| 97 T T Bernadette Cooney Modular home with a back-country vibe The three hut modules are positioned to capture different aspects of the country environment and create unique linked spaces. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Virginia Barlow Architecture A collaboration between Oamaru architectural designer Virginia Barlow and Pringle Construction has produced a thermally efficient family home, known as Huts on the Hill. Inspired by New Zealand backcountry huts, this 166sqm house is strategically designed for energy efficiency and environmental harmony. Set upon hills overlooking Waitaki fields and backing onto the Waianakarua River, Huts on the Hill is a high-performance house divided into three separate modular forms with links between that enable the house to be shut off or opened up depending on its occupancy needs. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a high vaulted ceiling in the main living area and a master suite with its own pavilion at the eastern end of the home. The master suite bathroom faces southeast to allow the homeowners to see their horses while bathing. “It’s highly insulated and has a thermally broken slab and thermally broken windows and is orientated for solar gain, maximising roof-mounted solar panels,” says the founder of Virginia Barlow Architecture (VBA Limited). The three hut modules are positioned to capture different aspects of the country environment and create unique linked spaces. “Its corrugate-clad exterior is a low-maintenance, no faff, clean-line design emulating the DOC hut aesthetic,” Virginia says. “It was my first build with Pringle Construction, and they did a fantastic job of the detail, and it was probably the cleanest site I’ve ever been on. They were wonderful to work with.” Huts on the Hill has been entered into the regional Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) Awards. Previously, Virginia Barlow Architecture (VBA) Ltd won multiple ADNZ awards for another Low-E passive house project, Heights Whare in Wanaka. This 140sqm family home is a long rectangle-shaped, E-Certified passive house set atop a raised, boulder foundation with native grass plantings. Whakapapa to Moeraki, Virginia established her design practice in 2018 and entered the awards only after attending an awards night the previous year, where all the winners were male. “I thought I couldn’t complain about the ratio if I didn’t put in anything myself, so I did. Four female designers won that year, so that was pretty cool.” VBA Ltd is a bespoke architectural design practice based in Oamaru, with a satellite office in Wanaka. The firm services Waitaki Valley and Queenstown Lakes Districts, creating unique, functional buildings that respect their environment and climatic conditions. In addition to residential designs, VBA Ltd is involved in restoring and redeveloping Oamaru’s historic commercial precinct. Notable projects include The Business Hive commercial fit-out, Gillies MetalTech Foundry extension, and was involved with the new Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli. Virginia has extensive experience in architectural roles both in New Zealand and overseas. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Tasmania and a Master of Architecture (prof) from Victoria University. • New Homes • Alterations & Additions • Light Commercial • Dual Qualified Carpenter / Joiner • Qualified Interior Designer • Licensed Practitioner 021 260 3939 or (03) 434 8830 info@pringleconstruction.co.nz Proudly Supporting Virginia Barlow Architecture
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