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 highlighted the value of working with local suppliers, noting the quality, cost-efficiency, and top-tier service they received.
The vision for the home was strongly driven by the surrounding views, making glass a central design feature. This resulted in striking entry doors and an expansive stairwell with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape and bring the outdoors in.
A successful partnership between homeowners, architect, builder and fabricators – 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. She and the team used tape to mock up the spaces, ensuring everything met their vision for a breathtaking entrance. “While aluminium options might seem similar, it’s the tailored service and collaboration that made all the difference,” she added.
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.