88 | Crosson Architects: Waiti House ARCHITECTURE Proudly supporting Crosson Architects 06 769 6747 chris@cbconstruction.co.nz cbconstruction.co.nz 326 Devon Street East, New Plymouth We’re a locally-owned friendly and dedicated team committed to providing high quality landscaping. Based in Taranaki, our reputation is built on matching our high quality service and workmanship with value for money. We design and build everything, from basic to high-end custom work. Contact Chris: 027 357 5588 www.downtoearthlandscaping.co.nz down_to_earth.landscapes Stellar inspiration The design centres on a close relationship between interior spaces and the natural environment. T T Karen Phelps A rural Taranaki home inspired by the Matariki star cluster has earned national recognition, with Waitī House by Crosson Architects shortlisted in the 2026 NZIA Western Architecture Awards. The Ōakura home has been acknowledged for its distinctive response to landscape, climate and cultural narrative. Set on a site near the Kaitake Ranges in Taranaki, Waitī House is shaped by its exposure to the region’s coastal weather as much as its expansive natural outlook. Crosson Architects worked closely with Ko & Ko to develop a home that reflects both Aotearoa’s environment and the owners’ Brazilian heritage, weaving those influences into a cohesive whole. The design centres on a close relationship between interior spaces and the natural environment, with the architecture arranged to frame views of the Wairau Stream, the ranges and the horizon beyond. Ken Crosson, director of Crosson Architects, says it draws on the surrounding waterways, bush and long views to the sea, with the design carefully arranged to sit within, rather than impose upon, the land. “The intention was to create a home that honours land, sky and ancestry while supporting everyday family life,” says Ken. “The idea was to respect the whenua, acknowledge the owners’ story and bring in their connection to the stars and the natural world.” He explains it is also about creating a sense of shelter in a dramatic coastal setting, where wind, salt air and shifting light shape how people experience the building. The house is organised around a series of linked volumes and outdoor spaces that encourage movement between inside and out throughout the day, with sheltered courtyards balancing more exposed outlooks. Built by Chris Bell Construction, large areas of glazing are used to draw in light and views while also providing natural ventilation and privacy where needed. At the heart of the plan, a circular courtyard acts as both a visual and spatial anchor, referencing the Waitī star within the Matariki cluster as well as a motif drawn from the Brazilian flag. This circular form is echoed in circulation routes and moments of framing throughout the home, reinforcing the layered cultural narrative embedded in the architecture. Materials are intentionally restrained, with timber, stone and natural finishes used to create warmth and continuity between spaces. The interior is designed to feel calm and tactile, allowing the surrounding landscape to remain the dominant visual element. Subtle variations in ceiling height, sunken living spaces and intimate rooms provide contrast to the more open living zones, giving the house a rhythm that responds to daily life and seasonal change.
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