THE GUEST HOUSE
A contemporary take on a back country hut, this secluded Mahurangi East guest house balances simplicity, artistry and architectural ingenuity in a spectacular natural setting.
Inspired by LTD Architectural Design Studio’s award-winning Back Country House, the owners approached David Maurice with a brief to create a guest house that echoed its aesthetic – stripped back, connected to nature, and uniquely New Zealand – while responding to the specific challenges of their clifftop bush-fringed site.
Perched near the edge of native forest and overlooking a small lake, the site offered both inspiration and complexity to builder Jason Mann and his team at Iconic Homes. With no direct access or utilities, all building materials had to be brought in via trailer through the main house’s garage, requiring a four-wheel drive to navigate the steep terrain. Combined with the site's coastal conditions, lightweight and corrosion- resistant materials were necessary, while proximity to the bush required a careful approach to ensure protection of existing trees.
The result is a modest yet refined structure that feels at once grounded and elevated. The guest house is intentionally orientated to embrace its environment – the canopy of the deck opens directly toward the bush, while the angled roofline mimics the contour of the hill and forest beyond, allowing the structure to settle harmoniously into its natural backdrop. Double height ceiling and large, high windows in the central living space pull in afternoon sun, while also framing the upper tree canopy, making the forest part of the architecture. The exterior is clad in cedar, designed to silver naturally and recede into the landscape, further embedding the home into its setting. Inside, floors, ceilings and walls are lined with bandsawn macrocarpa, giving a seamless, immersive feel. In contrast to the sharp lines and concrete finishes of the main house, the guest house purposely embraces a rustic softness juxtaposed with sleek finishes.
Despite its compact footprint, the home is rich in detail. The kitchen’s marble benchtop adds elegance, while a space-saving dining table extends directly from the island. A suspended fireplace tucks into a corner, creating intimacy and warmth. Custom lighting softly illuminates the surrounding bush and pathways, welcoming guests and heightening the sense of seclusion at night.
Art plays a key role in shaping the home’s atmosphere. Curated by Clare Mora of Artful Curation, each piece has been carefully selected and placed with precision – like Feathers by Neil Dawson, which is suspended from the ceiling to catch the light and cast ever-changing shadows across the timber interior.
Clare’s influence extends outdoors as well, where 16 large-scale sculptures adorn the surrounding garden. Some artworks are so significant in scale they were helicoptered into place, while The Tipua Dome by David Trubridge creates a platform in a natural amphitheatre within the bush. From this spot at dusk, visitors can observe over 50 beautiful lights begin to glow, reaching 30–40 metres high into the tree canopy. This piece alone sets the tone for the property and reflects the client’s deep connection to art.
The Guest House acts as a threshold between two worlds – stepping from the structured landscape of the main property into a quiet, immersive bush haven. With its thoughtful design, tactile materiality, and deep connection to place and art, it offers a rich, layered experience.
