This scaled up bach is designed around two pavilions which are connected by a stunning dining room that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the beach.

The smaller pavilion is the bedroom wing. Large sliding doors reveal a dining area, which then opens to the larger pavilion with an expansive high stud living area. The mezzanine bedroom and living space sits on an inside deck where massive floor to ceiling windows maximise the breathtaking view.

The glass is triple glazed to keep out the roaring winter winds and the sounds of the crashing ocean. The property is clad in reverse cut aluminium to provide extra protection from salt and sand.

The result is the owners feel right at home and simply don’t want to leave their private bach. They stay there all weekend and won’t leave. Their home is warm, quiet and welcoming, whilst commanding stunning views. What better testimony could you have? People from the beach have commented how in awe they are in of their property, which is heartening.

The client’s want for walls of glass to show off the ocean views from anywhere in the house meant their floor to ceiling and wall to wall glazing had to comply with NZ wind load conditions. They also wanted thermal performance, which was achieved with our Pacific Thermal Suite and Planitherm XN Low E Triple Glazing. With all bedrooms facing the ocean, the triple glazing was also needed to provide sufficient sound control from the crashing ocean waves outside. Just as important, the floor to ceiling detailing captures the amazing morning sun rises across the expansive ocean.

We worked closely with the architect, Regan Johnston, to provide our expertise with this kind of project, along with specialist details for large walls of glass facing the ocean. Regan initially wanted products from our commercial range but as the client wanted thermal efficiency and better than double glazing performance, we steered him away from this and came up with the solution to manufacture out of our thermally broken system. We opted for Low E Triple Glazing with an R 1.81 through the Glass.

This project has used the best materials for the location and environment. This bach is a finalist in the NZIA awards, and architects are very interested in its thermal efficiency and its external cladding. This innovative property also appeared on TV3’s Grand Designs programme.

Location - Dunedin
Architect - Johnston Architects
Builder - Three Little Pigs Builders
Fabricator - E13 Windows
Suites/Products - Pacific Thermal Suite
Industry Sector - Residential