Roberts Gray Architects' rammed-earth home crowns New Zealand dune
Minimalist coastal residence with dual courtyards in Te Arai
1Architecture blending with nature
Roberts Gray Architects employed rammed-earth techniques for their Double Courtyard House perched on a Te Arai sand dune, creating an environmentally harmonious design. Flanked by pine forests on one side and ocean views on the other, the residence revolves around two contrasting courtyard concepts.
2Harmony of contrasts
The project features two distinct courtyard experiences - one sheltered, one exposed. Bedrooms in the south open to a fern-shaded enclosed courtyard while northern social areas connect to a wind-swept courtyard with flat rocks. This duality makes the home feel both protected and connected to the landscape.
3Material mastery
Built to withstand harsh coastal conditions, the house showcases rammed-earth walls, sandblasted concrete floors, and bead-blasted steelwork. Light timber panels dominate bedrooms while dark wood and movable screens create contrast in living areas, demonstrating thoughtful material selection throughout.
4Architectural details
The figure-eight floorplan connects both courtyards through a narrow hallway. Roof forms further emphasize the duality - hip roofs shelter bedrooms while flat roofs cover social spaces. These intentional details create a spatial journey for visitors moving through the home.
5Environmental sensitivity
Consciously departing from conventional beach house tropes, the architects blended natural and constructed landscapes. The rammed-earth construction results in low embodied carbon, making this project a standout example of sustainable luxury architecture in coastal environments.
6Landmark in New Zealand architecture
Double Courtyard House carries Roberts Gray Architects' signature approach of combining natural materials with contemporary design. While perfectly adapted to local climatic conditions, the residence makes a bold aesthetic statement. This home stands as a pioneering example of sustainable luxury in New Zealand's architectural landscape.