This family retreat is an arrangement of freestanding structures around a courtyard, set in a saddle above Matiatia Bay. Waiheke Island can be idyllic, but also exposed. The saddle has been subtly emphasized to form a protective setting for three structures, a pool and the open spaces between. The architecture draws from the principles of a camp. Individual roof planes cover each structure, separately housing living, sleeping and studio. These draped planes are tensioned over rough concrete forms embedded in the contour.

The house can perform off the grid with rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment and solar energy generation all provided on site.