— HOME Magazine / Home of the Year Winner 2024
Boathouse Bay is a medium density development situated at the north end of the Snells Beach settlement, north of Auckland. Crosson architects created the masterplan and designed a series of housing types to create a unique coastal community. The design reflects a traditional boatshed gable typology, with a reinterpreted contemporary take on building forms and materials. The colour scheme, drawn from the sandspit campground’s white buildings, contrasts with the natural landscape, honouring the area’s traditional vernacular. The design features strategically placed community spaces, gardens, and BBQ areas, connected by filtering paths leading to the beach. Gateway buildings serve as markers of the community entry and edge to the beach access. Utility spaces cater for diverse needs, from hobby spaces, painting studios to boat and car storage. Efficient spatial design and connections to the exterior maximise the view and aspect, taking advantage of the dramatic coastal position.
Photography by Samuel Hartnett
