A Sculpture in the Landscape - Wedgie by Spacecraft Architects

Embracing and nestled into the adjacent bush in Tutakaka, Wedgie takes its name from its generous mono-pitch roof that shelters the two-storey home below. Spacecraft Architects’ gesture is a sculpture in the landscape.

Designed for a couple who spend the majority of their time overseas, the arrangement of elements on site was intended first and foremost to embrace the home’s location amongst the lush New Zealand bush. With clients whose occupations see them working on boats, the focus was for Wedgie to create a sense of disconnection from the world, embracing its remote and quiet location as respite. The home is located in a closed valley of regenerating native bush, and is located in close proximity to the water with a harbour to the southern open end of the valley.

Built by Richard Hilton-Jones Builders, Wedgie sees a contrast in finish, and a refined approach to materiality, appropriateness of context and climate suitability come together in conducive formal gesture.

Much as the home is a play on retreat and recluse, the manner in which it opens itself up to its environment mirrors the emerging form of the gestural roofline. Rising from the rear carport and integrated workshop on ground level, the singular pitched roof rises up, creating and conjuring a sense of drama. The overall form of the structure, and the resulting shelter, is a nod to the simple forms of a familiar vernacular, that of sheds and agricultural buildings. The expansive overhang also allows for primary shelter from the northland rain, further enabling the home to remain open during summer rainstorms.

The overall form of the structure, and the resulting shelter, is a nod to the simple forms of a familiar vernacular, that of sheds and agricultural buildings.

The resulting materiality also captures the origins of its referencing form. Clad in a combination of untreated timber, glass and corrugated iron sheeting, there is an intentional rawness to all of the comprising elements of Wedgie. The external approach is one that encourages a weathering and ageing process, one where patina and a rough natural adaptiveness will develop overtime. Internally the approach is smoother, creating a sense of balance between the in and outdoor spaces.

Built by Richard Hilton-Jones Builders, Wedgie sees a contrast in finish, and a refined approach to materiality, appropriateness of context and climate suitability come together in conducive formal gesture. Spacecraft Architects has respectfully embraced its particular location, creating a haven that rises from its under-croft open end, up to enclosed portions of the home for living and sleeping. Integrated with raw timber screens that craft dappled western sun patterns and provide cross-ventilation, the simplicity of form and dedication of one-ness of every element of Wedgie only helps reinforce its presence in such a special landscape.