A cocoon of timber hovering over the bay

This is the kind of architecture that makes my heart sing. Designed by Dorrington Atcheson Architects as a family holiday home, it features a stunning combination of location and elements: warmth, understated beauty and true integration into its amazing location.

Perched above a bay in Kawau Island in New Zealand, the orientation and design makes a hero of the view that stretches from the headland across the Bon Accord harbour and out to sea. The design is reminiscent of a luxury campsite, featuring an understated pavilion style cocoon of timber formed with cedar ceilings, plywood walls and oak overlay flooring and punctuated by the black lines of the windows, roof, cabinetry and furniture.

A consistency and harmony of materials follows through the home’s two pavilions which includes a social hub with modest kitchen, living and dining area and a separate sleep zone with bedrooms, bathrooms and a bunkroom for the kids.

Surprise shots of colour to the bedrooms and bathrooms provide a playful contrast against black and timber theme of the house.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂

{Photography by Emma-Jane Hetherington}