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‘Delightful time capsule’: Award-winning beachfront bach listed 50 years on

This beachfront Papamoa bach was designed in 1972 by the son of the owners while he was still an architecture student.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 26 February 2026 | 3 min read

There’s a pathway across the dunes to the beach. The raised dune was not flattened to build the bach, rather the bach rises up behind it, and has a sheltered outdoor space out of the wind off the sea. Photo: Bayleys

The bach was built from concrete block and cedar. Inside rimu features extensively. Photo: Bayleys

There has been no need for any alterations in five decades. Photo: Bayleys

Window seats double as beds. The “crow’s nest” can be glimpsed on the upper right. Photo: Bayleys

This is the “crow’s nest” - a perfect reading spot. Photo: Bayleys

The house and studio can accommodate 13 people. Photo: Bayleys

The entire living area is open plan - the mezzanine bedrooms can be glimpsed. Photo: Bayleys

The house won an Enduring Architecture Award in 2017. Photo: Bayleys

This is the studio that was built for the architect’s mother, who was a painter. Photo: Bayleys

The bach is right in the middle of this photo “between” the two Norfolk pine trees. Photo: Bayleys

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Colleen Hawkes Colleen Hawkes
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