Bach Family House

Set in the semi-rural area of Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, the Bach Family House is an idyllic retreat that fosters the qualities of holiday making.

The home is composed of three timber cabins which are organized around a communal outdoor terrace. The cabins imitate the surrounding alpine setting and are placed around an elevated dining platform with fire pit, where the presence of the late sun and the captivating views of the area invite to connect with the outdoors. Externally, the cabins are clad in unfinished cedar ‘folly’ and contrasting dark-stained cedar, while the extensive use of timber brings warmth inside.

The larger of the three buildings has an open plan living space, bedroom, bathroom, utility area, and a small traditional ‘eat in’ kitchen. Photovoltaic cells and low energy fittings keep operating costs at a minimum, and a log burner allows the low-mass structure to be quickly brought up to temperature during the cold season.

Photos by Stephen Goodenough / Cymon Allfrey Architects