The Brief calls for a house with basement on a site with an impossibly tight height plane of 5.0m, views of the imposing Catlins coast of South Otago and to make use of what sun there is. Scale of the building is broken down by the incorporating three separate sheds to form the main spaces . This has also allowed the size and orientation to be manipulated to best suit the sun and view. A simple low pitched roof links all together. A tight compact layout which is dominated by wings of light formed by the shed structures. Kitchen/dining and living gaining views to south east and sun to north, unfolding onto a landscape dominated by the ever changing weather. Converging steps and deck, draw you into the house, with an entrance that shares the transition between living and kitchen. The entry, office, kitchen, dining and living occupy just 74m/2. Long views from both wings, providing openness, light and space.The clustering  of services adding to the economy of space. The public and private spaces are clearly delineated. Where the living spaces opens out, the private spaces draw inwards, with small private decks linking each room to the outside, providing shelter from the ever present wind. The master bedroom sits in the far southwest corner, with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Carefully located windows lets early morning sun into the room for the summer months. A west facing deck a retreat from domestic bustle. A basement garage further separates the utility functions and add much used storage to the house. Internal access makes this space convenient and well used.
“The shed” an iconic image of a New Zealand architectural vernacular” A cluster of sheds, arranged around a central core, defines a home that sits on a bleak hillock in the Catlins. Each shed enclosing a space, each shed reaching out, rotating and unfolding, for the sun and views of Surat Bay. The interior use of wood, reminiscent of a lost timber industry. The dominant timber theme, subdued by white walls and providing a cosy retreat from the drama of the environment it sits in.

rjwilden@clear.net.nz phone 03 4898757


View to Surat Bay
 
 
 
 
 
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