Business North October 2021

| 89 MAKE Architects NZ Sue Russell Extensive use of crafted timbers gives a further nod to the home’s location close to forestry and native bush. ARCHITECTURE U nderpinning the design of an award winning rural property in Karangahake were a set of values embracing care and respect of the environment and a respect- ful nod to the pioneering days of the humble cabin. Designed by Auckland-based practice MAKE Architects NZ, the modest, prefabricated home hugging the Karangahake forest and Kaimai Ranges, won this year’s Waikato Small Project Award in Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Insitute of Architects (NZIA) Architec- ture Awards. For director Martin Varney, the build pro- cess celebrated the great efficiency gains that can be achieved when structural elements are built off-site. “We worked with a wonderful and passion- ate couple who allowed us to explore what was possible with prefabrication,” says Martin. “The best way to describe this home is that it’s like a solid puzzle assembled on site. It’s design is simple and unpretentious and doesn’t compete with its environment.” Extensive use of crafted timbers gives a further nod to the home’s location close to forestry and native bush. Award-winning home blends in with landscape New Zealand grown Douglas Fir was used throughout. All the fully insulated panels arrived by truck from Christchurch where they had been man- ufactured. Martin says that the cost efficien- cies achieved related to the minimal amount of time it took to construct the home on site. Once the building blocks arrived on site, the panels took four days to erect. Cross-laminated timber floors complement the fully lined ply ceiling and walls creating a feeling of enclosure from the elements, while an outdoor room with a large barn slider positioned between the east and west wings creates a quiet space to enjoy views of the forest below. The outdoor room also has light filtering panels above to subdue the light from above. “The best way to describe this home is that it’s like a solid puzzle assembled on site. It’s design is simple and unpretentious and doesn’t compete with its environment.” “We wanted this space to invoke a sense of belonging to the environment, like an aperture drawing you into the landscape.” Martin says the construction process also reflected the clients desire to build in ways that minimised waste of materials and time. “They are a very passionate couple about the whole environment. They said they want- ed to live in a trampers hut. We wanted the materials to be really honest in representing this brief.” Inside, the home has a simple footprint, with gable roofline and mezannine floor reaf- firming the bush cabin feel, providing a space for guests to stay. It is not large, with a groundfloor of 100sqm, loft of 40sqm and 20sqm outdoor room, how- ever the design is such that every space is the right size for its purpose. Completing the cosy hut feel inside is a fire-place. “It works perfectly reflecting again what this home is in essence, an inspiring and beautiful- ly crafted hut.” The family has been living in the home nearly three years now and their advice to others, is to challenge yourself to build the best quality house possible. “I think that statement really sums up how this whole project unfolded and the end result speaks for itself.” MAKE Architects is a small practice, with four other designers and graduate architects. It services the residential, commercial and public/community amenities sectors. The modest, prefabricated home hugs the Karangahake forest and Kaimai Ranges. Hand made for you. We specialise in making hand crafted bespoke furniture that will be loved and last for generations to come. All of our items are made to order for you. 021 024 86889 www.samjames.co.nz info@samjames.co.nz Proudly building healthier homes for New Zealand living Phone 03 344 3126 www.nkwindows.co.nz