Skylark Cabin

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Skylark Cabin | Barry Connor Design | ArchiPro video
Skylark Cabin | Barry Connor Design | ArchiPro
Gently nestled into the tussock grasslands of the Ben Ohau Range foothills sits Skylark Cabin, a tiny home measuring in at less than 50sqm.
The underlying form is of two offset open plan spaces. One contains the bedroom and bathroom and is positioned to allow morning sun to filter through. The other holds the kitchen, entry and living areas and enjoys closer views of the Ben Ohau Range.
The site is permeated with native tussock grasses and more refined planting, which allows the cabin to nestle gently into the land and sets up a sense of arrival as you meander down the driveway.
Entry to the home is via the carport, with its ClearVue roof extending down from the cabin roofline before being 'anchored' at the other end to the hidden storage block and bike racks.
Natural stone boulders—reclaimed from the site excavation—were used to create a nested plinth on which the cabin perches.
Named for the skylarks which inhabit the area, the folded form of the cabin also nods to the distinctive aerial display of these local birds with their angular, precise and purposeful acrobatics.
The exterior is cloaked in a rough-sawn larch timber rainscreen and represents the idea of a birds nest, which refelcts the natural aspect of the project.
The circular skylight, which is positioned over the bed, provides views of the stars at night, as well as lazy views of the vast hazy skies during the day.
Burnt orange window frames punctuate the larch shell. The colour was a specific client request and has been used to emphasise the main structural elements.
The seemingly random placement of the windows actually accommodates purposefully framed views of the mountains and surroundings that throughout the day and night provide interest, perspective and scale.
The rain screen cladding was chosen as it will weather in overtime and can also be removed and replaced as necessary. The use of LED 'light beams'—both externally and internally—helps accentuate the folds and creases within the architecture.
A series of burnt orange structural frames extending down from the cabin roofline, lend a sense of spaciousness to the overall design without increasing the permitted footprint.
In contrast to the black larch exterior, the beech plywood interior reflects the warm, natural tones of the tussock grasses and helps extend the feeling of being nestled right in the landscape.
The black-edged ply rib detailing represents the “cradle” of being inside—protected, safe and private.
Conceived as a place for relaxation and retreat the intention was to provide for only the essentials: a place to cook, sleep, reflect and bathe.
A deck, built over and around the rock plinth, provides an all-important outdoor space from which to revel in the peaceful surroundings.
The shape and form of the cabin, along with the placement of the windows, was derived from plotting specific views from certain activities: lying in bed; washing the dishes; having a shower; and sitting or standing in the living area.
Located on the outskirts of Twizel, the cabin enjoys views of the prized and protected Mackenzie Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve.

About the
Professional

Welcome to Barry Connor Design Limited.

Great homes begin with great design. And great design always begins with you. By listening, and working one-on-one with you, we share ideas, inspiration and innovation. Your new home will be designed to reflect your personal lifestyle, meet your family’s needs, and optimise the uniqueness of your location. Whatever your budget, your home will come to life through great design that combines form with functionality.

Based in Canterbury, Barry can design site-specific for any location throughout New Zealand.

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Barry Connor Design
Barry Connor Design

Architectural Designers