A Moveable New Zealand Beach Shack - Hut on Sleds by Crosson Architects
Modestly exploring the essence of the family holiday home, Hut on Sleds is envisioned as a moveable structure, able to be relocated inland or across the beach, as needed. Crosson Architects optimises context and efficiency within its tiny footprint.
Designed to accommodate its family of five, Hut on Sleds is an exploration of form, materiality and context set within its coastal environment. Its location on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula came with an accompanying erosion zone overlay, requiring that the structure be able to relocate if needed. A literal interpretation of this requirement was the driving force behind Crosson Architects’ decision to place the home on two large wooden timber sled elements. This separation of the structure from permanent footings allows for movement inland, across the beach or toward the barge, if and as required.
Designed to accommodate its family of five, Hut on Sleds is an exploration of form, materiality and context set within its coastal environment.
Taking inspiration from the traditional surf lifesaving or observation tower, a series of sleeping and living zones cross over through a duality of function. The central living, dining and kitchen preparation area is located on the approaching ground level, with the sleeping zones placed in more passive areas. On the upper level, the adult sleeping zone houses a double bed, and, hidden behind the integrated kitchen joinery, a three-tiered bunk bed arrangement. This purposed planning allows for a spill-over of these communal areas out onto the deck, expressing an encouraging engagement with the elements.
Taking inspiration from the traditional surf lifesaving or observation tower, a series of sleeping and living zones cross over through a duality of function.
The two-story operable glazed façade is revealed as the folding timber awning-type structure ascends, providing a clear protective barrier that optimises views and also controls the interface between indoor and outdoor. The combination of this operable façade and the overall planning means that the daily functions are purposely connected to the outdoors, making these architectural elements so imperative.
The home sits amongst the dunes of Coromandel Beach, surrounded by softening grasses. The overall approach to materiality both internally and externally responds to this natural environment. The natural and untreated timber façade cladding both expresses its location and stands to mirror the context of the coastal homes its sits near. This cladding represents a sand-blasted finish, and the weathering that occurs over time in response to the environmental conditions allows for a level of disguise.
Hut on Sleds sees a traditional formal response, which integrates industrial and robust mechanisms and is designed to close up to the elements. It responds to its unique coastal site and is designed and constructed in to allow for future responsiveness to its changing contextual conditions. Apart from food delivery and non-recyclable waste removal, the structure is self-sustaining integrating rainwater catchment tanks, worm-tank waste systems and separate potable and grey-water tanks. Within its mere 40 square metres, the extent that Crosson Architects has expressed efficiency through materials, application and functionality emphasises a consciousness of sustainability, shared with their clients.
