Omaha House

This beach-front, low-maintenance beauty shows how clever design and material choices can rise to the challenge of an awkward coastal location.

Project details

Architect: Studio Kayser

Product: Vulcan Cladding - Vertical Grain in a Silicate Coating

Photography credit: Mark Scowen Photography

Completion date: 2018

Location: Omaha - Rodney, New Zealand

Completed in 2018, the Omaha house overlooks the estuary facing west. An awkward shaped site and the desire to connect the occupants with the stunning water surrounds led to a three-formed or winged structure connected with glazed hallways.

"The design brief was also for a low-maintenance and durable/solid form in both practicality and to last in its coastal and windy locale. Abodo's heat treated (thermally modified) pine was chosen over cedar (which the client knew from a past house meant a lot of re-oiling maintenance)." says Jessica Wright, Architectural Designer at Studio Kayser.

Abodo’s Vulcan Cladding - Vertical Grain in silicate coating gives the humble “board + batten” cladding a longer-lasting and low-maintenance finish and fits in sympathetically with the coastal environment.

The silicate coating is inspired by nature, and weathers to a beautiful silvery grey which can last up to ten years.

Being predominantly westerly-facing the decks and gardens connecting or between the three structures offer sheltered spaces to enjoy depending on the weather / winds which can blow in from the east or west.