Lake House and Boatshed

Lake Rotoiti
Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Residential New Build and Renovation
Completion 2023

Our clients were lucky enough to secure this unique property many years ago. It is one of only a few freehold parcels in the Rotoiti area, on the lake itself, and has its own small jetty.

The existing house, built in the early 1970s was badly in need of refurbishment, and we assisted the owners as they progressively replaced roofing, upgraded fittings and transformed the house into a very comfortable lake house. A connected garage was replaced with a small two bedroom cottage.

The existing boatshed was in disrepair, and as part of the upgrade work to the jetty and lake access, this was replaced. The owners took the opportunity to add another level on the existing footprint of the old boatshed. This now contain a yoga studio and facilities for the owner’s yoga and holistic health practice.

Work on the boathouse continued through the difficult Covid period, and now that the family have returned permanently from overseas, they are able to spend more time there and reap the benefits of the time and energy they have put into the property.

The owners have a great understanding of the value of good design, and the benefits that can bring in terms of lifestyle.

Being associated with a site for a long period of time is especially rewarding when the owners have a great understanding of the value of good design, and the benefits that can bring in terms of lifestyle, as well as how buildings can enhance their enjoyment of place.

Every part of this sprawling property and its various projects have been approached with an awareness of the need to be good neighbours to the surrounding properties, to respect the lake and the ecology of its environs, and to work towards constant improvement in a sustainable and sensitive way.

All of the buildings are tied together by the use of various materials, and their forms and dimensions, without slavishly simply copying details. The buildings appear as part of a family, independent and yet connected by their designed DNA. There is something here for all of the owners’ family and friends, and they very much enjoy having visitors to experience this special place.