At the River’s Edge – The Camp by Fearon Hay

Small of scale and humble of gesture, a pair of timber-clad structures sit at the water’s edge, positioned as though engaged in a friendly conversation. The Camp sees Fearon Hay pare back the design to its essential elements to create a perfectly calibrated experience.

Set on a gentle estuarine headland of the Tawharanui Peninsula, just over an hour north of Auckland, the site is pastoral and tranquil. The architects sited the dwellings, one of which contains the sleeping quarters and the other the living space, on a slope above a small plateau, embraced by a slightly elevated contour in the land. Each building looks to the other while opening outwards to the peaceful prospect over the estuary, with the simple lawn that separates The Camp from the water alluding to days spent outdoors on this protected yet relatively untouched stretch of riverbank.

Fearon Hay sought for the occupation of the land to feel relaxed and timeless. The structures, with their simple exposed timber framework and timber shutters finished only with oil, appear to have been in situ for generations, their modest steel chimneys speaking to the primal invitation to shelter, warmed by both the hearth and companionship provided within. The same dark timber that clads the interior is extended internally to create a rich and warm yet unpretentious materiality. The operable shutters allow The Camp to be opened to the view, but equally, to be entirely enclosed and protected. Glazing is minimised in favour of a direct connection with the outdoors so that each dwelling is capable of turns enclosing and protecting and welcoming in the elements to create an experience much akin to camping.

But while The Camp is rigorously simplified and pared-back, the design is perfectly calibrated such that the simplicity heightens the luxuries that can be found. Hidden within the sleeping quarters, the iconic Agape Vieques bathtub, designed by Patricia Urquiola, rests beside one of the operable walls, inviting the experience of bathing virtually outdoors. At The Camp, sensory experience comes to define luxury – whether a languid bath, the tactile warmth and texture of timber against the hand, or the joy of a soft breeze blowing across the estuary and through the living space as one rests on the couch after a day spent outdoors. All these and more are experiences that project recognises may be simple yet which are immeasurably heightened and enriched through the interplay between architecture and place.

Fearon Hay sought for the occupation of the land to feel relaxed and timeless.