Black Beech House – A home amongst the vineyards crafted for connection

HAUMOANA, HAWKES BAY, NEW ZEALAND

The Black Beech House is situated within a gently contoured vineyard in Haumoana, Hawkes Bay, with sea views in the distance. The clients wanted a two bedroom house with expansive living areas, an independent guest studio, and two working areas with dedicated spaces: the first, a secluded but visually open makers studio for working on garments and artistry; and the second, a studio for playing and recording music. The brief also included a large garage with a workshop to store and repair bicycles.

DAA Mangawhai home featuring breezway louvres overlooking pool

DAA Mangawhai bathroom featuring breezway louvres for ventilation

Echoing this expansive landscape, the house is designed as a large and gently folded roof over a single-storey ground plan. The program was resolved in a courtyard-typology connecting different blocks under the large canopy and inviting intimate and open spaces to dialogue around a sheltered deck and garden. Within the courtyard, an oculus partially opens the space in relation to the sun’s movement, creating dynamic shadows within its core. The independent blocks also opens to covered alleyways separating the working zone from the living zone and branching into the courtyard which creates a free-flow of circulation and framed views.

To support the home’s passive design strategy, Breezway Louvre Windows have been incorporated throughout key living, working and circulation spaces. Their ability to capture prevailing breezes and provide controlled, high-performance natural ventilation ensures fresh air flows freely throughout these zones—enhancing comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and strengthening the home’s connection to its coastal environment.

Around the house, a covered deck provides a sheltered space from the prevailing sea breezes while maintaining a connection to the surrounding vineyard and sea views. Further, the landscaping was also designed to embed the house within its landscape. It is formed by the creation of gentle contours and flat areas with Gabion basket retaining walls. All excavated ground for the construction was used within the site to create these new contours and external areas.

Awards:

2025 Home of the Year – Highly Commended
2024 NZIA Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Architecture Awards – Winner Housing
2024 Resene Colour Award

Architect: Bonnifait + Associates Architects

Photographer: Russell Kleyn