High tide laps the 'boat shed', part of a Westmere property in Auckland, designed by Pete Bossley Architects in 2005. Photo supplied

English architect Denys Lasdun once said: “The goal is not to give the client what they think they want, but what they never dreamed they wanted, and when they get it, they realise that’s what they wanted all along.” 

Now, when it comes to the New Zealand tradition of  baches or ‘summer houses’ as they are often called, some might think a weathered timber, three-room box with bunks in every room to accommodate friends and family is the ideal holiday home. But peruse new book, Summer Houses, and a change of mind could result.

These  days ‘summer houses’ and holiday retreats in New Zealand are often a far cry from the packing case construction of the past and in Summer Houses, photographer Simon Devitt and writer Andrea Stevens have captured more than 20 of the country’s most stunning homes and holiday retreats.

Each has been designed to maximise the connection to their environment and provide for a relaxed style of living. Doors and windows dissolve to embrace the sun and outdoors and a more casual style of living prevails.

The wide range of houses from across the different regions of New Zealand showcased in this stunning book go from simple island baches (which nevertheless encompass design elements that make the most of indoor/outdoor flow and open spaces) to luxurious city homes and inland retreats.

Architects have cleverly used louvres and sliding shutters to create flexible summer living and enhance the connection between indoors and out. Materials and construction techniques, chosen for their appropriateness to their location, have created houses with an honesty of purpose and a strong sense of place.

It is clear that the houses in this book have been designed for a specific location and cater to the personality of the individual clients.

However, they also reflect each architect’s vision and skill in giving clients perhaps not just what they thought they wanted but what they never dreamed they wanted, yet having got it, realised that’s what they wanted all along.

Whether urban, rural or set beside the beach, each house featured evokes the qualities that define and celebrate summer living.

Perfect for the coffee table, Summer Houses will be appreciated by anyone who has a mind for relaxed living, an eye for creative architecture and an admiration for homeowners who have the confidence to give their architects sufficient licence to create not just a house but a lifestyle.

Summer Houses by Andrea Stevens and photography by Simon Devitt. Published by Penguin Group (NZ). Available from all good book shops. RRP $60.

Rural Living has a copy of Summer Houses to give away to one lucky reader. Click here to enter.