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Project posted by MAKE Architects

Karangahake House

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Location
Waihi, Waikato, New Zealand
Year
2019
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Farmhouse
This Outdoor Room connects the two ends of the house, with timber-battened clear roofing above, it perfectly frames the forest views beyond creating moments of uninterrupted connection and stillness with nature.
This Outdoor Room connects the two ends of the house, with timber-battened clear roofing above, it perfectly frames the forest views beyond creating moments of uninterrupted connection and stillness with nature.
Carefully proportioned, the simple gable form is reminiscent of a humble Tramper's Hut externally lined with Abodo Tundra Timber Cladding that is sustainably and locally grown and sourced.
Carefully proportioned, the simple gable form is reminiscent of a humble Tramper's Hut externally lined with Abodo Tundra Timber Cladding that is sustainably and locally grown and sourced.
The interior is fully lined with plywood, creating a simple yet cosy and warm atmosphere
The interior is fully lined with plywood, creating a simple yet cosy and warm atmosphere
With a rustic wood-burning fireplace to match the sleek black steel kitchen, this family home is designed for the essentials of easy New Zealand farm life.
With a rustic wood-burning fireplace to match the sleek black steel kitchen, this family home is designed for the essentials of easy New Zealand farm life.
The mezzanine loft was designed to accommodate for impromptu friends and family, a flexible space that can adapt freely as required.
The mezzanine loft was designed to accommodate for impromptu friends and family, a flexible space that can adapt freely as required.
Ecofriendly vertical timber cladding by New Zealand company Abodo Wood LTD, a Tundra cladding with a natural sustainable finish that will silver with age.
Ecofriendly vertical timber cladding by New Zealand company Abodo Wood LTD, a Tundra cladding with a natural sustainable finish that will silver with age.
The large barn slider closed in the Outdoor Room, with the timber-battened clear roofing filtering light through from above.
The large barn slider closed in the Outdoor Room, with the timber-battened clear roofing filtering light through from above.
The simple form of this humble family home bravely holds its own on the hilltop, a warm glowing light welcoming you home.
The simple form of this humble family home bravely holds its own on the hilltop, a warm glowing light welcoming you home.

Details

Bedrooms
3
Full Baths
2

Credits

Posted by
Architect
MAKE Architects
Photographer
David Straight

From MAKE Architects

Located in the North Island of New Zealand, only a few minutes drive to the beach, this family home was constructed through a local prefabrication process with ecofriendly materials, on a tight budget and under 100m2.

Hugged by the Karangahake forests and the Kaimai Ranges, through the last bridge towards Waihi from Paeroa, this farmland home reminds us of the essence of living simply, the importance of our environment and quiet family moments. It signifies a humble architecture bravely holding its own on the hilltop, a return to our collective necessities of shelter, gathering and freedom.

Warm cross-laminated-timber floors, along with fully lined ply walls and ceiling, create a cosy enclosed atmosphere reminiscent of classic tramping huts. We wanted to create an intimate and easy family home, complete with mezzanine loft space for impromptu friends and family. The ‘outdoor room’ provides a protected interstitial space connecting the Eastern and Western environments, with soft filtered light above, the large barn slider closes you off to a sense of solitude towards the forest below.

Rebelling against wasteful and arduous construction processes, the cost-saving and efficient prefabricated floors, walls and roofs were assembled on-site within only 4 days. The crucial idea of sustainability was further achieved through the carefully selected materials and finishes, weathertight linings, and smart efficient ventilation systems. These ideas continue our increasing awareness towards an architecture that leaves the landscape untouched.

Photography by David Straight