A RAAD® Architect: Evelyn McNamara & The Rotoiti House
At RAAD®, we’re obsessed with bold design, modern architecture and the incredible skill it takes to make something appear effortlessly simple. That’s why we were stoked to sit down with Evelyn McNamara, the visionary architect behind EMA, to chat about one of our favorite builds – The Rotoiti House.
The Inspiration Behind The Rotoiti House
Evelyn drew inspiration from a unique blend of architectural influences. When designing this family, holiday home on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand, her vision was shaped by:
- Concrete bunkers
- Iconic lake houses
- The work of Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan
The result? A stunningly minimal, beautifully integrated retreat that embodies the perfect balance of strength and serenity. Ideal for an active family who love to wake-board and enjoy warm nights beside the firepit.
Favourite Part of the Project:
“The overall vibe in the living space and how the house integrates into the landscape.”
Biggest Challenge:
“Detailing the house to make it look so minimal. Features such as doors sliding into in-situ concrete pockets and timber rain-screen cladding required extreme precision.”
The Creative Process:
For Evelyn, every project starts with an immersive experience of the site.
“I start by visiting a site and getting a feel for where the home should be positioned and where spaces should go. Generally this is driven by the initial feeling of a place and the environment (sun/wind/views etc). Then it’s a matter of working through forms and layouts that suit the client's brief and the site.”
Like RAAD, Evelyn values simplicity, function and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
What Makes The Rotoiti House So RAAD?
“The owners and the builder were what made this project such a success. Their combined input was amazing.”
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A Sensory Experience: Design, Fragrance & Functionality
At RAAD, we love collaborating with architects who share our passion for refined design and functional luxury. Working with Evelyn to showcase RAAD products in her carefully crafted spaces is a seamless fit.
We know that a well-designed space isn’t just about how it looks - it’s about how it feels, how all your senses respond. Just like the Rotoiti House, which was meticulously designed to be harmonious with its surroundings, our fragrance and body care range is designed to elevate your interior in an understated yet powerful way. Creating a multi-sensory experience while using our plant-based formulations; hand & body Wash, body lotion, dish wash, shampoo, conditioner, diffusers - all laden with our signature gender-neutral fragrances, each crafted in Grasse, France and blended with NZ botanicals.
The minimalist architecture of The Rotoiti House pairs perfectly with the refined, gender-neutral scent of Clementine & Wood. Every element of the home, from the raw materials to the thoughtful spatial design, aligns with our philosophy - functional luxury that enhances human experience.
Explore the RAAD® collection.