Coast House


Entry sequence set into the landscape at dusk

Entry sequence set into the landscape at dusk

Low form sitting within the surrounding dune landscape

Low form sitting within the surrounding dune landscape

Roofline responding to wind, light, and exposure

Roofline responding to wind, light, and exposure

Compressed entry opening into the main living spaces

Compressed entry opening into the main living spaces

Main living area defined by warmth and natural materials

Main living area defined by warmth and natural materials

Kitchen and dining spaces connected to the landscape

Kitchen and dining spaces connected to the landscape

Long elevation opening to light and views

Long elevation opening to light and views

Interior surfaces expressing texture and material

Interior surfaces expressing texture and material

Powder room finished with simple, durable materials

Powder room finished with simple, durable materials

Sheltered form set into the coastal landscape

Sheltered form set into the coastal landscape

Coast House in Southland by Stacey Farrell Architect. A low, sheltered home designed using passive house principles.

The Coast House is a remote holiday home on New Zealand’s South Coast, designed by Stacey Farrell Architect. Set within the rugged landscape, the house sits low against the sand dunes, responding to wind, climate, and exposure.

The design is deliberately restrained, allowing the building to recede into its surroundings while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape.

A passive house approach informed the construction, improving comfort and energy performance in a challenging coastal environment.

Materials are simple and robust. Internally, exposed SIPs panels and natural finishes create a warm, tactile interior, giving the house a quiet, lodge-like character.

The result is a sheltered, durable home designed for living in one of New Zealand’s most exposed coastal conditions.

Photography Ben Ruffell