Awaroa
Located on a site that extends to the beach, on the boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park, this house sits within a unique regenerating beech-podocarp forest and amongst mature kānuka trees.
The house is conceived as a clearing in the forest and is sited within an existing natural clearing.
The building is arranged as a series of enclosed spaces - under an expansive roof - around a central courtyard. Private spaces - bedrooms and bathrooms - face outward to the forest, and the living spaces face inward to the sunny landscaped courtyard.
This holiday house is designed to encourage outdoor living. Occupants move between rooms via covered decks, creating a further connection to the surroundings and the weather.
The house works for two people or a crowd, with generous covered outdoor spaces extending the small footprint of the enclosed areas. These spaces allow the house to expand, particularly in summer, with additional living and dining areas or somewhere to pitch a tent under the roof.
The building touches the ground lightly. Materials and detailing were carefully considered, knowing that every part of this building would arrive by barge to the beachfront; there is no road access to this remote site.
No concrete was used in the construction, and no plasterboard lines the interiors. Locally sourced tōtara is used throughout as both structure and finish, internally and externally. The interiors are intentionally warm and dark - a retreat from the outdoor spaces.
The house is fully off grid, with solar power, rainwater collection, and wastewater all managed onsite.
Project Architect: Rory Wilson-Cartwright
Builder: Lovelock Carpentry & Building Ltd
Structural: Spencer Holmes Ltd
Photos: Simon Wilson
Completed 2025.
