Situated on a remote peninsula at the edge of Lake Wanaka, The Shepherds Hut is a project defined by restraint and deference to place. The site’s expansive views and elemental conditions demanded a built response that was recessive rather than declarative. Conceived as a quiet intervention in the landscape, the architecture seeks to frame the surrounding environment, not compete with it. The result is a modest, low-lying form that feels embedded-both physically and conceptually-in the terrain.

The spatial arrangement was developed to accommodate varied patterns of occupation, from solitary retreat to shared family inhabitation. Two self-contained suites are connected by a central living spine, allowing the dwelling to expand or contract depending on need. This flexibility is underpinned by a cohesive material and formal language, ensuring the experience remains unified regardless of scale or use.

Material selections were guided by durability, environmental response, and sensory resonance. The exterior is clad in weathered timber and zinc-materials that will patinate with time and exposure, blending seamlessly with the tones of the local landscape. Internally, western red cedar provides a warmer counterpoint, used consistently across walls and ceilings to create a unified, immersive interior condition.

Southern Lakes, New Zealand Photography by Biddi Rowley Interiors Paul Kennedy

Construction was completed in mid 2024

House 170sqm Bunk & Store 70sqm Rear Deck 85sqm Upper Deck 85sqm