouring tennis courts. Tucking the garage away, glazing around the entry stairway and a bespoke front door begins the framing for the entire home.
Lloyd Hartley Architects reinvented the old house, and ensures the bay-side home remains a timeless classic for future generations.
A covered garage provides a perfect spot for the ‘long goodbye’, keeping guests sheltered from Auckland’s often intense weather. Inside the foyer, the clients are greeted with custom artwork by Chris Charteris.
Re: Herne Bay Hideaway
What a heavenly view and happily maximised by the design. Can I know what the bathroom taps are called please and where, if possible, I could get them in Australia.
Many thanks,
You know, I really liked this house. The design is just on top, I am delighted. It would be interesting to see it live. I really want to make a similar table for myself in the living room of my house. How much do you think it costs? I honestly don’t even know how to ask about such a table. The room with the mosaic looks just fine, like the skin of a snake or lizard. I would also like to take a look at this. Nothing extra. I like to look at projects in their final form, when people still do not live there, it is spacious and unobtrusive.
Hi Alexandra,
The kitchen and bathroom taps are Astra Walker – from their Icon range and the shower fittings are by Mare.
Kindest,
The est Team
Hi, thank you for such a brilliant post. I have been reading some blogs that gives me more knowledge about Herne bay hideway by Lloyd Hartley architects. I must say this is one of the best among them. You have done a great research for I feel, thanks for sharing. I have seen similar information at one place, you can also see on https://www.thebenchtopguys.co.nz/
Hi, would you mind telling me what the black mesh chairs are, outside on the deck , next to fireplace. Many thanks !
Hi Cath,
We recommend reaching out to Llyod Hartley Architects directly.
Thanks,
the est team
Nice article. Really looked awesome when I was jooming. It almost looked real.