Contemplative Recharge – Kererū Retreat by Studio Well

Able to be adapted and transported to varying locations and climates, Kererū Retreat was imagined as a place for absolute disconnection from the urban realm. Studio Well proposes a home through an efficiently planned lens, founded on principles of simplicity and sustainability that allow a complete engagement with the natural surrounds.

Camouflaged within the landscape, the aged timber clad form sits comfortably in place, having allowed the elements to naturally weather its outer shell. As an initiative to explore compacted and transportable living, Kererū Retreat sits within Mt Hutt in Canterbury and is an off-grid home that focuses on quality of experience over expanse of size. Integrated systems ensure the dwelling can operate and function without the need for outside energy or services to be brought into or connected to the form, whilst maintaining comfort year-round. Able to be transported as its own independent entity, Studio Well ensures that moveable façade elements allow an adaptation to various climates, as well as incoming sun and solar gains as needed, creating a responsive architecture of its own.

By ensuring a reduced overall footprint, the layered space makes full use of the gabled form, tucking an additional sleeping area up on a mezzanine level above the kitchen.

Key to the success of the project is the residence’s transportability, whilst still ensuring a sense of integrity remains. The aim of Kererū Retreat was for the structure to sit harmoniously within the landscape – both in its carbon footprint and in scale. By ensuring a reduced overall footprint, the layered space makes full use of the gabled form, tucking an additional sleeping area up on a mezzanine level above the kitchen. The main bed is built into the side, doubling as a window seat space and elevated slightly to include storage underneath.

With the exterior of the building used to close and open the form, fewer thermal layers are needed internally, optimising the available floor area within. Whilst the outer layers are deliberately left to respond to the environment, the interior is comprised of a more robust warmth. The texture of ply sheets adds an element of the familiar, whilst a modest approach to joinery ensures necessities have been considered and integrated. Folding and flexible furniture allow an expansion of space and for the crossover of functionality as needed, spilling out into the landscape on warmer days.

Camouflaged within the landscape, the aged timber clad form sits comfortably in place, having allowed the elements to naturally weather its outer shell.

Wanting to completely unplug in all its forms, Kererū Retreat becomes an expression of calm that engages intimately with nature. Using resilient and appropriate materiality, Studio Well has created a repeatable offering for rural shelter – one with a contained energy footprint.