Timms Bach by Herbstarchitects

In this project, they commissioned the architects of Herbstarchitecs a beach house for the summer months in Kaitoke Beach Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. More information and pictures below. The terrain is very narrow, 16 x 52 m, and is set amongst several other sites of the same dimensions. To resolve this situation, the house consists of three main elements, a wall, a “container” and the negative space between them.

In this manner it has to deal with the neighboring houses, very close to both sides, grouping most private programs – bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room and garage – in a long volume, facing one of the mediators. On the other hand, building a stone gabion wall of a local quarry which defines the edge. The two positive elements are connected by a roof structure that defines the “negative space” between them, and in which there is an open terrace.

The gabion wall supports the light structure and close this space, while the container is opened to him to connect the kitchen to the covered terrace. Retractable screen walls on the north and south of the cover can avoid the prevailing winds blowing at different times of year.