In a private perch overlooking the Akaroa harbour, the Lighthouse is a contemporary take on the traditional bach. Partially informed by Californian Modernism, it's arranged over two floors, comfortably housing the owners and their dogs on their upper level, with two guest bedrooms and services below. A sculptural spiral staircase through the home's core connects the two, its upstairs landing forming a breezeway between the living and sleeping zones that can be closed off by tall timber screens. Full-height glazing leads to outdoor living at the front and rear of the home, forging an easy connection with the environment whilst providing manual control over the elements.

As the project developed, so did the clients' intentions, and the house was reframed as their future primary residence. The shift led to a more formal finish that impacted material and design decisions and recast one of the guest bedrooms as a home office and art studio. Future plans will eventually see a separate studio built on a flat platform below the house.