Convergence of Locality – Two Barns by Space Studio

Emerging as two distinct yet coalescing pavilions, Two Barns is imagined as a lodge among New Zealand’s mountainous Cardrona Valley. Space Studio draws from a traditional vernacular in proposing the residence as a reflection of local materiality and lifestyle.

Known for its ski season during winter and hiking trails during summer, the Cardrona Valley region is growing in popularity. The lodge-style residence takes inspiration from the traditional alpine style – widely reinterpreted throughout New Zealand – with the high sloping gabled roof discouraging settling snow. Through a simplified and contemporary approach, Two Barns is comprised of two forms linked by a windowed passage. Cloaked in dark metal sheeting, the forms sit deliberately recessive in the environment where Space Studio ensures the surrounding natural landscape remains the focus.

Intended as a holiday residence, the house needed to capture the comforts of home without compromise.

Intended as a holiday residence, the house needed to capture the comforts of home without compromise. The separation between the two pavilion forms allows for the clear delineation of function – one volume encompasses the open planned living, dining and kitchen spaces and the other contains the private and sleeping areas.

Taking inspiration from the locally occurring schist rock, the exterior palette is one of robustness and longevity. Internally, a softer and more layered approach is used to create and encourage warmth. Varying tones of timber are combined with a darker palette, framing a focal fireplace made from local rock. The lodge style is expressed throughout with an elemental approach and showcases an openness with the landscape as a reminder of place.

Two Barns is bold and respectful in response to its context.

Two Barns is bold and respectful in response to its context. Embracing the home’s remoteness, Space Studio curates a home that endeavours to connect to the surrounding landscape through framed views out and a natural materiality.