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Minimalism at the Beach

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Was there ever a more perfect architecture for this serenely horizontal water view than this utterly minimalist beach abode?

Instant nirvana, right?

The sublimely simple beachfront retreat is in New Zealand’s far north, a barely populated sliver of land that extends up into the Pacific.

Designed by Auckland’s Fearon Hay Architects, the design intersperses interiors and exteriors that open out onto each other seamlessly along a long slender site that descends gently to end at the beach.

Both inside and out, highly resilient buffed concrete floors keep sandy feet from making any impact on the house.

A giant white slab echoing the vastness of the sky above conceals a chimney for the outdoor fireplace.

At any time of the day, this kind of pared back minimalism enhances the indoor/outdoor experience.

Like many coastal houses, transparency allows a glimpse of the sublime turquoise sea beyond, from the moment you set foot on a refined concrete floor that extends throughout.