Mawhitipana House - Waiheke Island

Project Overview

Created as a relaxed coastal escape, the brief for this holiday home focused on making the most of its elevated site, expansive views, and north facing sun. Rather than centering the design around interior spaces, the home was conceived around outdoor living - featuring large decks and flexible open areas that allow the owners to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding environment.

Metro Glass supplied high performing Xcel™ double glazing throughout the project, supporting the home’s open, light filled design while delivering thermal performance and comfort in an exposed coastal setting.

The ground floor is fully glazed on all four sides, creating uninterrupted connections between the kitchen, living, dining, and outdoor spaces. Large sliding glass doors allow the interior to open seamlessly onto decks stretching from east to west, creating spaces that can shift effortlessly between indoors and outdoors.

Above the transparent lower level, a cedar clad timber box appears to float lightly above the landscape. Housing the sleeping and bathing spaces, the upper level creates a deliberate contrast to the openness below - offering privacy, shelter, and framed views through full-height windows concealed behind sliding timber shutters.

Unique Project Requirements

The home’s steep site and sensitive natural surroundings required a carefully considered design and construction approach. Positioned among protected pōhutukawa trees, the structure was designed to minimise its footprint while still achieving expansive outdoor living areas and uninterrupted views over the bay below.

Glazing played a central role in achieving the architectural vision. Large sliding doors and full height windows demanded precise integration with the timber and steel structure, while also maintaining clean sightlines and seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. The use of high performance Xcel™ double glazing helped balance openness with thermal efficiency, natural light and home comfort.

The result is a simple yet highly refined retreat where architecture, landscape, and glazing work together to create a home that feels open, light, and deeply connected to its coastal setting.