Piringa House
Matakana
Piringa—meaning shelter, refuge, and coming together in te reo Māori—embodies its name in both spirit and form. Conceived as a low-slung retreat, it nestles into a gently sloping pasture, opening outward to the surrounding native bush and drawing long views toward the Matakana River. Its elongated plan feels at once grounded and expansive, encouraging a dialogue between intimacy and landscape.
Two insitu concrete spine walls establish the retreat’s axis, guiding movement towards the main entry, where a pivot door marks the threshold. Above, the ridge of a softly folded roof traces the line of one spine wall, lending a sense of weightless shelter while organising the internal spaces beneath. Public and private areas extend from this core, carefully oriented to capture sunlight, frame outlooks, with connection to outdoor spaces and preserve privacy.
Beyond its architectural clarity, Piringa carries the spirit of gezellig—the Dutch notion of warmth, togetherness, and the joy of time spent with loved ones. More than physical coziness, it is an emotional refuge: a place where material, light, and landscape combine to nurture connection and belonging.
The material palette is rooted in natural tones and tactile richness: polished concrete floors anchor the structure, while cedar-clad walls and ceilings bring warmth, texture, and a living connection to the surrounding landscape.
Photography by Simon Devitt