Head of the Bay

Rural Workshop Architecture

Atrue gem, hidden away in the Marlborough Sounds, the award-winning renovation by Rural Workshop Architecture (RWA) had judges talking at the regional Architecture Awards. The RWA team enabled clients to turn a tired holiday home into a stunning, energy-efficient, modern family retreat.

Entitled ‘Head of the Bay’, the project was named as the winner of the Housing – Alterations and Additions category. Judges at the event were cited as saying, “This Marlborough Sounds renovation features a fully reclad triple gable form that opens up to two new mono-pitch pods to the north. Existing gable tops have been fully glazed, drawing light into the open-plan interior, while the new sleeping pods provide ample room for extended family. Although compact, the pods are well planned and crafted to ensure good use of space. The positioning of the new pods creates a pleasant, stepped, outdoor living space sheltered from southerly winds. Steps of varying heights create casual seating, while the timber decking serves to connect all buildings to each other and the foreshore.”

A huge undertaking, starting with no insulation, single-glazed windows and rotten exterior cladding, co-founder of RWA Jarrod Midgley says the biggest challenge of the renovation was dealing with the unexpected as they tore back the linings of the old building and began excavation behind the site. “But our highlight was seeing the transformation that we made to the property, partly by the new building work and renovations, but equally by reorganising the north side of the old bach to enable some outdoor living and access to sunshine. It was also a real highlight to work with such trusting clients and an amazing contractor. We all wanted a great result while being mindful of costs.”

Key elements of the project were that clients wanted access to sunlight, along with designated and comfortable inside and outside living. An existing sleepout was removed and extensive stabilising work undertaken before replacing the building with two pods – each large enough for a family to sleep in.

“Our client allowed us to reimagine the whole property, including the option of starting from scratch. After pursuing many options, we elected to keep the two main buildings and refurbish them to a very high standard. We identified the main hurdle to properly enjoying this beautiful property was the lack of any north-facing outdoor living and the southfacing orientation of the main bach. A complete internal reconfiguration of the main kitchen, dining, living space ensued. An old bunk house that loomed large over the main house was removed and a good deal of the terrain below it. Two new smaller bunkhouses replace the accommodation, separated, and set back from the main house to enable all day sun to penetrate,” says Jarrod.

“Despite covering quite a few square metres, we are really pleased that this collection of buildings still feels very much like a bach. By separating the project up into a variety of little forms, the home still feels small and intimate in scale – yet it still can work well with the whole extended family in residence.”

Mark and Katja Thompson from Fairfield Construction worked alongside the RWA team to deliver the stunning renovation to the client. Receiving accolades at such prestigious events is a wonderful recognition, says Katja. “Especially for everyone that was involved. Seeing the finished product was amazing, working with great clients and a great team, working with high-quality, longlasting, and low maintenance products was a true highlight. The site was extremely difficult as it was an ex-forestry skid that didn’t see the sun for two months over winter. We created spaces for the whole family to enjoy. We think it is key to be working with an architect and builder combination from the start with a common goal in mind. A key mention to the wonderful team at RWA, who we are proud to be working with, as well as all our staff, subcontractors, and suppliers. It takes a team effort to get a project like this across the line.” rwaltd.co.nz