A striking family retreat located on the Pauanui Waterways has received national recognition for architectural excellence, taking home an award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). Designed by Johnston Architects, the Waterways Residence has been celebrated for its sensitive response to site, innovative design, and its balance between private retreat and outdoor living.
The project, built for an active young Auckland family seeking a lifestyle shift to the Coromandel, sits directly on a canal linked to Tairua Harbour. From the living room, a series of steps lead past a generous deck and plunge pool to a private jetty where boats, kayaks and jet-skis await. The design prioritises interaction with the water, embodying a seamless transition from indoor spaces to the expansive natural environment beyond.
NZIA judges praised the house as “a well-considered holiday home that successfully responds to its locale and owner requirements,” highlighting the clever use of layout, roof variation, and materials to achieve both connection and seclusion.
Formally, the home is composed of three gable-roofed volumes arranged around a central courtyard. This sheltered courtyard, complete with an outdoor fireplace and BBQ, is the social heart of the home and links the open-plan kitchen, dining and living pavilion to a rear media room and upstairs office. The north-facing lawn doubles as an access path to the canal and a play space, while operable louvres and sliding shutters enhance privacy, climate control, and natural ventilation.
A restrained palette of concrete, steel, and timber gives the home a grounded yet contemporary character, reflecting both permanence and elegance. Johnston Architects employed tilt-slab concrete construction and exposed steel detailing — techniques more commonly seen in commercial projects — to achieve the level of durability required for a coastal setting, while also showcasing craftsmanship and precision.
Construction posed challenges due to the relatively compact 700m² site and the desire to maintain clear access between the road and canal for watercraft. Yet through efficient planning and collaboration with experienced builders and interior designers, the finished residence retains both openness and privacy.
The clients, who are involved in the construction industry themselves, contributed significantly to the outcome, ensuring high attention to detail and craftsmanship throughout. Interior design by Auckland-based Bespoke Interiors complements the architectural restraint with soft textures and cohesive colour palettes that support the home’s relaxed sophistication.
The Waterways Residence is not only a high-performance family retreat but also a refined interpretation of New Zealand’s coastal lifestyle — one that encourages connection with the environment, outdoor adventure, and quality time with family.
