Coastal Retreat is a case-study house that represents years of exploring the Kiwi vernacular. Delivering on the client’s vision to live (comfortably) off-grid in the bush, it showcases the beauty of sustainable and thoughtful design. The intensity of spaces is cleverly contrasted with sun-soaked living areas and a-light filled bathroom open to a view of the bush, balanced with darker, enveloping spaces giving a winter cosiness. The incorporation of the Japanese concept of ‘washitsu’ or anteroom, creates areas of calm and opportunity to appreciate the fine level of craftmanship expressed in the building.