Akaroa harbour is a stunning, unavoidable presence - as much a part of the site as the house itself. We wanted to acknowledge this, and connect our clients with the harbour as much as possible. The outdoor terrace is sunken, getting its users closer to the water line. Rocks line the existing sea wall on the sites edge, literally drawing the foreshore into the property (this doubles as a functional buffer, when spring tides send waves over the wall to pay a visit). Repurposed hardwood pier beams create a palisade along the sea wall, a sculptural play on the form of a dilapidated jetty. Portholes can be found in the garden and hemp rope is re- introduced to the existing, historic sea wall balustrade. The project flaunts maritime charm & folly, in a contemporary setting. 

Our concept plays heavily on the arrival experience, an idea initially put forward by the architect, which we incorporated into our thinking. Upon arrival, views of the harbour & caldera are completely blocked, achieved through building orientation + exterior walls carefully located for this purpose. As one enters the house & outdoor living spaces however, the full grandeur of the harbour immediately makes itself known. Perhaps not your typical approach, but this manipulation only serves to exaggerate the presence of the harbour as an integral part of the site.

Through studying the building footprint, it became apparent we had the opportunity to create two distinctly different outdoor spaces, to be enjoyed at different times & for different purposes. One courtyard is enclosed, sheltered, capturing the morning sun. The other is expansive, open to the elements (or passers-by) and connects with the harbour - a special place to relax as the sun sets. The use of different materials in each of these spaces adds to the spatial variation, giving our clients opportunities to enjoy the outdoor spaces as they wish - depending on the time, the season or their mood.

Rue Jolie was our clients’ holiday home. A place they would spend time relaxing with their families, or by themselves, and a place that would not be occupied constantly. The site also faced straight into the north-west wind with little protection. Occasional wave splash and salt air makes for challenging growing conditions. Our design needed to reflect all of these considerations, through careful choice of hard and soft materials. 

Hard landscaping materials included a simple, durable palette of hardwood timber, corten steel and insitu concrete. Our planting palette was native-focused, including trees, shrubs and ground covers that struck the balance between resilience, hardiness and beauty.