Lodge-like grandeur

Designed by Space Studio

From the designers:

Located in the Cardrona valley – the owner’s brief was very clear about creating a lodge that would provide a relaxed yet luxurious feel for the family to gather with friends and adult children and grandchildren. 

The owners envisaged simple barn forms that related to the nature of the Cardrona Valley which has a rich farming and gold mining history.

The property had also been purchased with an existing building consent and nominated building platform. 

While the form was not to be followed, the platform needed to be accommodated in the new design.

Situated close to the village, privacy was important while at the same time so was framing the views to the surrounding hills and taking into account the extremes of the climate, prevailing winds and spaces to capture the afternoon sun. 

Sustainability, in terms of the building’s performance, was also a high priority.

The planning would need to provide for gathering spaces that were distinct from the accommodation areas. 

A love of entertaining and gathering around the heart of the home, the kitchen, was preferred and an easy indoor/outdoor flow through all seasons was required.

As a lodge destination, the project was designed to be managed remotely, catering to the extremes in climate of the Cardrona Valley.

The two 'barns' follow the form of the original building platform with a lean-to joining the two structures, as if they had always been separate, but finally connected.

The structure is nestled into the gentle sloping section, providing protection form the wind and privacy to the outdoor gathering spaces. 

The board and batten cladding is traditional in nature and complemented with oiled cedar barn doors, shutters, and a large pivot door at the entry. 

The barn structures were developed by a traditional barn manufacturer and working closely with them to integrate a high level of interior design was critical to the completed product.

Incorporating local Clutha stone and schist with oak floors gives a warmth and textured grounding to the space. 

A sleek contemporary design could have been delivered but delivering a balance between traditional barn aesthetic with a contemporary, comfortable, textured interior required the careful balancing of detail and finish.

The palette for the home was derived in response to its seasons and surroundings in the ochre coloured Cardrona Valley where dark Matagouri and golden tussock flourish. 

The valley provides an ever-changing seasonal backdrop from the snows of winter through the spring and summer green to the golden hues of autumn.

The living area walls are plastered and tonal, reflecting the traditional finishes prevalent in the historic structures of the valley. 

The sliding garage/barn door, shutters, hardware, tapware, and decorative lighting selections provide further detailed reference to the barn metaphor while supporting everyday use of the spaces.

Windows provide curated view shafts to the surrounding hills. 

The laminated ply beam structure and all framing was prepared off site which allowed for less waste and accelerated construction on site.

The entry 'lean-to' continues the exterior cladding for the two barns through into this space and the exterior Clutha quarried stone separates the two barns internally. 

The window at the rear of the entry lobby frames the owner’s sculpture and provides a drop off area for hats and coats and shoes. 

Lighting is carefully integrated to illuminate the sculptures.

The two structures or 'barns' have distinct aspects. 

The living spaces are housed in a double volume barn space that allows for large family gatherings around a large central kitchen. 

Anchored at one end, the large cathedral window captures the view to the hills and is symmetrically arranged to the external fireplace on the external terrace. 

Light falls across textured walls and the expressed beam structures conceal track lighting with the bottom chord allowing specific area of the spaces to be carefully highlighted such as the Lisa Reihana artwork within its allocated space.

Integrated appliances and air conditioning within the cabinetry allow the kitchen space to sit elegantly, yet simply within the living area. 

A leathered Negresco stone provides a tactile feel to the kitchen areas alongside stained oak veneers. 

A jewel cocktail cabinet, along with bar fridge, is also integrated into the cabinetry. 

Large windows capture the light from early morning through to evening with the lean-to over the terrace providing shade in summer and cover on winter evenings, allowing the internal / external flow to be accommodated year-round.

The bathrooms incorporate textured natural tile carefully detailed around the sanitaryware, which expands on the barn aesthetic. 

Custom vanities with leathered stone and carefully designed lighting support soft wayfinding light at night and mood or full lighting if required.

The ‘accommodation barn' accommodates 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a bunk room on the ground floor together with the internal access garage and a drying room. 

The upper level houses the main bedroom and ensuite, a media room and a further young adult’s bedroom. 

Sound from the living area can be controlled via a sliding barn door as one enters the accommodation area. 

The journey through the accommodation areas, provides moments of interest and differentiation. 

While continuing the traditional detailing of board and batten detail through passages and bedrooms, a lighter palette supports the smaller spaces.

The bunkroom is timber lined, warm and inviting. 

A hidden stairway leads to the master bedroom and media room. 

Heading up the darkened moody stairwell, many a wintry afternoon and evening can be spent in the darkened media room.

The master bedroom provides a quiet, rich space with jewelled accents in finishes and furnishings. 

Lighting, furnishings and fittings from the owners’ travels are carefully curated into all the spaces.

Radiators were specifically sourced to work in with the interiors. 

These provide localised heat to rooms that can be controlled by the user rather than having to rely on a central system. 

Integrating lighting and control systems for the house without an overlay of contemporary fixtures required careful coordination with the electrical, security and mechanical design for the property.

Lighting, furnishings and fittings from the owners’ travels are carefully curated into all the spaces.

Radiators were specifically sourced to work in with the interiors. 

These provide localised heat to rooms that can be controlled by the user rather than having to rely on a central system. 

Integrating lighting and control systems for the house without an overlay of contemporary fixtures required careful coordination with the electrical, security and mechanical design for the property.

Designed by: Space Studio

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Studio Weir, Simon Devitt