Teranui

by ata

“One bach to cater for two families” was the brief. Sounds simple but it meant providing multiple private spaces whilst not compromising the campground-esk feel on a 127m2 footprint with tough site coverage rules. The open entry gives instant connection to the living on arrival. Each of the five bedrooms have external access with large openings providing a sense of space and privacy. The transit/access space winds around on itself becoming the transition from public to private. The wet area is multi-purpose servicing the laundry, shower, toilet and bathroom in a compact hall space. Opening out to the outdoor showers and filleting area. The kitchen wraps around into a bar and living storage. Both in plan and material we have ensured a continuation so spaces don’t end but blend to create a bigger overall whole. Living environments manage to look outward but at the same time back onto each other further enhancing the sense of space. The living has been considered across each zone with consideration to sunlight and activities in certain times of day. The outdoor room being primely positioned for late afternoon sun and protecting indoor environments from overheating in Summer. The mezzanine sits atop the bedrooms to create intimacy to those spaces but open voids in the living. The stairs, mesh and mezzanine are all contributing elements to create an open and relaxed atmosphere essential to a bach. The trusses run the full length of the building providing strong continuity and hold the bach together like fingers of a hand.

The slightly awkward form was inspired by the Pauanui ranges and the original fibrolite utility shed – a quintessential piece of New Zealand coastal architecture. Details are expressed and deliberate. The inclusion of the mezzanine with space saver stair was not within NZ Building code, so ATA applied for a determination. Now it is. Design features include full height rope mesh arrest screen, exposed trusses, MDF negative detailed ceilings, plywood walls and MDF batten linings, and an understated burnished concrete floor. Built and orientated for the sun (including solar gain and passive cooling) and dividing outdoors for each season and occasion. Teranui needed to be low maintenance so long-run coloursteel was chosen. We wanted a sculptural quality to the main form so chose to use this for the roof and walls and zero eaves for a homogeneous feel. Symmetrical hi-rib profile was chosen for impact as it casts great shadows and texture. Vertical fins replicate the lines of the cladding and give clues to the mezzanine level within. Fibreglass matching profile cladding is used in the outdoor room for seamless integration but to allow diffuse light deeper into the building. Internally we wanted a robust and simple palate of concrete, Plywood and black with fixtures and furniture giving silvering tones reminiscent of sand and sea. The black ceiling and trusses is a statement piece. the texture of the expressed joints and exposed trusses give a settling rhythm to the space with bottom chords providing volume balance and tie in nicely with the lighting arrangement. Teranui is the ADNZ (Architectural Designers New Zealand) Waikato Regional Winner – Residential New Home 150-300m2 – 2018.