Built For View

This stunning yet modest Marlborough Sounds bach, built by Bolitho Building, was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while maximising breathtaking views. The quaint 84m² retreat demonstrates thoughtful planning, precise engineering, and expert craftsmanship.

Approaching the property is an experience in itself. The driveway winds through dense native bush, building anticipation as glimpses of the sea appear through the trees. As you step towards the entrance, a strategically placed window offers a teaser of the pristine Mahau Sound beyond. The full spectacle is revealed the moment the front door opens—a panoramic, uninterrupted view stretching across the interior. Even from the bedroom, the ever-changing colours of the water stay in sight, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the spectacular natural environment. The service areas, including an ensuite off the bedroom and an additional bathroom, are discreetly positioned at the rear, ensuring functionality without compromising the view.

The bach’s exterior, clad in corrugated iron, was a deliberate choice by architectural designer David Todd. “Corrugated iron cladding is a favourite material that I like to use. It blends in well with the bush setting of this project,” he says. The full-height windows across the frontage were designed to meet the client’s vision of making the sea the focal point.

Building in such a remote location posed significant engineering challenges. “This project came with geotechnical challenges. The ground was soft in areas under the house’s platform, and the surrounding ground was very steep,” explains Michael Younghusband, director of My Consulting. “The geotechnical engineers did a great job investigating the ground and provided a good report with design criteria that we incorporated into our structural design.”

Access to the site was a hurdle in itself. The steep driveway was too narrow for trucks, requiring all materials to be transported in manageable sizes. “Due to the location of the build, we had to build all of the frames on-site by hand. All concrete was poured via helicopter, and access was an ongoing obstacle to overcome. This did, however, mean we were able to preserve all of the beautiful native bush surrounding the Bach, including all of the Nikau Palms, which was extremely important to the owner,” mentions Tim Bolitho, owner of Bolitho Building.

A custom-designed portal frame was required to accommodate expansive glazing while maintaining structural integrity. “In terms of the look of the bach, the client wanted large open windows to the sea views. This compromised the amount of bracing, so a specific portal frame was designed to allow this design,” says Younghusband.

Stepping into the heart of the bach, the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas are warm and inviting. A key design element is the flooring supplied by Forte Flooring. The chosen range, Villa Raven Rough Sawn Plank Engineered Oak, adds texture and depth, complementing the natural tones of the surroundings. The abundant glazing was made possible by Fairview Windows, who provided all the external aluminium joinery. “Fairview Windows supplied all external joinery. To make the most of the beautiful surroundings, there was a large amount of glass installed,” explains Tim.

The kitchen strikes a balance between modern sophistication and natural warmth. “The client really liked the dark tones with the cabinetry, benchtop, and accessories and was after a sleek and sophisticated look with a wood-grained floor to soften it,” says Nathan Jeffries, operations manager and design consultant at Ezy Kitchens.

The cabinetry features Prime Melamine Anthracite Velvet paired with an Absolute Black Honed Granite benchtop. Light grey carcasses and matching grey drawer sides complete the cohesive aesthetic.

This Marlborough Sounds retreat is a triumph of design, engineering, and collaboration. Despite the challenges posed by its remote location and complex terrain, the team of experts—from architects to engineers and builders—worked tirelessly to bring the client’s vision to life. The result is a serene, elegant getaway where the beauty of the natural landscape takes centre stage, offering a perfect escape from the everyday hustle.

Contact details:

Bolitho Building Nelson
027 877 4300
tombolitho@icloud.com
www.bolithobuilding.com