Location   Titirangi, New Zealand

Surface area   1,291 square feet

Photographs   © Emma-Jane Hetherington

	Passive solar
	Natural daylight   Natural ventilation

Built as an escape from the city, this house is designed to provide a family with two children the opportunity to simplify their lives, while remaining aware of their surroundings and having a good time.

Situated in an isolated area with plenty of sun and views of the surrounding mountains, the hallmarks of this home are its identity with rustic outdoor living. This Titirangi property integrates a duo of compact buildings constructed from humble materials, allowing the environment to take its rightful place in the design. The main house—with its barn-shaped form and adult and child bedrooms located at opposite ends—and its mini-me cousin share a similar aesthetic and layout.

The family of four has moved into their new home and is enjoying a slower, gentler way of life. To achieve this, the color of their environment has played an integral part in the design process, an outward expression of their desire to live a more creative lifestyle. Thus, the choice of colors was central to the finish. Yellow and red accents complement the plywood walls and ceilings, and the concrete floors lend a playful and dynamic feel to the interior.

Site plan

A.   Major Dwelling

B.   Minor Dwelling

  1.  One-foot-high bund as per flood engineer’s report

  2.  Existing spa pool to be retained

  3.  Area returned to grass

  4.  Demolished house outline

  5.  Car parking

  6.  Line of thirty-two-foot boundary setback

  7.  Minor dwelling car parking

  8.  Drip line of tree

  9.  Line of sixty-five-foot riparian zone setback

10.  Gravel driveway, retained

11.  Existing garage

North elevation

East elevation

South elevation

West elevation

North elevation

West elevation

South elevation

East elevation

 The rectangular home is only four-by-thirteen-feet wide; however, the high, simple ceiling and tall windows expand the feel of the room beyond its actual size.

Minor ground floor

  1.  Bedroom

  2.  Living room

  3.  Dining room / Kitchen

  4.  Window seat

  5.  Study

  6.  Bathroom

  7.  Entrance

Major ground floor

  1.  Master bedroom

  2.  Master bathroom

  3.  Study

  4.  Kitchen

  5.  Dining room

  6.  Living room

  7.  Bathroom

  8.  Laundry room

  9.  Bedrooms

10.  Window seats

11.  Entrance

Summer sun diagram

Winter sun diagram