Bach to the Beach
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Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The bach’s beachfront site is nestled behind sand dunes with views toward Kapiti Island, a nature sanctuary.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The bach was designed with a combined open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining area, for which Gerald designed a dining table that seats ten. Bare bulbs, open shelves, and bright orange MDF cabinets in the kitchen maintain the low-key vibe.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Gerald designed the bach to feel as casual as possible, hence the lack of a paved driveway and garage.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The view of Kapiti Island is fully revealed from the tower.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Gerald wanted the siting of the buildings to appear loose, like a campsite. The gap between the living room and the bedroom wing accommodates a washing line.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The site includes a boat shed and a tractor the family uses to pull their boat to and from the ramp.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Will relaxes on the sofa Gerald designed, below a painting by Gary Freemantle.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
A bathroom with corrugated steel walls opens directly to the outdoors, making it easy to shower post-beach.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
With no television in the bach, reading books and playing board games are favorite activities.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Kate and Gerald relax in the living room.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Kate’s father predicted they would never use the crow’s nest–like tower, which is reached by climbing a narrow staircase.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Kate and Gerald enjoy the view up there most nights. The chair was salvaged from the original bach on site and reupholstered.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Kayak in hand, Tom and Will make a break for the beach.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The family spends summers and school vacations at the bach. New Zealand's relatively mild winters mean they use the house year-round.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The glassy pavilion containing kitchen, dining, and living areas is elevated three feet off the ground on posts so it appears to hover among the dunes.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The orange-painted MDF cabinets add a pop of color to the sun-washed kitchen.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The kitchen in action!Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Stainless steel countertops are easy to clean and weightless-looking, helping bounce light around the kitchen.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
In the boys' room, a rolling ladder provides access to the top bunk.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Will and Tom enjoy their other bedroom essential: a foosball table.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The Parsonsons' dog takes a breather.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
There are plenty of places to sprawl in the living room, including an Eames lounger and a custom-made orange chair.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The guest room cleverly shoehorns four bunks into a small footprint.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Another guestroom, with a bit more space.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
There's plenty of beach reading on hand.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
A topographic map of Kapiti Island hangs in the tower.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
The view as you head downstairs from the crow's nest tower.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
Will demonstrates the post-beach shower ritual.Photo by: Matthew Williams -
A view into the house from the porch.Don't miss a word of Dwell! Download our FREE app from iTunes, friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!
Photo by: Matthew Williams
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