The intention was to build a private home to be used by its owners as a sea change for up to 6 months of the year. Retirement in the future was a major consideration.

This project was planned supervised and directed from Australia with several site visits to check progress and oversee details. The builder was a local man with a team of new young local tradespeople. The team lived on site Monday to Friday, so worked, ate and slept on the job. No high tech equipment or techniques were available, so the house was hand built with only one electric drop saw used during the construction time. Concrete was hand mixed for both floors and walls and all sanding was done by hand.

The level of experience and sophistication was an issue during the project. The team were boys, many of whom had just stepped from the jungle. Most had never seen a project of this size before. Kitchen cabinets and joinery were a totally new experience. But enthusiastically they got stuck in. The timber works in the ceiling and extensive decks are majestic.

Goods and products including paint needed to be shipped from New Zealand and Australia. Colour selections were initially a source of great amusement for the building team who were not used to strong colour.

Resene Geronimo features on the main bedroom, ensuite and bath wall, Resene Billy T on the living area, laundry and shower wall, Resene Chetwode Blue and Resene Hero in bedroom 2, Resene Whizz Bang in the artist studio, Resene Guru in the guest lounge, Resene Optimist in the guest bedroom and ensuite, Resene Half Guru in the scullery and powder room and Resene Alabaster on all ceilings.

The project took approximately 12 months from start to completion. The end result was a stunning, beach house, beautifully built, that sits on the sand in a beautiful coral encased lagoon. Surrounded by jungle and coconut plantations it is both remote and private. Its colours are vibrant and bold. It’s a beautiful blend of nature and daring.

Architectural Specifier: Julie Chandler
Building Contractor: Simon Aru Builder
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2012

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