Orchard House

By Novak + Middleton

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This holiday home is located on an old apple orchard in the southern region of New Zealand’s North Island. It has been conceived as a series of apple boxes sitting lightly on the land for habitation. The intention was to reinterpret the New Zealand building tradition, the crafting of timber and the expression of structure, cladding, lining and joinery in a raw and unique way.

The building consists of two simple boxes orientated on the primary axis of the site and linked by an external gallery. The structure of the boxes has a logical and coherent rhythm reminiscent of apple packing cases. The living spaces open on both sides to the outside, a metaphorical campsite, while the bunkrooms remain enclosed and cool.

Treatment of the exterior façade has been sensitively handled to express the building’s origins. Vertical structural members support random horizontal boarding, reflecting the old apple crates that were used on the early orchards.

The concept incorporates simple sustainable design principles of water collection, wetback water heating, waste management, double glazing and material selection.

NZ Institute of Architects Award

Novak + Middleton
Wellington

Professionals used in
Orchard House

Novak + Middleton
Novak + Middleton
Architects

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About the
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Novak+Middleton is an NZIA award-winning architectural practice. We specialise in creating innovative and quality architecture, offering a comprehensive personalised service to our clients. The thirty year working relationship of the practice directors has grounded Novak+Middleton with extensive experience in all aspects of residential and commercial architecture, including large scale multi-unit housing, new homes, additions and alterations, and interior architectural design.

As an architectural practice we believe the strength of good design stems from a sensible and honest use of materials and space, combined together with a thorough understanding of a client's objectives. These can then be integrated in a contemporary manner that is appropriate to each individual client.

Our team has considerable experience, offering design and technical excellence. Our professional service covers all facets of the build, from the initial meeting through to completion of the project.

While our experience is essential, so too is our commitment to each individual client and their community. The ability to provide a quality service with an outstanding result is paramount in the philosophy of our architectural practice.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.