Set in the Raukawa Valley 20km from Hastings is the Mangarotai House. The form of the house draws inspiration from the simple gable farm buildings surrounding it. Rural themes are further developed with the use of vertical corrugated iron, macrocarpa barn sliding timber doors, exposed internal steel work with contrasting timber ply ceilings. Given the climatic extremes of the area, the house is designed around a large central breeze way with louvre roof with an external fireplace which can be closed up or completely open. That in turn enables the guest rooms to be separated from the main living areas and closed up when not in use. Glazing has been carefully considered to provide light but avoid the build-up of summer heat. Cedar and pops of colour with window shrouds add further individuality to the design.
