Project: Back House
Architecture: Strachan Group Architects
Location: New Zealand
Area: 64 m2
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Ross Keane
Back House is a charming retreat tucked behind another home, designed as a minor dwelling for a young family. This compact residence enhances quality of life by making the most of a sunny spot in the rear garden. With an efficient footprint of just 64 sqm, it offers everything a home needs while remaining delightfully detailed and highly functional.
Simple and Efficient Design
The design of Back House intentionally keeps the form simple yet effective. The layout uses rectilinear planning to place service spaces and sleeping areas along a welcoming hallway. As you move north, the plan narrows to a single-width space that stacks the kitchen, dining, and living areas end on end. This thoughtful arrangement allows natural light to fill the home, thanks to the roof’s clerestory glazing. The glazing welcomes morning, midday, and afternoon sun, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the day.
Innovative Construction and Materiality
Back House stands out for its use of prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, which form the floor, walls, and roof structure. This approach not only reduces contractor travel and shortens site time but also reveals the beauty of timber by leaving the CLT exposed and finished with oil. Externally, the home is wrapped in a continuous layer of PIR insulation, Siberian Larch cladding, and a Colorsteel roof, ensuring that it remains snug and energy-efficient in every season.
A Cozy Home for a Growing Family
Every detail in Back House reflects a design focused on efficiency and comfort. This small home proves that a limited space can have a big heart. It offers a warm, inviting environment where a young family can thrive and grow. By thoughtfully integrating natural light, streamlined design, and high-quality materials, Back House creates a living space that adapts to the needs of its residents and celebrates every moment spent at home.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or spending quality time with family, Back House demonstrates that even the smallest spaces can be transformed into something truly extraordinary.
