A no-fuss, no-muss philosophy was part of the brief for this sunny Eastbourne home. This lock-and-leave two-bedroom house was designed by First Light Studio to be low maintenance and with low running costs so the owners could focus on relaxation and not upkeep. The home is built to endure the harsh coastal environment where it can be battered by winds, salt spray and, on a good day, the sweltering sun. Materials are honest and durable, with heat-treated Abodo radiata pine cladding, masonry block walls and timber ceilings designed to withstand anything nature throws its way. Oriented towards the sun, the 145sqm dwelling is cosy with features that make the most of warming rays. These include double glazing, insulated concrete floors, a thermal envelope that’s much higher than code and a timber frame supported on an insulated rib-raft slab. But these practicalities don’t come at the cost of good looks. With views all the way to the Kaikōura Ranges, the design pays homage to its dramatic setting with features like negative details and the folded roof that mimics a wave. The kitchen is angled towards Mākaro / Ward Island, and a sheltered seaside porch and the hill-facing courtyard mean there are outdoor options in any weather.