Escapism was the prime consideration for Hamilton-based, Noel Jessop Architectural Designer in matching the owner’s substantial brief for a bach to provide seclusion and peace. It has ended up being far more than that.
On a protected sub-division in Mahakirau in the Coromandel ranges, there was a clearly defined building platform on which the home was created, embracing the surrounding bush with a place of practicality and beauty.
Owned by Hamilton builder, Steve Joynes, his original idea for the site was to build a simple, small and inexpensive holiday home but what has been built instead is a home which fully embraces the surrounding bush and the environment. Steve did most of the building himself and has added many of the details that make this retreat special.
The three-bedroom home– a master and en suite at one end and two further bedrooms and bathroom – there are teenagers to be accommodated – at the far end, this hideaway, in its bush setting has another unique feature. In a central kitchen/living space is a focal point eco fireplace enabling a “sit around the campfire” space for family to congregate, complete with retro chairs beside the fire.
What makes the bach special is the marriage of cedar and COLORSTEEL® in Ebony (Metcom7) on the low pitch roof and wall cladding. The cedar soffits and cedar-lined entranceway run through to warm cedar-lined walls and ceilings on the interior, including an overhanging canopy.
Highly commended in a 2016 ADNZ Architectural Design Award in the category Residential Compact New Home up to 150m2, the Coromandel home represents what can be achieved by maximising a native bush setting with feature windows and decking to capture the views over the eastern Coromandel valley below.
Noel Jessop has worked with Steve on projects for years and says the elements of containment in the home are hard to explain “without experiencing it”. It seems very disconnected with the world which is what the owners were wanting to achieve.
From the entry door which is a large cut in the exterior wall cladding, the rest of the house unfolds with two large deck areas and many different places to sit with picture window views.
Challenged by its location and difficult access, careful consideration and planning in Hamilton on the choice of materials, transportation and the building process was required to limit impact on this unique site.