Kakanui House

Small but perfectly formed, Kakanui House is a weekend retreat that maximises both space and its coastal setting. The compact plan is open and efficient, with two bedrooms thoughtfully arranged to optimise light, space, and views.

Inside, bleached plywood walls and ceilings provide a soft, warm glow, contrasting with the rugged dark corrugated steel exterior that anchors the home to its windswept site. Cleverly designed window seats offer informal sleeping for extra guests while framing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, connecting the interior directly to the ever-changing coastal landscape.

Kakanui House demonstrates that good design doesn’t need to be large — every detail is considered, creating a home that is simultaneously intimate, resilient, and deeply connected to its surroundings.