Coastal living tends to encourage a slower pace — views to get lost in, a focus on sunlight, soft textures and soothing palettes. If that’s the case, the owners of this masterpiece overlooking Cooks Beach must be positively blissed out. Natural timbers and locally sourced stone blend seamlessly with the environment, creating a harmonious connection with nature. The cleverly designed multi-level house places garaging, bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas on the ground floor, with the main living areas and guest suite upstairs. Expansive decks offer many outdoor living and entertainment options. The goal was clear from the beginning: to craft a beach house that caters to the needs of a multi-generational family, with everyone enjoying time together while still having their own space. Enduring materials, including stone sourced from Te Kūiti, are designed to age beautifully and add a sense of solidity and permanence. The home has five-plus bedrooms, four bathrooms and three living rooms, and incorporates sustainable features to minimise its environmental impact. A Tesla Solar Powerwall allows it to operate off the grid, storing energy during the day.