Winner of the WGANZ Design Residential: Upper North Island Award 2026, the coastal residence demonstrates how ambitious glazing, careful detailing and precise installation can create an effortless connection between indoors and out.

APL Architectural Series sliding and hinged doors were specified at heights of up to 3 metres. Designed for large-format openings and demanding environments, including Extra High wind zones and Specific Design requirements, this specification provided the structural performance required for the scale and exposure of the home.

Inspired in part by architecture the owners had encountered in Brazil, the home combines strong modernist forms with timber, natural materials and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. Rather than relying on conventional window configurations, the design uses large sliding doors and sidelights to bring in light and ventilation while maintaining expansive areas of uninterrupted glass.

A key technical challenge was the open-plan living area, where the two 13-metre bi-parting sliding door systems retract completely into wall cavities on opposite sides of the room. Tracks are recessed at both the sill and head, while continuous tiled flooring creates a flush transition from inside to out.

These details required close collaboration between Smith Architects, D Lenssen Builders Ltd and Altherm Northland to ensure the doors aligned precisely with adjoining floors, walls and finishes.

The window system was completed with AGP Solux-E IGUs, providing comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while allowing high levels of natural light and clear coastal views.

All joinery features a 25-micron silver anodised finish, with matching Elemental hardware, providing a durable finish suited to the coastal environment.