Kahu house was designed to be inhabited by the Client for half of the year whilst acting as a shared family bach for the remaining half.  The brief required a design which could be both private and open simultaneously.

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In response to this, Kahu House consists of two distinct wings connected by a generous deck, surrounded by native planting at the edge of a wetland. The west wing houses the shared living spaces (open plan kitchen, dining and lounge), capturing the last of the evening sun, while the eastern wing is made up of more private spaces (bedrooms/bunkroom and bathrooms).

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At the central hinge of the house is a breezeway which is designed to provide a space for sheltered outdoor dining and to invite breezes through to ventilate and provide cooling.

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After entry, the house then opens out to the north, to the wetland, the views and the sun. Windows to the south, east and west are positioned for views out to bush or hills whilst retaining privacy.

 

The roof is a simple form, akin to a protecting wing draping over the house, and extends to the north for shading in summer, but allowing the winter sun in to the house in the cooler months.