Rich Coastal Warmth – Akaroa by Pac Studio

Nestled into its coastal setting, Akaroa responds to the natural surrounds by looking locally for its musings. Pac Studio creates a deeply warm and enriched residential experience that both opens to the water and acts as a protective shelter from the elements.

Located along the waterfront, in a community 75kms from Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, Akaroa sits as a response to a dual vernacular – bridging historical and coastal aesthetics. Whilst the home abuts the water’s edge, it also sits rurally immersed: flanked by steep undulating hills to its opposing view. The residence’s darkened palette is a take on a combined approach, where natural materials are expressed as a capture of place and intended to gradually weather and age. Pac Studio wraps the form in timber and metal sheeting, with large and generous openings overlooking the dynamic natural surrounds.

Whilst the home abuts the water’s edge, it also sits rurally immersed: flanked by steep undulating hills to its opposing view.

The approach to Akaroa’s design captures a sympathetic sensibility to the harbourside locale. The peaked forms of Akaroa are articulated into a series of rowed forms along the water, allowing the overall mass to feel less imposing. Although connected internally, externally the forms appear separate ¬– reminiscent of older and more traditional boat sheds found in the area.

Immersed within a French colonial town, influences of the area’s earlier architectural styles remain. Weaving this historical narrative into the story of the home, a respectful balance between heritage and modernism emerges. The resulting contemporary timber home is indicative of the recognisable New Zealand expression of local materiality and gabled elemental silhouettes, whilst inside a lighter materiality palette unfolds. In contrast to the exterior, a softer and more muted approach adorns the interior, emphasising the overall volumes and increasing the perceived sense of scale.

The approach to Akaroa’s design captures a sympathetic sensibility to the harbourside locale.

Despite appearing as a collection of smaller buildings, Akaroa is a generous and connected home with an outward focus. Pac Studio creates a connection to place through materiality and form whilst uniting traditional and contemporary details.