raumati bach

A bach existed on the site for some fifty years before succumbing to the elements. The wind and sun beat the coastal site in equal amounts. The site is a dramatic location, immediately in front of the beach with views directly out to Kapiti Island, and uninterrupted sunsets. The experience and memory of running down to the surf from the bach has continued through the generations of the Hawke’s Bay family that has owned the site.

The clients wanted to maintain this easy and relaxed experience with the new bach. Care also needed to be taken to maintain privacy from the road, shelter, views and connection to beach with the ability of maximising the potential to live outside. The weekends were not for bach maintenance so the materials needed to be robust to withstand all the westerlies and intense UV nature can throw at the site. The bach was to accommodate up to two families on holiday, and also act as a temporary office when necessary.

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The new bach wraps around a covered deck, which acts as an outdoor room. This space becomes the centre of the bach and the point from which the other activities pivot. By being enclosed on three sides the effect of any of the shore wind is minimised by the pressure within the space equalising with the wind pressure causing the breeze to blow over the top. Timber louvres are utilised to provide cross ventilation through the rooms while the windows remain as large openings, minimising the window mechanisms facing west. The floor area was kept to a minimum (some 82 sq). Allowing the budget to accommodate the higher quality of materials and fixings needed to withstand the elements. The roof was designed as a simple single pitch with the height to the drama of the western views.

The living space was designed as a single simple volume, containing a central dining table, kitchen bank at the end wall and sitting areas with an orientation out to the sea.

The materials where kept to very simple robust palette, marine grade aluminium cladding and windows, black stained plywood and zinc capped macrocarpa rafters, with a clear finished plywood ceiling and particle board floor.

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raumati bach