Coastal Cube Living.

Black Pine Construction completed this striking architectural home on Tutere Street, where bold geometric design meets coastal sophistication. This unique three-level residence challenges conventional beachside architecture with its dramatic dark cladding and cube-like form, creating a landmark property that maximises both privacy and spectacular views to Kāpiti Island.

Client

The Smiths
Completion

February 5th, 2024
Project type

Medium Density Housing
Designer

Ben Kusabs

Ben / Designer

"The Tutere Street project represents everything I love about challenging coastal builds. The client came to us with a vision for something completely different - not another weatherboard beach house, but a piece of architecture that would turn heads. They wanted to wake up to Kāpiti Island views, entertain in style, and have a home that felt like a retreat.

The site's coastal position drove every design decision. That dramatic dark cladding? It's not just aesthetic - it hides salt spray marks and reduces maintenance in the harsh coastal environment. The elevated structure on poles addresses tsunami and flooding regulations whilst creating that fantastic covered outdoor area below. Those louvred screens aren't decorative - they're precisely angled to block western sun whilst maintaining ocean views.

What really sets this build apart is the structural engineering hidden within those clean lines. The upper level essentially floats above the lower floors, cantilevered to create that striking cubic form. We had to run steel beams through the entire structure, carefully concealed within walls. The engineering for those massive glass panels to withstand coastal winds required specialty suppliers and installers.

The interior finishes pushed our craftsmanship to new levels. That granite island weighs over 400kg - we had to reinforce the floor structure specifically to support it. The exposed beam ceiling required us to rethink our usual construction sequence, installing services and insulation in ways that would remain completely hidden. Every junction, every corner, every surface had to be perfect because there's nowhere to hide imperfections in such minimalist design.

This home proves that coastal living doesn't mean compromising on architectural ambition. From that stunning morning light flooding the bedroom to evening entertainments on the deck with Kāpiti Island as backdrop, every space delivers on the promise of elevated beachside living. It's these kinds of projects - where clients trust us with their bold visions - that keep us passionate about pushing construction boundaries"

Process:

Coastal Engineering

Building this close to the coast demanded specialist engineering. We designed the pole foundation system to handle both sandy soil conditions and potential coastal hazards. The elevated design wasn't just about views - it addressed council requirements for flood zones whilst creating covered parking below. Every structural element was specified for the marine environment, from galvanised fixings to specially treated timber.
Precision Assembly

The geometric complexity of this design required millimetre-perfect execution. We prefabricated the steel frame components off-site for accuracy, then assembled the cubic forms like a three-dimensional puzzle. The cantilevered upper level and dramatic window placements demanded exact calculations - one measurement off and the entire geometry would fail. Our team worked with surveying equipment typically reserved for commercial builds.
Luxury Detailing

This home demanded perfection in every finish. The exposed structural beams weren't just left raw - each was sanded, sealed, and positioned for maximum visual impact. Installing that massive granite island required six workers and specialist lifting equipment. The bathroom's large-format tiles were individually levelled with laser guides. Even the exterior cladding followed precise spacing to maintain the clean architectural lines. This is what separates architectural building from standard construction.

The home features expansive open-plan living with soaring ceilings and exposed structural beams that create visual drama. Floor-to-ceiling glazing captures panoramic ocean views whilst louvred screens provide privacy and sun control. The luxury bathroom showcases a freestanding bath and walk-in shower with premium tile work, whilst the chef's kitchen features a massive granite island and high-end appliances that are perfectly suited to beachside living.