CREATING A LEGACY IN ALGIES BAY
Nestled above one of the most beautiful beaches north of Auckland, with stunning views to Kawau Island, is Mike and Dianne Dunn’s Algies Bay home.
Approaching retirement, Mike and Dianne decided to build a striking modern beach house not just as a retirement sanctuary, but also as a welcoming space for family, friends, and future generations. As Mike says, “We built it for family and friends to come and stay, and for our grandkids.” Dianne hopes the home will be a memorable legacy for their grandchildren, too. “It will be there long after we’ve gone.”
Unique in both its design and execution, the Dunns’ home is a remarkable architectural statement. The down-to-earth couple aimed to intertwine their vision with Hayden Kose Architecture and local tradespeople, selecting builders and fabricators who understood the nuances of the area. “We went in with the idea that we wanted to use local people because they know Algies Bay”, Dianne said. This strong sense of community and collaboration is an important part of the craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in every aspect of the home.
They understood that the windows, doors and glass could elevate the views and create a bold statement on entry to the home. “The entrance way had to be ‘wow,’” says Dianne.
Working closely with local builder Aaron Butler from ABC Builders, the project flowed smoothly from conception to completion. Aaron’s relationship with the family team from Fairview Windows and Doors in Rodney played a pivotal role. “They’re by far the easiest to deal with locally,” he said, highlighting the quality, cost-efficiency and second-to-none service that Fairview provides.
Brooke Joyce from Fairview Rodney also emphasised the importance of the project’s connection with its surroundings. “The vision was driven primarily by the views and through utilising a lot of glass,” she noted. This focus resulted in innovatively designed entry doors and an expansive stairwell with windows that bring the outside in, providing an extraordinary focal point in the home. “What’s unique about this home is the amount of glass - it’s designed to really capture the views,” Brooke said.
A successful partnership between homeowners, architect, builder and fabricator - the Dunn’s Algies Bay home is marked by a shared commitment to quality. “From the architect through to the builder and sub-trades, everyone knew each other,” says Dianne. These relationships facilitated a seamless process as everyone worked together to fulfill the vision. Mike echoed her sentiments, expressing satisfaction not only with the visual impact but also the journey. “We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. It’s been fantastic.”
Part of what sets the Dunns' home apart is the meticulous attention to joinery details. The design involved rules of symmetry that were thoughtfully calculated, resulting in unique, striking features. “There’s an amazing double-height entranceway, and it's the windows that make that feature so successful,” Dianne said, recalling the careful planning phases. Together with Rhonda and Brooke from Fairview, they used tape to mock up the spaces, ensuring everything met their vision for a breathtaking entrance. “Our family business prides itself on service,” Brooke explained. “While aluminium options might seem similar, it’s about the tailored service we provide that brings our clients back time and time again.”
As the sun sets over the ocean, Mike and Dianne’s dream home is an enduring symbol of family, community, and modern architecture. With the help of dedicated local professionals, they have carved out a slice of paradise that will stand the test of time, a legacy home set against the stunning backdrop of Algies Bay that will be enjoyed by generations to come.