The owner’s 1940s house on Wellington’s Happy Valley Road is 200m from Wellington’s south coast but set too low for an ocean view. Their long property offered water glimpses from the rear yard where they also wanted a boat shed for their sailing dingy, bikes and games and perhaps a vehicle. The desired architectural style was a that of a traditional rural barn.
The idea of a leisure area emerged with a deck and barbeque table strategically oriented for the Cook Strait view. The dayroom hut-cum- sleep-out for teenagers forms the other side of this outdoor room.
A gently curving raised walkway provides an organic link to the existing house skirting the lower lawn on the axis of site.
The structures are clad in macrocarpa that is gradually silvering off to evoke the sun and salt bleached seaside aesthetic. The only applied colour in the whole ensemble is the vibrant Resene Energy Yellow painted doors making the unmistakable statement that this project is all about family and fun.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Baptiste Marconnet (Some images)