This beautiful custom architectural design in the Bay of Plenty was brought to life by Soren and the team at Seaside Homes. Designed to embrace its breathtaking 280-degree water views, the home also responds to its unique site constraints.
For these homeowners the vision was clear from the start. Inspired by their 1970s childhoods—summer holidays spent camping, fishing, and boating—they wanted to create a place that celebrated the simplicity and joy of those times. The Lockwood home is just one part of their property’s grand vision. Their concept was a Big Club Hut, a home to house their life and creative projects, with shared camp-style facilities for family when they visit. The first structure they built was a large garage with a 100-square-metre mezzanine, their original Club Hut—a practical and creative space for their blended family. The two bedroom Lockwood house was always intended as a minimalist retreat, a Kiwiana resort-style home that is simple, clean, and constructed from permanent, natural materials sourced from New Zealand.
Due to a flooding risk, the floor level needed to be 2.5 metres above the ground. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, they used the elevation to their advantage, designing a wraparound deck that allows movement around the entire home. Whether inside or out, they say it always feels like they are floating on a deck—exactly the perspective they envisioned. Sheltered outdoor areas, created by a 3-metre roof overhang and glass balustrades, provide protection from high winds while maintaining uninterrupted views.
Inside, the home showcases a timeless and natural aesthetic, with Lockwood timber interiors providing warmth and character. The kitchen island features back-lit Corian for a striking effect, while the Paua-coloured kitchen splashback inspires other pops of colour in the scullery and bathrooms. Most of the home’s finishes and décor remain in neutral, natural tones, allowing the timber to take centre stage.
Beyond the house itself, the property is a celebration of 1970s Kiwiana, influenced by island resorts around the world. Every element has been carefully considered, from the materials used, to the large-scale landscaping that encourages wetland birds to wander through.
For these homeowners, they describe their home as a Kaitiaki’s Whare, a guardian’s shelter, standing strong and purposeful in the raw coastal environment. And when family arrives, it transforms into a Wharenui, a gathering place, bringing everyone together.
As longtime Lockwood lovers, they are thrilled with the outcome. They were especially impressed by the skill and attention to detail demonstrated by Soren and his team at Seaside Homes. Now, they can enjoy the carefully designed and purpose-built Lockwood home they always dreamed of—one that is not just a home, but a legacy.
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