Contemporary Barn House

About

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Waikato, New Zealand, this stunning and practical contemporary barn house pays homage to the traditional barn vernacular.

Serving as the first stage of a larger project, the barn house features a customised rail and stock fencing system from Invercargill and an integrated Oamaru stone gateway with a cedar slider and state-of-the-art automation for remote control and security. Designed to accommodate for farm workers, the barn house includes an implements area, storage facilities, and full utilities and services. The barn house had to be compact and functional yet complementary to the future homestead.

Sustainability

Features

The barn house comprises a ground-floor workshop and simple living quarters on the upper level. Its orientation was carefully chosen to take advantage of the north-east facing aspect, providing protection from prevailing winds while maintaining spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding ranges. Exposed pine laminated portals and interconnecting beams provide the structural framework, creating a warm interior ambience. Blended plywood interior surface finishes offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing environment.

The exterior cedar curtain acts as a sunscreen during the day and a curtain at night, while the barn door operates on automatic sliders with a sliding shutter above for additional control over light and privacy. Slate grey coloured oiled cedar softens the exterior, complementing the corrugated cladding. Horizontal cedar slats filter sunlight and create a spectacular light glow at night, illuminating the outside service areas and access road.

Sustainable design is a key feature of this barn house. Passive ventilation and controlled solar penetration, combined with a low emissions solid fuel burner with wet back and national grid connected solar photovoltaic cells, result in virtually zero energy consumption and cost. LED lighting further enhances the home's energy efficiency, making it a model of sustainable living.

Comments

“Panelled with sheets of ply that were carefully selected to match the grain, the builder’s eye for detail is absolutely incredible. An exterior cedar curtain panel that acts as a sunscreen during the day and a curtain at night is the work of a craftsman. The phenomenal quality of construction and response to a very bold design made this home a worthy winner of the Supreme Award.”

Judges panel
Master Builders House of the Year

Awards

Premium New Homes $1 million – $2 million
National Winner
2010
Sustainable Homes over $1 million
National Winner
2010
Supreme Award - House of the Year
Waikato Region
2010
Life Members Award
Waikato Region
2010
Lifestyle Award Winner: 4 Categories
Waikato Region
2010
People's Choice Award
Waikato Region
2010
Craftsmanship Award
Waikato Region
2010
Sustainable Home Award
Waikato Region
2010
Lifestyle Awards
Waikato Region
2010
New Homes $350,000 - $450,000
Waikato Region
2010
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