Compact yet spacious, private but providing great sea views, the Whittaker House is designed to solve various challenges through its modern design. This simple and uncluttered structure is located in the small seaside town of Kakanui in New Zealand and was designed by the Dravitzki Brown architecture studio.
The house has a small footprint and was built using cost-effective methods and durable materials with the goal to create comfortable living spaces that are bathed in natural light but also provide privacy from the neighboring houses and the road. Divided on two levels which measure just 8 m x 8m, the living spaces include three bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor and a spacious living room, kitchen and dining room on the upper level. White walls, wooden floors and furniture in light neutral tones give the interior a modern look and feel. The exterior features cedar cladding that hides the flashings and acts as an effective rain screen. Cleverly positioned windows maximize the views and light while also shielding the interior. A garden provides a great place to sit back and breathe in the sea air, enjoy the sunshine and admire the green landscape extending towards the horizon. Photography by Alister Brown.