Te Arai
Amongst the dunes and pine forests along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is a pair of gabled timber sheds.
The design references the timber working sheds found in rural New Zealand.
The buildings are sited to create an occupation against the dune edge that feels relaxed and timeless. Between them is set an area for seating and outdoor fire.
To moderate light, air, view & privacy, the house is layered with sliding timber shutters. Together with the timber cladding and roof, the material will age and silver over time - integrating the buildings with the landscape.
By using timber on the interior it brings together the building as a whole and blurs in indoors with outdoors. The interior timber is oiled to provide warmth as a subtle counter to the exterior.
Inside a combination of sloping and flat ceilings provide both intimate and voluminous spaces. When the ceilings are raised and sloping to the ridge, a dado of timber down-stands link the spaces and consolidate the glazing and shutter lines on the perimeter.
Project Details: Construction was completed in 2019. The photography is by Simon Wilson and the interiors were a collaboration with Sonja Hawkins.
Recognition: Published in The Local Project (2020) New Zealand Architecture Awards Winner (2021) Published in Elle Decor (2021)
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