A dream driftwood design: South Architects
There is something poetic about driftwood. Steeped in the ecological cycle, its journey begins as a living host, breaking away to follow a process of bleaching and smoothing, becoming home and food to a second ecosystem.
Rotation is completed through breaking down to even smaller pieces, or quick carbonisation in a beach bonfire, toasting marshmallows, and creating a magic circle of warmth and friendship at dusk.
The lyrical rhythm of the beach created the inspiration for the NZIA shortlisted Driftwood Home overlooking the Sumner surf.
It is referenced throughout the architecture, and through the cladding types which include timber, stone, and metal. These reference a charred piece of driftwood seen on one of the owner’s many beach walks.
Craig South of South Architects says, “The brief specified a home that makes the most of its special location.”
The form of the home, a result of the desire to engage with the beach from most internal spaces, gave articulation to the Western facade.
Concrete block foundations lift the home above flood plain levels, while steel portal structures minimise solid walls to open the façade up to the fantastic views. A low solid barrier along the frontage creates a privacy barrier to the street, whilst maximising the views of the beach.
