At the heart of this brief was the client’s desire to create a relaxed lodge for the family to gather with friends. Two simple barns form the residence. Nestled into the hillside in the historic Cardrona valley, the brief was to create a journey through the home from the exterior/interior entry “lean-to” to living space and intimate accommodation areas.

The aesthetic was to follow a relaxed, textural barn inspired aesthetic rather than a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. The concept was of two barns connected by a “lean-to” structure.

Incorporating local Clutha stone and schist with oak floors gives a warmth and textured grounding to the space. The living area walls are plastered and tonal reflecting the traditional finishes prevalent in the valley. Anchored at one end, the large cathedral window captures the view to the hills.

Set against the textured plastered walls, the joinery and schist fireplace required careful consideration of scale within the vast space. The living area supports lounging on the window seat or nestling into the fireplace. The overall space is planned to provide distinct yet connected areas for relaxing in the living area and gathering in and around the kitchen.

The two barns are distinct and reflect the difference in use, responding to the client’s desire for a sense of discovery through the spaces. The journey through the accommodation areas, provides moments of interest and differentiation. Carefully detailed board and batten integrating lighting and artwork, gives was to a timber clad bunk room and hidden stairway. This leads to the master bedroom and media room. Lighting, furnishings, and fittings from the clients’ travels and carefully curated into all the spaces. The master bedroom provides a quiet, rich space to escape to with deep jewel tones.

Designed by Space Studio

Photography Michelle Weir