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Architect: Ian Cumberpatch

Interior Designer: Detail by Davinia Sutton Ltd

Photography: Stephen Goodenough

Detail by Davinia Sutton Ltd has masterfully designed a distinctive beach house “hut” in Anchorage, New Zealand, embodying a modern and simplified aesthetic. Nestled in the serene expanse of Abel Tasman National Park, this holiday home seamlessly integrates the essence of the park’s natural beauty with a luxurious retreat experience. Drawing inspiration from traditional New Zealand tramping huts, the design combines honest functionality and simplicity with a modern, luxurious twist.

The interior design by Detail by Davinia Sutton Ltd is characterized by a robust, minimalist approach and efficient use of space. The open-plan layout enhances the sense of spaciousness and allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, emphasizing the connection between the indoors and the outdoors. Locally sourced kahikatea timber is used extensively in both structural elements and interior finishes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials was a priority, ensuring the home is both beautiful and environmentally conscious.

The beach house offers a relaxed and tranquil environment, providing a retreat from everyday life. Large windows and sliding doors flood the space with natural light and offer breathtaking views of the pristine wilderness. The layout ensures comfort and practicality, featuring space-efficient storage solutions and versatile furniture that adapts to various needs. Designed to be self-sufficient and sustainable, the home incorporates features such as rainwater harvesting and solar power.

At the heart of the open-plan living and dining zone is the kitchen, designed in a galley format and extending into a working pantry. This critical area allows for food preparation to be separated from the main space when entertaining. Equipped with a second sink, dishwasher, and both hidden and exposed storage, the pantry caters to the avid cook. The main kitchen features a hidden breakfast pantry, integrated refrigeration, and a clean, modern aesthetic. An island bench houses the wash and prep zone, with sightlines to the exterior dining spaces and the park beyond.

The kitchen design includes a waterfall benchtop that anchors the space, creating a defined and clean block form. A raised timber bench provides privacy from the living area and brings a natural element to the design. The use of a restricted palette of locally sourced kahikatea veneer and soft-touch HPL white ply joinery fronts brings a sense of calm to the main kitchen aesthetic, complemented by textured matt porcelain worktops.

Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the mid-toned timber flooring to the native birch ply ceiling panels. These finishes balance lightness and strong structural forms, enhancing the space and creating a unique, bespoke kitchen. The result is a sophisticated yet native design that sits naturally within the modern architectural context of this beachside holiday home, perfectly delivering on the “bold but natural” client brief by Detail by Davinia Sutton Ltd.