Fleetwood is the brainchild of Jackie Houghton, a boutique event venue with accommodation on Waiheke Island. Studio Nord worked with Jackie to develop a site masterplan and then document a first phase of new buildings.

The main open plan house is both banquet hall and Jackie’s own residence. Two detached studio ‘pods’ nestled into the slope further up are rented as high-end, short-stay accommodation.

The site was fairly challenging to build on and building on Waiheke is expensive so the design incorporated elements of OSM (off-site manufacture) with cross laminated timber floors and walls and metal insulated panel cladding.

All the buildings are linear monopitch blocks with black profiled metal covering. This consistent architectural language makes a virtue of the economy of construction and ties the scattered elements together.

By being formally restrained the design allows the owners’ flair for interior design and landscaping to come to the fore.

Collaboration with Jackie Houghton

Awaawaroa - Fleetwood

2021

Modern black house on a grassy hillside with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

A dirt road leading uphill with cacti and greenery on both sides, a white car parked on the left, a sign that reads 'FLEETWOOD' on the right, and a hillside with trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Modern outdoor courtyard with black metal building walls, decorated with mounted animal skulls with antlers, a wooden tripod structure with skulls and antlers, two black benches, a large bean bag, and desert plants.

Sunlight streaming through large glass sliding doors onto a wooden dining table with chairs, in a modern living space with a mountain view outside.

Interior of a modern wooden cabin living room with a bed, a small sofa, a round table with chairs, shelves with decor, a wood stove, and glass sliding doors leading to an outdoor deck with seating and greenery.