This family ski bach in Ohakune, with panoramic views of the ski slopes of Mt Ruapehu and the iconic Carrot, has been designed around a set of tough site parameters. Height restrictions, setbacks and view lines all had to be taken into consideration in the design. On top of that the brief was to make the most of the sun and shade so the house would need little extra heating or cooling.  Add to that the protection from a chilling South-East wind and the outline of the building was set. The base is a simple rectangular shape which steps in at the North - West side of the house, and the roof continuing over. This creates a covered deck area around the North and West side of the building providing  much needed shelter for the summer sun, but in winter lets the sun penetrate deep into the house. This corner of the house is completely glazed and opens up to the deck for an exceptional indoor – outdoor flow.

Once inside the house you start to appreciate the icons of its surrounding, captured in various window frames. Natural light is streaming in, light wall and ceiling colours are used to reflect the light deep into the central hallway.

The use of timber in kitchen, bathroom, laundry and bedrooms adds to the modern chalet feeling, as does the wood fire in the centre of the lounge.

The outside of the bach has been clad in durable plywood (stained black) with vertical cedar battens and vertical western red cedar weatherboards on feature walls. The colour contrast emphasizes the cut-out shape of the building, with the dark plywood as the basic rectangular box and the cedar as the counter shape. To insulate the house owners have chosen a European designed, more environmentally friendly glass wool insulation (mostly recycled material).  Waste reduction during the build was another priority and we managed to end up with only a single trailer load of plastic and GIB to the local recycle station. This was achieved through onsite project management and accurate ordering of materials. 

Lighting throughout the house is LED technology, except for the feature David Trubridge pendant lights.

Close to town, with mountain and carrot views, great outdoor space for families, a modern chalet look and spacious interior, this house has all a perfect family bach really needs.