- Project: Boat Sheds
- Architect: Strachan Group Architects
- Location: New Zealand, Takapuna, Auckland
- Year: 2016
- Area: 480 m2
- Photography: Patrick Reynolds
Strachan Group Architects in collaboration with Rachael Rush have completed the Boat Sheds, a 5,166-square-foot residence in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Positioned just steps from the beach, the home references the boating culture of its location through its three distinctive stepped gables clad in black, while offering a spatially complex and adaptable interior.
Context and Architectural Concept
The compact corner site presented unique challenges: two 5-meter front yard requirements and a three-story neighboring structure looming on the north-west boundary. In response, the architects designed a layered scheme that maximizes transparency, capturing light, sun, and glimpses of the pohutukawa trees and ocean.
Externally, the house evokes simplicity, with its bold gabled silhouette echoing the forms of local boat sheds. Internally, however, the project unfolds as a series of intricately crafted spaces that contrast the minimalist exterior with warmth and texture.
Crafted Timber Interiors
While the exterior is defined by its dark, sculptural presence, the interiors celebrate artisan timber craftsmanship. The use of wood brings a sense of natural tactility, grounding the home in its coastal environment.
The interiors create a succession of multi-connected spaces, offering fluid movement while preserving moments of intimacy and seclusion.
Adaptability and Engagement
Boat Sheds was conceived as a dynamic, interactive residence. Its walls and partitions are designed to:
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Lift, fold, or slide open in response to weather.
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Shut down or disappear when privacy or shelter is needed.
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Blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
This adaptability allows the home to breathe with its environment, adjusting spatially and atmospherically to suit the changing rhythms of coastal life.
A House of Intent
From every angle, Boat Sheds engages both its occupants and its context. It is a home designed not merely for shelter, but for interaction, intrigue, and sensory experience. By balancing coastal references, crafted interiors, and adaptive design strategies, Strachan Group Architects and Rachael Rush have created a landmark residence that embodies New Zealand’s contemporary beach lifestyle.
