Whangapoua Sled House by Crosson Clarke Carnachan

You want the oceanfront view, seaside breeze, and sandy floor of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula but can’t build on the erosion zoned beach. What to do? Hire crafty architects, who then go about designing a mobile beach hut that can be towed to and from the shoreline at your leisure. Continue.

The compact structure–the box measures a mere 40 square meters–straddles a pair of timber sleds that enable it to be towed up and down the beach. The hut houses a family of 5 while on holiday, with a large living space, dining area and kitchen up front, plus two sleeping zones and a bathroom located to the rear of the volume.  The lush, well-lit wood interiors contrast with the more rugged exterior shell, covered in what looks like driftwood to withstand the elements when not in use.

It’s the raw simplicity in the form and materials that make this an idyllic vacation home. A shutter on the front façade winches up to form an awning that blocks excessive sun while revealing large glazed doors. Small shutters on the sides of the building reveal additional windows, while a roof top deck is hidden by a parapet wall. With a worm tank water system to separate portable grey water tanks, use of timber and its overall modest size, this beach retreat also manages to be entirely sustainable accommodating the sensitive nature of the beach locale.

by Ashley Wells

posted in Uncategorized

tagged beach, Getaway, hut, new zealand, sled, vacation, vacation home

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