Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.

From Dream to Reality: How Arc Built a Coastal Retreat in Wyuna Bay in Just Months

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-15

A Quick Transformation with Arc’s Expertise

Bentley de Beyer and Dean Sharpe held onto their dream of constructing a home on a coastal land parcel in Wyuna Bay, near Coromandel Town, New Zealand, for over a decade. Originally envisioning a larger home, circumstances led them to downsize. The rising construction costs fueled their pursuit of a new solution.

In collaboration with Arc, the Australian architectural cabin company, they created a compact cabin spanning 322 square feet (30 sqm). Established in 2022, Arc aimed for design-led, permanent small buildings, making this their inaugural New Zealand project. In just four and a half months, this seaside haven went from concept to completion.

Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.

Distinctive Design Amidst Nature

A simplistic gabled roof and a brilliant white facade make the cabin a striking landmark against the natural landscape. Its metal cladding seamlessly lines the roof and walls, unified by full-height glass doors that open to a vast timber deck. A gable-shaped window at the building’s end adds architectural intrigue.

Marking Arc’s methodology, this cabin stands securely on piles, fully consented and designed for permanence rather than mobility. Construction included design plans, consenting processes, and preparation for “Airbnb” listing, completed efficiently under one contract.

For a similarly stunning integration of architecture and landscape, see how Byron Bay’s coastal home blends seamlessly with its natural environment.

Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.
Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.
Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.
Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.
Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.
Arc's Wyuna Bay cabin with white metal cladding, gabled roof, glazing, timber deck, and harbour view.
Discover the architecture of Arc’s Wyuna Bay cabin in New Zealand, featuring white standing-seam metal cladding, a gabled roof, expansive glazing and timber decking overlooking Coromandel Harbour.

Inviting Interiors Designed for Comfort

Inside, the cabin exudes warmth with birch plywood walls and ceilings. A window seat under the gable invites relaxation and affords stunning harbour views. Built-in shelves bookend the space, and the seat converts into a daybed for extra guests.

Minimalist furnishings include an upholstered chair and a slim pedestal table. Plenty of natural light flows from the sliding glass doors, amplifying the room’s airy ambiance.

Living room with birch plywood, window bench, hidden space, open shelves, panoramic harbour views.
Inside Arc’s small coastal cabin, a beautiful birch plywood living room features a built-in window bench, hidden guest sleeping space, open shelving and panoramic harbour views. Inspiration for small living rooms and window seat designs.
Living room with birch plywood, window bench, hidden space, open shelves, panoramic harbour views.
Inside Arc’s small coastal cabin, a beautiful birch plywood living room features a built-in window bench, hidden guest sleeping space, open shelving and panoramic harbour views. Inspiration for small living rooms and window seat designs.
Living room with birch plywood, window bench, hidden space, open shelves, panoramic harbour views.
Inside Arc’s small coastal cabin, a beautiful birch plywood living room features a built-in window bench, hidden guest sleeping space, open shelving and panoramic harbour views. Inspiration for small living rooms and window seat designs.
Living room with birch plywood, window bench, hidden space, open shelves, panoramic harbour views.
Inside Arc’s small coastal cabin, a beautiful birch plywood living room features a built-in window bench, hidden guest sleeping space, open shelving and panoramic harbour views. Inspiration for small living rooms and window seat designs.
Living room with birch plywood, window bench, hidden space, open shelves, panoramic harbour views.
Inside Arc’s small coastal cabin, a beautiful birch plywood living room features a built-in window bench, hidden guest sleeping space, open shelving and panoramic harbour views. Inspiration for small living rooms and window seat designs.

Compact, Functional Kitchen Design

The kitchen nestles in a corner of the main space, characterized by white cabinetry and an efficient L-shape. Equipped with essential appliances, the area feels expansive, courtesy of a mirrored backsplash reflecting light and scenery. Overhead storage optimizes space, nestled beneath the ceiling’s slope, while a trailing plant adds subtle greenery.

Compact kitchen with white cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances, birch plywood walls.
Explore a compact modern kitchen with white custom cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances and warm birch plywood walls. Clever kitchenette inspiration from Arc’s 30m² New Zealand cabin.
Compact kitchen with white cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances, birch plywood walls.
Explore a compact modern kitchen with white custom cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances and warm birch plywood walls. Clever kitchenette inspiration from Arc’s 30m² New Zealand cabin.
Compact kitchen with white cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances, birch plywood walls.
Explore a compact modern kitchen with white custom cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances and warm birch plywood walls. Clever kitchenette inspiration from Arc’s 30m² New Zealand cabin.
Compact kitchen with white cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances, birch plywood walls.
Explore a compact modern kitchen with white custom cabinets, mirrored backsplash, integrated appliances and warm birch plywood walls. Clever kitchenette inspiration from Arc’s 30m² New Zealand cabin.
Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.

