BARN PARK

When it came to providing space to house a collection of vintage German automobiles, a high-end wooden barn got the green light.

Gollum had 'his precious' in the form of a ring and there is no question that a stable of classic Volkswagens and Porsches would fall into the same category.

Anything authentically connected to the heritage and values of these world-leading brands, including a carefully created parking area, would have to have precision and attention to detail high on the list. 

Ferdinand Porche ha made his mark on the prestige automobile world, not just those bearing his name but other world-beating brands too.  In the early 1920s he oversaw the development of the Mercedes compressor.  In 1931 he founded his own business, the Porsche Car Company, and set about designing a series of vehicles bearing his name and the popular VW marque.

Many around the world share the passion including this New Zealand-based collector who developed a love affair for the Teutonic-inspired technology.  His collection includes classic Porsches, VW Beetles, and the OE vehicle of choice the VW Combi.

As well as being an avid procurer of these timeless brands, his ability to faithfully restore a whole range of German automobiles is part of the 'mix', winning awards built on authenticity and a clear understanding of the culture and traditions behind each model.

His lifelong dream, to create a building that would both protect his investment and create an environment for enjoying his collection and the finer things in life, has now been fulfilled.

A Customkit barn with high ceilings, sound-proofing and temperature control capabilities was the starting point.  The burnished concrete floors sparkle under the reflection of the industrial lighting.  Overall the interior look is reminiscent of the German Bauhaus design style, one where art and creativity have a direct relationship with technology and people's living requirements. 

The black painted cedar beams and ply walls and ceiling make for a dramatic backdrop that is both rugged and refined.  Clean lines and open spaces dominate the areas dedicated to the parking and work areas for the automobiles.  Near one of the entrances is a luxury area pandering to human needs, including a bespoke bar area, fire place and lounge area.  Turkish rugs introduce another level of comfort and visual warmth.

Blending the old with the new, two of the VW's have been painted with what could well be contemporary Karen Walker palettes to introduce a bit of fun and fashion.

Sexy, sophisticated and stylish certainly applies to the world of Porsche and this alluring Barn Park pleasure dome.