Despite being an immaculate new-build overlooking the Tasman Sea, this modern Ōākura beach house is filled with the family finesse, history and character of one that could have been there for years.
The journey for Paul and Kathy Lobb to arrive at their beachfront home dates back more than three decades when they purchased a section at auction from New Plymouth Old Boys’ Surf Club. It was selling two side-by-side patches it had been bequeathed.
With an energetic young family at the time, the Lobbs made a decision to earmark the section for their future, and instead build a home in the Kaitake hills to give them the freedom that farm life offered.
Some years later, when kids and horses were long gone and the farm timber was finished being milled, the couple called on architectural designer, Kyle Ramsay, to create their everyday holiday home.
“Our brief to Kyle was for a beachy-themed house, with a see-through internal courtyard, lots of light and space, and something that maximised the views,” says Kathy.
“He certainly delivered. We feel like we’re on holiday all the time.”
Ramsay created a 320-square metre footprint comprising two main pavilions and a clever garage and shed section which sits neatly adjacent to the home’s entry on the south side. The two pavilions cater to living and sleeping and are 4.3m at their highest point, giving a sense of both space and luxury. They are separated by the requested courtyard, but not disconnected, with windows and sliding doors on both sides providing view shafts to the sea, amazing cross-ventilation, and easy access to the sheltered outdoor area. The purpose of the courtyard was to be a place to retreat to on those windy west coast days, however, they both admit they’ve spent a lot more time out the front.
“We’re actually quite sheltered here,” says Paul. “The wind seems to come up the bank and disappear somewhere over the top.”
It does get a lot of use from the grandkids, though, who play and perform on its deck regularly.
With an exterior clad in cedar and precast concrete, the three bedroom house also has a media/play room and additional break-out space, both of which are also well-used by grandkids. Its design nods to modern mid-century with its gradually sloping pavilion roofs, expansive windows, biophilic intention and plywood-clad eaves that extend from the inside out.
Both the main bathroom and ensuite honour The Lobb’s coastal brief, featuring dark grey tiles, timber framed windows and glass shower screens. The use of high windows allows light to pour in, with glimpses of treetops adding a sense of connection to the environment.
All features combine to deliver a light, spacious, functional home that feels comfortable and cosy in each of its carefully thought-out areas.
Paul has spent hours landscaping the section over the past year, curating pockets that showcase a variety of planting and promote playful adventure.
The Lobbs couldn’t be happier with the final execution of their home, which is lucky as it was built and project managed by their son-in-law, Sam Petersen, of Petersen Barnes.
“When we first started this process, Sam and Mal were just starting up the company and our daughter Miranda (Sam’s wife) said ‘You can get Sam to build it’, and I said ‘No way, I’m not working with family’. But then he did a couple of builds that were just so nice, we had to get him to do it,” laughs Kathy.
Sam was the first of many family members to come on board the project. His dad, Murray, and brother-in-law, Richard, joined the build team, while a third son-in-law, Greg, also participated by way of glass.
“We just need a plumber and an electrician in the family and we’d be sweet.”
Kathy credits much of the home’s intricate features to Sam, who’s perfectionism and eye for detail ensured nothing came up short. From the perfectly lined plywood ceilings, to hidden downpipes and the framework for high clerestory windows, nothing was overlooked.
“I think every piece of ply would have been up about six times before he was happy with it, says Kathy.”
The contracted sub-trades also get an honourable mention, not only for their tireless work, but their entertaining chat and humour on site.
For Sam, he appreciates being able to come back to his in-laws to soak in everything that went into it.
“It was a tricky build and quite complex with the amount of windows and flashings that were incorporated. It’s often the stuff that’s annoying to do at the time, that you do get a lot out of when you step back and have a good look. The way it all came together was impressive.”
One of his favourite features is the front entrance boardwalk, covered by a canopy that cantilevers off a sleek precast concrete wall, flanked with lush greenery. The front pavilion that includes the living, dining and kitchen also brings him a level of satisfaction.
There’s no denying the wow moment you get from the space as it draws your attention up and out towards the front lawn and deck areas that appear to float atop the ocean.
One of Paul’s must-have features in the open plan space was an internal precast concrete wall, which anchors the living area amongst an otherwise gallery of glass. Kathy’s non-negotiables were a walk-in wardrobe, and scullery. The kitchen, designed by Prestige Kitchens, is complete with a sizeable scullery and offers a modern yet coastal feel with its plywood cabinetry, warm oak flooring, and ceaserstone island benchtop that mimics the tones of the precast concrete and black sand down the hill.
The pair also had a number of significant ideas and heirlooms to incorporate that they felt would pay homage to their family history.
A “patchwork wall” made from old wooden boxes, crates and fences savoured from the old farmhouse was one of them.
“The builders thought it might be too rustic for the house, so they told us to put it in the loo. It works. People can sit back and enjoy it while they’re there,” says Kathy.
A stained glass window of a Japanese tidal wave takes centre stage in the main bathroom. It backs onto the courtyard, filling the space with light without compromising on privacy. That came from the farmhouse, too.
“We had that in our front door and one day it got broken across the middle. We still don’t know to this day which one of the kids did it. It got taken out and sat in the garage for about 15 years.”
They blew off the cobwebs and it was restored far beyond its former glory by Richard Landers of The Glass Gallery.
Between an artwork-lined hallway all created by a late aunty, a painting they bought off their daughter to help fund a parking fine a few moons ago, and furniture they have repurposed from their former home, the Lobbs have boldly balanced the past with the present. In doing so, they’ve given themselves and their extended family a comfortable, yet modern, resort-like space to relax in and enjoy for the future.