A Tranquil, Well-Lit Sleeping Space

An arched doorway leads to the bedroom, where timber finishes and soft bedding promote relaxation. Built-in cabinets flank the bed, with circular wall lights for ambiance. A skylight enhances daylight inflow, complementing the slender window above the headboard, while sliding doors offer deck access and additional privacy.

To explore another example of compact and efficient design, check out Skybox in Nova Scotia where modern minimalism meets traditional charm.

Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.
Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.
Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.
Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.
Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.
Modern bathroom with terracotta tiles, floating vanity, circular mirror, and skylit walk-in shower.
Discover a modern ensuite bathroom featuring terracotta square tiles, an arched doorway, a floating timber vanity, circular illuminated mirror and skylit walk-in shower. Small bathroom inspiration with warm colours and contemporary finishes.

A Subtle Hint of Color in the Bathroom

The bathroom features muted terracotta tiles with pale upper finishes, including an arched entry mirroring the bedroom’s design. A floating vanity supports a vessel basin with chic wall fittings, and a large mirror creates soft backlit ambiance. The walk-in shower, enclosed by glass, maintains bright, airy aesthetics, highlighted by a skylight.

Modern bathroom with terracotta tiles, floating vanity, circular mirror, and skylit walk-in shower.
Discover a modern ensuite bathroom featuring terracotta square tiles, an arched doorway, a floating timber vanity, circular illuminated mirror and skylit walk-in shower. Small bathroom inspiration with warm colours and contemporary finishes.
Modern bathroom with terracotta tiles, floating vanity, circular mirror, and skylit walk-in shower.
Discover a modern ensuite bathroom featuring terracotta square tiles, an arched doorway, a floating timber vanity, circular illuminated mirror and skylit walk-in shower. Small bathroom inspiration with warm colours and contemporary finishes.
Modern bathroom with terracotta tiles, floating vanity, circular mirror, and skylit walk-in shower.
Discover a modern ensuite bathroom featuring terracotta square tiles, an arched doorway, a floating timber vanity, circular illuminated mirror and skylit walk-in shower. Small bathroom inspiration with warm colours and contemporary finishes.
Modern bathroom with terracotta tiles, floating vanity, circular mirror, and skylit walk-in shower.
Discover a modern ensuite bathroom featuring terracotta square tiles, an arched doorway, a floating timber vanity, circular illuminated mirror and skylit walk-in shower. Small bathroom inspiration with warm colours and contemporary finishes.
Outdoor living area with timber decking, sunken bathtub, dining pavilion, glamping tents, coastal views.
Explore the outdoor living spaces of a modern Coromandel cabin, featuring expansive timber decking, a sunken outdoor bathtub, covered dining pavilion, glamping tents and spectacular coastal views. Inspiration for small holiday homes and outdoor entertaining.

Outdoor Delights with Expansive Views

The surrounding deck significantly expands living space, featuring platforms and steps flowing toward stunning coastal views. Highlights include a deck-recessed bath with timber covers, a sheltered dining pavilion, and rooftop tents offering glamping options. These elements collectively enhance the property’s function well beyond its interior limits.

Arc’s Wyuna Bay Cabin: A Coastal Gem

Explore the cabin’s charm and location with a video introduction to Arc’s iconic New Zealand project.

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Today, the cabin serves both as a retreat for de Beyer and Sharpe and an “Airbnb” rental, providing potential Arc clients an experience of miniature architectural elegance. The finished structure not only realizes a longtime dream but exemplifies how small, well-integrated spaces can offer expansive living experiences.

Cosy cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, skylight, custom storage, warm lighting, and arched doorway.
A cosy modern cabin bedroom with birch plywood walls, a skylight above the bed, custom built-in storage, warm ambient lighting and an arched doorway. Beautiful small bedroom inspiration from New Zealand.

Source: contemporist.com

Frequently asked questions

How long did it take to complete the Wyuna Bay cabin?

In just four and a half months, this seaside haven went from concept to completion.

What is distinctive about the cabin’s design?

A simplistic gabled roof and a brilliant white facade make the cabin a striking landmark against the natural landscape. Its metal cladding seamlessly lines the roof and walls, unified by full-height glass doors that open to a vast timber deck.

What purpose does the cabin serve for the owners?

Today, the cabin serves both as a retreat for de Beyer and Sharpe and an ‘Airbnb’ rental, providing potential Arc clients an experience of miniature architectural elegance.

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