There are few places as magical in the world as Golden Bay Holiday Park’s section of Tukurua Beach, accessible through the park and neighbouring properties. A beloved destination for hundreds of thousands throughout its 60-year history, owner of 21 years, Bob Perriam and his partner Nic Adlam have recently completed four luxury accommodation units on the beach front, adding to the two constructed in 2009. With no sound but the lapping of water and birdsong, they are a triumph of design and comfort.
Words: Adrienne Matthews
Carleton Barton of Barton Architecture has meticulously crafted and refined the design, infusing it with precision and innovation with an emphasis on complete privacy in luxurious, comfortable, contemporary surroundings that blend seamlessly into the environment.
The sparkling blue waters of Golden Bay form the backdrop. “It was a terrific project to work on but I must admit when the sea was flat, I was tempted to down tools and go fishing,” laughs builder Tobie Busbridge of T C Construction.
Catering to a wide range of guests—families, couples, or solo travellers—(one of the apartments is fully accessible), they strike a delicate balance between contemporary design and the rustic charm of the area.
“We aimed to complement nature and echo the ‘kiwi bach’ experience,” explains Carleton. “The selected materials and finishes enhance the experience within the surrounding environment, ensuring the new buildings feel like they belong to the landscape. Grooved, textured plywood for the exterior cladding reflects the earthy tones of the nearby bush, with darker, more recessive colours ensuring the buildings didn’t overpower the natural surroundings.”
The layout of each apartment is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Each is designed with an open, airy feel that flows through to the outdoors.
Comfort is very much in mind, with high-end features a priority. Kitchens are equipped with quality appliances, including large fridges, dishwashers, and spacious countertops, perfect for those planning an extended stay and designed for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchens and living spaces are functional yet beautifully crafted, and, they too blend sleek modernity with natural materials. It was important to Bob and Nic that they provided spaces that would even appeal to people who wanted a calm place to work away from their normal environment.
The selection of materials, surfaces, colours, textures and carefully placed lighting create flexibility and the multifunctional furniture layouts can be reorganised depending on the needs and preferences of the occupants.
While Nic sourced all the internal fit out and furnishings, interior designer Sarmya of Sarmya Clayton Interior Design was called upon to add her expertise to the project.
“The palette used in the interior design includes soft whites, sandy hues, and light timbers, evoking the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere of the coast. The design incorporates areas of natural shade, which adds to the overall ambiance and fosters a feeling of relaxation.”
The bedrooms and bathrooms, including separate toilets, are luxurious. “It was important to us to have high-end and durable bathrooms which include tiled finishes and underfloor heating, ensuring comfort no matter the season,” says Bob.
This attention to detail is extended throughout the apartments, with all the materials chosen to be both stylish and hard-wearing, ensuring they remain pristine even with frequent use.
Despite their duplex configuration, each apartment is designed to offer maximum privacy thanks to the clever offset to create varied sightlines and prevent any sense of overcrowding. Private decks are positioned on opposite sides of each unit, ensuring that guests can enjoy outdoor spaces without infringing on the privacy of their neighbours. The acoustic treatment between the units ensures a peaceful environment, making it an ideal setting for those seeking a quiet getaway.
The choice of a mono-pitched roof and elevated construction provides an additional layer of privacy and visual appeal. The buildings are set on timber piles, which allows them to adapt beautifully to the natural contours of the land, giving them a treehouse-like vibe that enhances their connection to the environment.
“Sustainability was an important consideration in the construction of these apartments,” explains Bob. “Wherever possible, local materials were sourced, and local tradespeople were employed, ensuring that the project supported the community and minimized its environmental impact. The use of local resources extended to the landscape design as well by Bespoke Outdoors, with careful attention given to integrating the buildings into the existing environment without disrupting the natural beauty of the beachfront.”
The design team worked closely with local consultants, geotechnical experts, and archaeologists to ensure that the project respected the cultural significance of the area. The final design integrates the unique cultural and environmental aspects of Golden Bay.
“This was a great project to be involved in,” says Tobie. “The sub-contractors were outstanding and everyone worked together to ensure the best result possible.”
The award-winning apartments have received accolades for their design and construction and are a testament to the thoughtful and innovative approach taken by everyone involved. The combination of natural beauty, modern design, and thoughtful construction has resulted in dwellings that are not only highly functional but also a joy to stay in.
“We are thrilled with the result of everyone’s hard work and that we can now offer year-round luxury accommodation on site.”
