Residential ArchitectureHousesCoromandel Bach / Crosson Architects

Coromandel Bach / Crosson Architects

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

Coromandel Bach House was designed by Crosson Architects. Located in Coromandel, New Zealand, this vacation home was conceived as a simple timber container that could be closed off when vacated. Conceived as a container sitting lightly on the land, this long rectangular house sits halfway up a north-facing manuka-clad hill north of Whitianga, looking like a timber crate ready to be unpacked. On arrival all that is required is to winch down the sides to form the decks and provide a stage for living, which then appears to float above the ground as if ready to be folded up and moved to another location. On departure the crate is packed up again for protection from the elements.

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 1

The house offers a reinterpretation of the New Zealand building tradition – the crafting of wood – with structure, cladding (weathered Lawson’s cypress) and joinery expressed in a raw and unique way. With heavy vertical structural members supporting horizontal boarding, the construction is reminiscent of the “trip” dams common in the Coromandel region at the turn of last century. The thick cypress boards are left unlined inside; interior walls are hoop pine plywood; ceiling panels are also of hoop pine.

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 2

The central living room, open to the outside and the sun, is a metaphorical tent or campsite, while the children’s bunkrooms at one end are enclosed and cool. Bi-fold glass doors can be drawn back so the living room becomes a veranda providing shade. A large fireplace allows winter occupation; the open bathroom with slatted timber floor and the movable bath on wheels allow the rituals of showering and bathing to become an experience connected to nature. In this way the bach attempts to capture the essential spirit of the New Zealand holiday in the landscape.

Architects: Crosson Architects
Project: Coromandel Bach
Location: Coromandel, New Zealand
Photography: Patrick Reynolds

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 3

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 4

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 5

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 6

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 7

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 8

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 9

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 10

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 10

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 12

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 13

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 14

Coromandel Bach Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects 15

Thank you for reading this article!

Loft Berlin: Modern Interior Design by Loft Kolasinski

The Loft Kolasinski , founded by the polish designer Jacek Kolasinski, the author of this charming project of a simple and clean beauty and very...

House Alteration and Addition by Kieron Gait Architects

The sloping site runs down to a lush garden to the West, where mature trees and outlook provide a beautiful protected rear garden. The clients, living in a high set Queenslander wanted to live on the garden level so that their young children can play outside without constant supervision and enjoy the garden.

Passive Extension and Renovation: Magnolia Soul Family House

This passively designed extension and renovation creates a warm, robust, family and pet friendly space, while protecting a mature Magnolia x soulangeana tree and maximising garden area.

8 Great Reasons To Invest In A Hot Tub For Your Home

If you think a hot tub is too big for your home, you'd better think again. Most hot tubs can fit into any standard backyard. All you need is to be a little creative.

7 Things to Consider when Building a New Area at Home

Choosing to build a new area at your home has become more famous than ever! It's an ideal way to obtain additional space without worrying about relocation.

Recommended Stories