Storm cottage retreat in the NZ wilderness

Oh how beautiful this remote cottage is! Located on the east coast of Great Barrier Island in New Zealand is a house designed like “a black rough sawn timber box” facing north to the sea. Created by Fearon Hay Architects, the dark exterior palette is enhanced with a layer of perforated metal screens, allowing the moderation of light and air as well as providing security. Internally walls and floors are clad with oiled oak boards that provide a warm contrast to the robust exterior. A pair of symmetrical bedrooms and ensuite’s are set around a central living space. Care has been made to limit the scale of the building and maintain a sense of ‘cottage’.

Sustainable features: the home is off the grid and powered by solar panels with independent systems for water collection and treatment.

[Photography by Patrick Reynolds]