At one with the forest

This 21m² footprint, three-level sleepout/study is nestled amongst native trees on a residential property – shaped to conform with setbacks and the mature trees themselves, the hideaway is near invisible on approach

X small 2133 Woven Architects Robinson Latimer 4

To say the dwelling merges with its surrounding

Dark stained Adobo Vulcan vertical weatherboard cladding visually

A small deck is positioned outside the stacking

The sleepout covers three levels with space efficient

Looking from the upper bunk level down to

Skylights offer views of the forest canopy and

Master bedroom with quite the view. - At

The modest footprint belies a relatively roomy interior.

Stepped approach to the angular hideaway. - At

Designed by Will Weavers, Woven Architects

From the architect:

The brief

Owner: "Ideally it will be simple but beautiful in form, nestled beneath the 50 year old kahikatea, puriri, titoki and rimu trees at the bottom of our garden."

The project

This 'Pūriri hideaway' is a small tranquil sleepout nestled between established native trees on a steeply sloping site in coastal Raglan, New Zealand.

Tucked away in the corner of the angular residential section, it offers additional space in an otherwise under-utilised corner of the residential property.

With its dark colouring and sleek angular form it visually disappears into the section, while its interior is light and spacious with amazing views to the surrounding native trees.

Until one is close to the sleepout it is barely visible, even though it is located on a relatively small section.

To work with the slope of the site, the sleepout changes floor level three times, despite only having a floor area of 21m².

The mono-pitch ceiling works to add height to the interior space while also running near-parallel with the site, remaining under tight council sunlight planes.

The project derives its angular form to fit hard against site boundary setbacks which are angular on two boundaries, as well as to fit between the surrounding native trees and the nearby main dwelling on the section.

The interior is accentuated with a natural colour palette of timbers and tiles to tie in with the surrounding native trees and nearby harbour.

The project is given its name as it hides between surrounding native Pūriri trees.

Two skylights provide additional natural light as well as amazing views to the tree canopy above.

A large sliding door and deck provide a direct physical connect with the natural environment it is placed within.

The function of the sleepout is to provide a work-from-home space, as well as a guest bedroom when friends and family come to stay.