The Rawhiti house is one of Fearon Hay’s first projects – a family holiday home constructed in New Zealand’s Northland. The beachfront site drops from an elevated ridgeline down to the water’s edge, flattening before extending onto the beach. Two existing sheds sat at the base of the slope not far from high tide.

The two sheds are connected with an open pavilion containing new stairs, kitchen, scullery, living and dining spaces. Two layers of sliding glass permit flexibility of use in all conditions. Terrazzo flooring incorporates sand and shell from the local beaches and offers a continuous durable surface between interior and exterior spaces. Native tawa is formed into solid cabinetry, complementing the use of weathered zinc inside and out.