A piece of flotsam

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Designed to look like a stranded shipping container, this bach conveys solid simplicity

Colours of the coast inspired the interior palette interior design, living room, real estate, room, suite, brown, orange — Colours of the coast inspired the interior palette of khaki and slate grey and the use of natural, hardy fabrics

The kitchen, an open-plan space at the rear cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, white

With a long, narrow design, this two-storey bach architecture, cottage, home, house, real estate, roof, water, gray

The upper level offers a second living room ceiling, estate, home, interior design, living room, penthouse apartment, property, real estate, room, window, gray

Glass sliding doors provide a connection between the countertop, estate, interior design, living room, real estate, room, window, wood, brown

The simple shape ensures the view can be architecture, building, elevation, estate, facade, home, house, property, real estate, residential area, roof, villa, window, blue

When strolling along a rough and wild stretch of coastline whipped by salty winds, it would be no great surprise to come across an old container that had been washed up in a storm.

Architectural designer Bob Jackson had this image in mind when he drew up plans for a bach on an isolated part of the Kaikoura coast.

"The concept of a container-like cube suited the size and location of the property," he says.

The very narrow site, which restricted the height of the house, influenced the form of the building and limited the pitch of the roof, while the robust coastline had a strong impact on the choice of materials and colours.

"We also wanted to take advantage of the view from as much of the house as possible," he says.

To do this, Jackson designed the two-storey house as a series of three boxes. The ground floor, forming the first box, has thick concrete blocks walls on three sides, while large glass sliding doors cover the front.

On top of this, a second box has been clad in Weathertex vertical hardboard panels, which have a rippled appearance that resembles the side walls of a container. It, too, has floor-to-ceiling glass doors across the side facing the sea. This level doubles as a second living space or overflow sleeping area.

At the rear of the house, and not visible from the beach side, a third single-level box contains three bedrooms and a bathroom.

"Very robust materials, such as concrete and double-glazed glass, help to create the look we wanted and ensure the house will withstand the harsh coastal climate," says Jackson.

The same principle has been applied to the interior of the bach. Painted concrete walls and exposed Interspan concrete rib ceilings with timber panel infills add to the rustic look.

"This creates a relaxed, holiday feel. Our aim was for the house to be uncluttered and easy to live in we didn't want it to have the appearance of a house you might find in a city," says Jackson.