Kawau Island House – Little Vivian Bay, New Zealand

A contemporary clifftop home that takes inspiration from mid-century modernist design, echoing generations of family history and blending seamlessly into the kānuka forests above Little Vivian Bay.

Project details

Architect: Simon Novak | NOVAK+MIDDLETON

Builder: Dave King

Product: Vulcan® Panelling (TG9 Profile 175 x 10) in Protector™ - Clear

Vulcan® Cladding (Profile WB12 138 x 20 and 180 x 20, WB12F 180 x 20) in Protector™ - Nero

Photographer: Simon Devitt

Completion date: February 2025

Location: Little Vivian Bay, Kawau Island – New Zealand

Simon Novak and the team at Novak + Middleton have captured eight decades of family history with Kawau Island House, which honours the heritage of the clients’ family bach from the 1940s while embracing modern design techniques, methodologies and materials.

“Kawau Island House was commissioned as a holiday home for the Morton family, some of the longest-standing residents of Vivian Bay,” says Simon. “David Morton’s grandfather constructed the family’s first bach in Ngaiwi St, Orakei in 1946, then deconstructed it and shipped it by scow (boat) to Kawau Island to reassemble in Vivian Bay. When a stunning clifftop section became available 75 years later, and with the extended family too big for the original bach, it was time to build again for future generations.”

Kawau Island House Vulcan Cladding Panelling Abodo Wood 02

The Mortons’ brief was to create a modern holiday retreat that referenced the original bach, required little maintenance, and was suitable to be locked up and left in a challenging environment. Material durability and long-term care were critical considerations, as the site is exposed to the elements - salty air, strong sun, and changeable weather.

Novak + Middleton chose several products from the Abodo range to achieve the aesthetic and performance the project demanded. “Abodo’s stability, performance in the marine environment, and ability to weather gracefully made it well-suited to a holiday house that is often unoccupied. The product also aligned strongly with the project’s timber‑lead construction approach and reduced reliance on steel and concrete, helping to lower the overall carbon footprint.”

Kawau Island House Director Simon Novak Abodo Wood 05

Abodo Vulcan® Panelling in Protector™ - Clear and multiple profiles of Vulcan® Cladding in Protector™ - Nero were used extensively both externally for cladding and soffits and internally for walls and ceilings. “A range of profiles and stained finishes were selected to allow the house to visually merge with the surrounding kānuka forest and coastal landscape,” says Simon.

“Internally, Abodo timber was also used to line walls and ceilings, creating warmth and material consistency throughout the house. Ceilings in the main living area were up-lighted to fully feature the timber’s warmth and character, and timber flooring was used to reinforce the robust, natural palette."

Kawau Island House Director Simon Novak Abodo Wood 09

The result is an award-winning, elegant retreat that is truly personal and deeply connected with its landscape and its occupants’ history.

Built to last beautifully, Kawau Island House is “intentionally simple, rational and calm,” certain to bring treasured holiday memories to many future generations.