CAAHT Studio Architects created this vacation retreat consisting of two simple gable cabin forms, located in Matarangi, a small modern tourist town on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand. The cabin is nestled within an existing clearing amongst the pine trees, near the beach to provide various degrees of shelter. Two gabled structures are connected by a central deck that is partially covered to provide shelter. This enables it to be used comfortably through the hot summers as well as during the colder winter months.
Two additional decks flank either side of the cabins, extending the structures out into the property. Expansive openings are provided around the sides and north ends of both cabins, opening the interiors out to the surrounding trees, offering a relaxed flow around the building of interwoven interior/exterior spaces, covered and open to the sky above. Having no formal “front door” further reinforces the informal holiday use of the structures.
Step inside the eastern cabin to find the main living quarters, the kitchen, dining, and living zones along with the main bedroom. In the western cabin, you will find a cozy guest bedroom and bunk room. When guests are not visiting, a couple can enjoy their stay in a single cabin.
When overnight guests come to visit, both cabins are in use — this includes lawn camping! At the heart of the cabins, the covered outdoor deck features sliding screens to shelter it from the southwesterly winds. Additionally, there is a large fireplace for warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings.
Additional functions are housed in a nearby utility block on the property. This structure conceals a clothesline, firewood storage, heat pump compressor, and a refreshing outdoor shower to rinse off after being at the beach and for campers’ use during the summer months.
The cabins have clarity in form and structure, clipped geometry, dark cedar cladding, and roofing, allowing them to sit quietly but firmly against their lush surroundings.
What We Love: This gable cabin retreat offers its inhabitants a wonderful getaway surrounded by a lush paradise and close proximity to the beach. A fantastic design concept enables this home to be used by just a couple or to accommodate large gatherings with plenty of space to roam. We are loving the indoor-outdoor connectivity of this cabin, expanding the living quarters and keeping everything feeling open and airy.
Tell Us: What do you think of this vacation house, would this be your ideal place to spend a weekend or the whole summer? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Have a look at a few of our most favorite home tours that we have featured in the New Zealand region here on One Kindesign: Modern stone and glass mountain retreat in New Zealand / Affordable hillside dwelling in New Zealand: DOGBOX / Waiheke Island beach house showcases magnificent coastal vistas
Photos: Dave Olsen Photography
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