There’s no place like this for pure tranquility. Perched above Sumner Beach, wrapped in lush greenery and open to the ever-changing sea, Tuawera Retreat is a place to slow down, switch off, and feel completely at ease. What began as a well-worn mid-century bach is now a carefully rebuilt coastal home, designed to last another 60 years. Read our clients’ own story below.
Tuawera Retreat
You might relate to this project if…
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You’ve fallen for an older or mid-century bach or character home in a setting you love
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You want modern comfort, safety and performance, but don’t want to lose the home’s soul
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Your site is steep, tricky or has awkward access and you’re not sure what’s realistically possible
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You live out of town or are very busy, and need architects who can manage a complex build on your behalf
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You’re thinking about a coastal retreat now that could become a long-term home in future
When Teresa and Mark first set eyes on the weathered bach perched above Sumner Beach, they immediately felt its charm.
“The panoramic sea views, the sound of the ocean, and the simplicity of this mid-century beach bach. With rimu weatherboards and floors, and large windows this bach had a fantastic relaxed and open feel to it from day one.”
But turning a nostalgic find into a resilient, comfortable, and beautiful home is never as simple as it looks. Behind the sea breeze and sunsets were some very real challenges: structural repairs, tight site access, and the task of keeping the soul of the original home alive while upgrading it for another 60 years. Working with experienced Christchurch architects helped the homeowners navigate every step of this complex house renovation.
Managing Challenges from Afar
From the outset, the project had its hurdles. The couple lived in Wellington at the time, so most of the build had to be managed remotely.
“As with any project, this one had its challenges! We were living in Wellington so the project needed to be managed remotely. A lot of the day-to-day management fell on our architects, with strategic site visits by us throughout the project”
Practicalities of the site added further complexity. With no drive-on access beyond the garage at street level, all materials had to be carried uphill by hand.
“Access was a big issue with this property. Being on a hill section with a narrow drive meant juggling materials, and a lot of hard work hand carting materials on and off site.”
Rather than let the site be only a source of frustration, our team transformed the journey into part of the experience. A timber boardwalk now winds its way up from the garage to the house, with resting platforms that invite you to pause and enjoy the sea air. What began as a challenge is now one of the retreat’s defining features.
Preserving Character, Meeting Modern Standards
One of the clients’ most important requirements was not losing the essence of the bach. They wanted the home to feel “new, but not new” — modernised and resilient, but still recognisably the 1960s retreat they fell in love with.
“The key challenge for our Architects with this rebuild was to preserve as much of the essence and patina of the property as possible, while complying with new, stringent building codes. We didn’t want the bach to feel brand new, but like a well-loved beach retreat.”
Original elements — like the rimu floors, deck balustrades, and colour scheme — were preserved where possible. Modern composite joinery and copper details have been integrated seamlessly to improve performance. The home’s original character is retained, while ensuring the beach house renovation is durable for decades to come.
“We loved the original rimu weatherboards, but they had been poorly maintained. Greg convinced us to replace them with new boards cut to the original size. This kept the feel of the original boards.”
Indoor–Outdoor Living and Expansive Views
The transformation extends inside. Reconfigured spaces and improved flow between indoors and outdoors make the home feel open, bright, and closely connected to its natural setting.
“The bach has great outdoor living spaces, with the side deck sheltered from the prevailing wind by the body of the house. Our architects enhanced the indoor/outdoor flow by adding large sliding doors from the lounge onto both the side and front decks.”
And the views — truly, the views are the heart of this home.
“Views are what this place is all about! Greg and Brian did an amazing job with the windows and sliding doors in the lounge. On one side you feel like you are living in a tree house, and on the other side that you are living in an ever-changing seascape.”
Thoughtful design ensures the home feels expansive without losing intimacy, making it the perfect coastal retreat for quiet weekends, family stays and time out from busy city life.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
At the end of the project, the clients felt their vision had been realised and even surpassed.
“The end result is a unique beach property. Our architects realised our vision of a new, but not new 1960’s beach bach. With so many character properties lost in the Christchurch quake, it was fantastic to see this bach reinstated and good to go for another 60 years. And it’s Sumner—we love living in this beach village in our beach retreat.”
The project was shortlisted in the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Canterbury Architecture Awards. This recognition highlights the quality of design, craftsmanship, and sensitive restoration.
For Teresa and Mark, the real reward is in how the home feels to use — relaxed yet intentional, familiar yet renewed, and ready to serve as both a coastal retreat now and a possible long-term home in the years to come.
A Story for Future Projects
Every project comes with unknowns — site access, structural surprises, and the stress of coordinating a build. When you add a steep hill site, a much-loved character home and remote clients, those challenges can multiply quickly.
For these clients, working with a trusted team of Christchurch architects turned uncertainty into a carefully managed process. From navigating hill-site logistics to balancing old and new materials, the result is a characterful and enduring home.
For anyone considering house alterations, renovations, or a new build in Christchurch, Tuawera Retreat demonstrates that even the most challenging sites can be transformed into a dream coastal sanctuary.
Ready to explore what’s possible while keeping the character?
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Interior Designer: Alexandra Blair Interior Design
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
