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The dining table is generally positioned like a desk at a picture window, but can also be rotated to seat a dinner party. The clients' top-shelf of whiskey takes pride of place on the open shelving above the doorway.

The dining table is generally positioned like a desk at a picture window, but can also be rotated to seat a dinner party. This kind of simple flexibility is built into the hut, which can adapt to sleep up to six guests.

The retreat has been designed to feel protective and shield the residents from the wind. Large areas of glass would have rattled in the frequent strong winds, so the decision was made to use smaller areas of glass that intimately frame specific views.

The in-built seating doubles as extra beds for additional guests, while windows allow for natural cross-breezes to ventilate and cool the hut in the summer.

The plywood fins have a telescopic effect that intensifies the coastal view to the north. "I wanted the clients to have an alternative experience to the wide open vistas they work in on the farm,

South elevation of Ao Marama Retreat by Common Space.

Skylights built into the patio provide natural light to the desk area.

Bear is on his best behavior on the patio, where a mixture of rough-and-ready elements, like the oak logs, designed by Ryan, play off the fleck of the cork panels. “The whole point of the house is that you can see what it’s built from,” says Molly. “So I think it was about embracing that.”

A geometric brise-soleil filters sunlight and casts shapes across a patio, which is enclosed on one side by a stone wall.

The master bathroom's shower stall now has simple tiled surfaces and interesting play of light due to the screen of glass blocks.

At the master bathroom, the existing white joinery was replaced with solid Birch plywood joinery, bringing warmth and intentionality to the space. Glass blocks were used as a divider between the vanity and shower. “This not only reinforces the design language, but also allows more light into the shower area, enhancing the sense of openness and comfort,” says Jun.

At the master bathroom, the glass sliding door was replaced with a solid Birch plywood door and a screen made of retro glass blocks. The existing floor tiles were replaced with the same red tiles as those at the living space.

Curved corners lead the eye through the space, establishing a visual language that makes the apartment feel generous despite its modest square footage.

CESI Full Body tiles in Ossido cover the walls while a checkered pattern of Agata and Sodio tiles defines the floor.

The birch plywood millwork transitions seamlessly from kitchen storage to coffee nook, featuring Kit Kat Midcentury tile in Sage at the coffee bar area.