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Engineer: Markplan consulting Ltd

City: Puhoi

Country: New Zealand

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Text description provided by the architects. Located on a secluded bush-clad site this house plays on the uniquely NZ typology of the back country hut. Aiming at simplicity it is comprised of a single volume for living/cooking/ eating and a lean-to annex housing the lower floor service/sleeping areas. The spaces are open and shared as opposed to enclosed and separate.

The experience is one of enhanced connection with each other, and of an enhanced connection to the surrounding environment. The living area opens fully on two sides, having the feel of an outdoor room, and the fire and baths located on the deck draw daily activities out of the house and into nature.

Save this picture! Ground Floor and Mezzanine Plans

Extensive use of locally sourced band sawn macrocarpa inside and out, passive heating /ventilation and high-performance insulation make the house of low impact environmentally. Roughhewn natural materials tie the house effortlessly into its setting, while the galvanized corrugated iron is used to strengthen the hut aesthetic.

The interior design juxtaposes heavily textured and knotted band sawed timber against flat, clean, white, sharp-edged surfaces. Finishing trims and beads are absent from the detailing here - the timber intersects with the white surfaces plainly and honestly – and a high level of workmanship was required to achieve the desired result.

The main palette is two-tone, with the warmth of the oil-blonded macrocarpa off-setting the starkness of the matt-white surfaces, meanwhile matt-black light fittings work together with the joinery to accent the scheme. The simplicity of the palette provides a sense of calm which works as a welcome backdrop to the sometimes chaotic days of young family life.