The brief was simple: more living space, but without making it feel cut off from the rest of the house. We built this deck in Waikauakau to bridge that gap, creating a seamless transition from the lounge straight out into the landscape.

Because of the coastal location, the engineering had to be spot on. The posts are anchored deep to handle the coastal winds, and we used high-quality timber and stainless steel fixings that cope with the moisture without rotting or leaving ugly rust streaks. The decking boards are spaced properly to let the rain clear quickly, keeping things low-maintenance. For the balustrade, we wanted something safe that didn't block the view, opting for a clean design that keeps the whole area feeling open. Even the handrail was sanded down completely smooth to make sure it's splinter-free and solid to lean on.

We also added wide, easy steps and built a shelter at one end to block the rain without losing the natural light. The whole thing has been sealed to weather nicely over the years. Now, the family is out there constant: coffees in the morning and dinners in the summer. It is a space that actually gets used every day, which is exactly what a good build should do.

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