Simplicity is deceptively complex at Herriot Melhuish O?Neill Architects? (HMOA) Waikanae House which won a housing award at the 2017 NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards. The NZIA judging panel observed that the simple external forms of the structure contain a hidden complexity within. ?Viewed on approach this house appears to be a simple composition of box forms. However, on entering and circulating through it, the composition reveals surprises, subtle complexities and a deft handling that responds to the site and the client needs.?

© Andy Spain

Architects: Herriot Melhuish O?Neill Architects

Location: Waikanae, New Zealand

Lead Architect: Max Herriot

Area: 296.0 m2

Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Andy Spain

© Andy Spain

From the architect. Simplicity is deceptively complex at Herriot Melhuish O?Neill Architects? (HMOA) Waikanae House which won a housing award at the 2017 NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards. The NZIA judging panel observed that the simple external forms of the structure contain a hidden complexity within. ?Viewed on approach this house appears to be a simple composition of box forms. However, on entering and circulating through it, the composition reveals surprises, subtle complexities and a deft handling that responds to the site and the client needs.?

Ground Level Plan

Now a finalist in the 2017 NZIA New Zealand Architecture Awards, the Waikanae House was...