For twenty years, Herbst Architects, based in New Zealand, has been creating homes that maximize the potential of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, making the most of living landscapes.
“What is the best way to live and feel connected to the New Zealand landscape and climate?” This is one of the questions Lance and Nicola Herbst have been striving to answer since establishing their practice in 2000. The duo met while studying architecture at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and emigrated to New Zealand before founding Herbst Architects, based in Auckland. Since then, the two architects have completed a wide range of award-winning residential, commercial, and educational projects. One of their earliest projects was their own bach (holiday home) on Great Barrier Island, for which they received the Zealand Institute of Architects Award. Today, Lance and Nicola Herbst have two recent designs that further demonstrate their positive and significant contribution to the built environment: the Omata Beach House and the Dune House.
MODERNIST BEAUTY
The first, accessible via a small dirt track, is a converted former beach house situated on a secluded bay on the Northland coast. It is bordered by pohutukawa trees (a sacred tree for the Māori) and surrounded by steep hills covered in native bush. The design began with a practical consideration: providing protection from the elements. As the site had a steep slope with large boulders, the architects constructed a multi-tiered rock embankment and built a stone plinth that elevates the dwelling above sea level. The dunes were also reshaped to give it an organic feel. They then conceived the house around three basic elements: living, sleeping, and storage. The pavilion section is a lightweight timber structure with glass that appears as a floating roof. Its curved shape softens the impact of the dwelling and elevates the panoramic views from the living spaces. All around, spaced wooden slats and sliding doors provide protection from the wind and sun. An outdoor kitchen has been added to provide al fresco dining near a large concrete fireplace. In this type of design, the architects use a Hawaiian term, "lanai," defining a space that is neither inside nor outside.
DUNE LANDSCAPE
The second house is nestled along New Zealand's east coast. Dune House celebrates the dunes, covered with the native muehlenbeckia plant. The project comprises two bedrooms and two small, independent structures, linked by a walking path that connects the spaces. It is located 200 meters from the high-water mark, in accordance with local regulations, and enjoys panoramic ocean views. The house has a simple rectangular form, clad with a light rainscreen of wooden slats. The sharply cut upper edge thus mimics the horizon line, while the curved lower section reflects the surrounding landscape. Its construction on stilts maximizes the view while avoiding the need for a two-story structure. Yet another fine example of modern architecture in harmony with the environment.
