The vineyards are there as a result of Waiheke’s temperate coastal climate and some rare geology seams of pyrite rock criss cross the island like veins.  Its this geology that give the grapes, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, their distinctive Waiheke taste. The home uses this same local pyrite strata as a building material to create a sense of place in Architecture. 

The pyrite is a dense, colourful hard stone which can be stacked, etched and layered into earthy walls and textures.  The rock mass of the home is like a bridge, open both sides to exploit both the beach frontage and the afternoon sun. Under this, its main living area nestles safely into the escarpment between a spacious easterly ocean-front pool terrace and a grotto-like western courtyard to the west.  The owners often use this grotto as an outdoor movie theatre.