Wairaki Lodge

Residential
Written By Stephen Roke

Wairaki, New Zealand

This central courtyard has an oak tree located on the key axis of the buildings which acts as both a link to the seasons and as a blurring of the line between architecture and nature

 
The dark-stained barn form of the garage wing, off the courtyard
The glazed link between the buildings, looking through to the courtyard
The buildings gathered around the lawn, in schist and dark board
The red shed and the stone barn across the courtyard planting
The living pavilion lit at night, its roof lifted on timber rafters


This complex of buildings is designed as a retreat from the city apartment. It is intended for easy entertaining and can accommodate several guests, as well as retaining the residents’ personal space. An environment memorably different from city life is created.

The concept of this house is to create a collection of buildings that has developed over time to provide a protected outside courtyard. This central courtyard has an oak tree located on the key axis of the buildings which acts as both a link to the seasons and as a blurring of the line between architecture and nature.

The collection consists of four buildings; a red cedar structure as the shed, a stone building as the entry as well as an anchoring feature on the site, a modern glass and timber pavilion containing the living areas, and a black cedar guest wing. Creating a sense of establishment on the site has been crucial in the design.

Project

Client: Private

Location: Wairaki, New Zealand

Status: Completed

Award: NZIA Resene New Zealand Award for Architecture 2005 - Residential

Stephen Roke
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