Hahei House

Located on the beachfront at Hahei, this coastal retreat was designed as a place for family and friends to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Cedar was selected as a key material throughout the home, with the building carefully positioned to maximise natural light, views and connection to the site. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand dunes, the design uses a series of interconnected forms and sheltered outdoor spaces to create a home that sits comfortably within its coastal environment.

Challenge

As a beachfront property, Hahei House is located in an environment where timber is exposed to coastal conditions and changing weather patterns. Cedar was selected as a key exterior material, making the choice of timber finish an important part of the design process.

The architects were seeking a finish that would provide protection for the timber cladding while achieving a naturally weathered, silvered appearance that reflected the colours and textures of the surrounding coastline. The finish also needed to complement a material palette of cedar, sandstone and light grey roofing, helping the home blend into its environment rather than dominate it.

Solution

The exterior cedar cladding was finished with Dryden WoodOil Platinum, selected for its ability to achieve the desired silvered, weathered appearance from the outset. According to the architects, Platinum was specifically chosen for its natural patina and its ability to accentuate the grain and texture of the timber, particularly on band-sawn and rough-sawn boards.

The Dryden finish played an important role in achieving the design vision for the project. The grey-toned cedar works alongside the sandstone and roofing materials to create a cohesive palette that reflects the bleached colours of the surrounding beach and rock formations. The result is a home that feels matt and silvered, like a piece of driftwood washed up on the shoreline. The architects were also attracted to Dryden's ability to maintain the natural character of the timber while achieving the desired weathered appearance. Maintenance is undertaken on an as-needed basis, including periodic washing and recoating to preserve the desired appearance and support the ongoing care of the cedar.

Outcomes

Hahei House successfully balances contrast and assimilation within its coastal setting. While the folded roof forms and sculptural geometry create a distinctive architectural identity, the Dryden WoodOil Platinum finish helps the cedar cladding blend naturally into the landscape through its soft silver-grey appearance.

The project has become an important benchmark for the architects, demonstrating how Dryden WoodOil Platinum can support both the aesthetic and performance requirements of coastal timber architecture. Over time, the finish has allowed the cedar to develop a natural patina while continuing to complement the surrounding environment. With maintenance undertaken as needed through washing and recoating, the specification has successfully delivered the weathered coastal character and timber appearance originally envisioned for the home.