Tractor House
Images Simon Wilson
Nestled within the undulating dunes of the Te Arai coastline, this striking yet understated architectural retreat embodies a seamless union of design and landscape.
Designed by Studio John Irving and expertly brought to life by Create+Construct, the home was crafted to embrace its spectacular surroundings while ensuring privacy, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and an exceptional entertaining experience. The clients envisioned a home that would capture the breathtaking views of the Taranga and Marotiri islands while remaining in harmony with its natural environment. The result is a refined, contemporary home that is as inviting as it is architecturally impressive.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an unexpected yet endearing feature - an old red Massey Ferguson tractor, gifted to the ex-farming owners by the builders and architects. It is this personal touch that solidified the home’s affectionate moniker, Tractor House. Beyond the entrance, the architecture unfolds with the home squarely positioned to face the view, while all living areas sit along the fully glazed North-East frontage to capture abundant sunlight.
The design centres around a sheltered courtyard, with the home’s living spaces spilling onto generous covered outdoor areas that frame the ocean beyond. A four-metre overhang at the front not only provides shade and privacy but also serves as a defining architectural element.
Inside, a strong visual connection to the ocean is established from the moment one steps through the entry door, drawing the eye straight to the shimmering horizon. While the central courtyard, complete with a lush garden and a striking olive tree, anchors the home, providing a tranquil and sheltered outdoor retreat visible from nearly every space.
To ensure the home harmonised with its coastal setting, a carefully considered material palette was selected. Cedar weatherboards, chosen for their durability and natural aesthetic, clad both the exterior and portions of the interior, reinforcing the home’s organic, coastal feel. A combination of rusticated horizontal boards on the fascia and vertical shiplap boards on the walls creates subtle textural contrast, enhancing the home’s understated elegance. APL anodised aluminium joinery and profiled aluminium roofing were incorporated for their resilience in the harsh coastal climate.
Beyond aesthetics, the home was meticulously designed for functionality and comfort. Large sliding doors and openable windows create passive cross-ventilation, while slatted cedar screens provide additional shading and privacy. A strategic two-metre grid informed the floor plan, ensuring a clean, structured design that enhances the home’s architectural clarity.
Throughout the project, the collaboration between Create+Construct and Studio John Irving was key to achieving the client’s vision, whose hands-on approach to the interior design and landscaping ensured a deeply personal and beautifully executed final result.
Tractor House is more than just a coastal retreat - it is a thoughtfully designed sanctuary that effortlessly balances beauty, comfort, and sustainability, making it a remarkable addition to the Tara Iti landscape.
