NATURE MEETS DESIGN

Proudly positioned on an iconic slice of West End Road paradise, this waterfront dream home has been designed by acclaimed architect David Ponting.

The prime 1092sqm land overlooks Coxs Bay and enjoys a special connection with the Waitemata Harbour, even boasting its own boat ramp. While it’s to be sold offthe-plan, the current owner will build the home for the purchaser, to provide peace of mind and a seamless experience.

Number 69 is the first property at the southern end of Coxs Bay, opposite West End Lawn Tennis Club and Coxs Bay Park.

As a long-time admirer of Ponting’s work, the owner of the site enlisted him to create a private residence with strong architectural form that was worthy of this extraordinary setting.

All the five bedrooms are on the top floor, while ground level living flows out to the pool, spa and sweeping flat lawns out front. The owner shared that unlike many homes in Herne Bay and Westmere, it’s not just the master bedroom that enjoys the best views here.

Thanks to the clever design that extends along the wide water frontage, almost every room enjoys an equal sea view.

A spellbinding balance has been struck between creating essential privacy in this urban setting and maximising the seascape in its full glory. To do so, the structure turns its back to the busier southern side, while opening up completely to the north and its captivating coastline.

Architect Ponting says that for him, the inspiration always comes back to nature, and that this home is a homage to the magnificent harbour that is literally on its doorstep.

“It would have been insane to do anything other than engage with that and do so in such a way that you feel could reach out and touch the water and feel completely immersed in that context,” Ponting says.

The bedroom level is a suspended cedar form and, through its softly shaped, curved fac¸ ade, reflects the yacht hulls gently bobbing in the bay.

“It’s almost like a sound shell in form – the upper layer rests on this very strong concrete spine, which points east west,” Ponting says.

Another clever element of the design is the strong concrete wall that greets you as you come down the driveway, which Ponting describes as a ‘reflector.’

Its purpose is to build anticipation for the big reveal of the waterfront outlook.

“When you’re on the arrival side you’re screened from what you’ll experience – it basically takes away the drama of the view, so that you’re channelled up to the front door where you then reconnect with it.

“Being the owner of the home and being able to let people through the door is a really special moment because they’re reconnecting with something they were left wondering about.”

He also says that the intention is to feel as though you’re at a private resort.

“Once again, the hull and the coastline and the shell all sort of weave through that story,” Ponting says.

There is resource consent in place for the new boat ramp and sea wall, which the owner says will increase sea wall height one metre above the existing wall.

Westmere is one of central Auckland’s special suburbs, a well-connected and convenient harbourside hub.

Local primary and preschools are within walking distance, along with all the vast green spaces of Coxs Bay and Bayfield Parks. Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and the CBD are all within close proximity.

Listing agent Cristina Casares, from Bayleys, is captivated by the essence of architect Ponting’s vision and sees this home as a work of art – a place where nature meets design.

“Picture every room offering an uninterrupted sea view, making every moment spent here truly remarkable,” she says.

Thanks to the clever design that extends along the wide water frontage, almost every room enjoys an equal sea view.