Crows Nest Herne Bay

The Site and Design Brief

Situated in the premium coastal suburb of Herne Bay, this project explores the potential of unlocking underutilized vertical space to capture expansive views over the Waitematā Harbour. The brief focused on a comprehensive modernization of the home's upper level. The objective was to elevate both the architectural character and the lifestyle footprint of the residence, introducing a luxury outdoor living platform that connects the private upper quarters directly to the marine landscape.

Upper-Level Re-Cladding and Roof Deck Integration

Our design response utilizes a complete material and structural upgrade of the upper envelope to establish a clean, contemporary identity. The upper level was reclad in weatherboards and had new TPO roofing installed for the existing flat rooves.

Built seamlessly into this modernized upper profile is an expansive new roof deck. This intervention transforms the top plane of the home into a high-specification viewing platform and sky-level sanctuary. By extending the living footprint upward, the addition creates a private, sun-drenched entertaining zone that takes absolute advantage of its elevated harbor orientation.

Bespoke Solar Architecture

To ensure the exposed upper deck functions flawlessly across all seasons, we designed a custom, bespoke sliding sunshade system specifically for this project. These architectural timber and glass screens provide elegant, manual microclimate control—allowing the clients to effortlessly adjust solar shading, screen prevailing gulf winds, and tune internal privacy levels while maintaining unhindered panoramic vistas of the harbour.

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