Agricultural Huts Inspire Home Design in New Zealand

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of rural New Zealand, Openfield House captivates with its distinctive oversized corrugated metal roof. This architectural masterpiece, designed by the esteemed firm Keshaw McArthur, showcases innovative design that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, harmonizing beautifully with the natural landscape.

At the heart of Openfield House’s design is an impressive circular skylight that dramatically transforms the ambiance of the interior spaces. This thoughtfully crafted skylight bathes the home in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the day. Beyond illuminating the living areas, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the sky and the surrounding countryside, effortlessly merging the indoor and outdoor environments. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day further enhances the home’s aesthetic, making it a true reflection of its natural surroundings.

The architectural design draws significant inspiration from the local agricultural vernacular, paying tribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The team at Kershaw McArthur has expertly collaborated with the UK-based studio Matheson Whiteley, merging a wealth of creative expertise as their concept design partners. Together, they envisioned an “unfussy and honest design,” leading to a thoughtfully curated material palette that showcases the raw beauty of concrete, metal, and timber.

The home’s nearly open-plan layout is meticulously crafted to foster fluid movement between different spaces, creating an organic flow that enhances the overall living experience within the structure. This intentional design approach ensures that the home remains closely connected to its natural surroundings, promoting a profound relationship with the environment.

A striking aspect of the design is the integration of a full-height sliding glass door, which invites ample natural light into the living areas and blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Elegant timber screens complement this feature, providing both aesthetic appeal and privacy, allowing for a seamless transition that enriches the sense of unity with nature. This harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape encourages a tranquil and immersive lifestyle, celebrating the beauty of the natural world.

The studio articulates that the family residence is envisioned as a sanctuary that “lives in harmony with the natural surroundings,” emphasizing the importance of curated interaction between organic and inorganic elements. This philosophy manifests in the square layout and corrugated roof that echo the forms of historical buildings in the region, such as miner’s huts and farming sheds. By employing a rational grid, the design facilitates the flexible opening and closing of interior spaces, allowing residents to adapt their living environment to suit their needs and preferences.

The architectural design is deeply inspired by the local agricultural vernacular, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. The team at Kershaw McArthur has skillfully partnered with the UK-based studio Matheson Whiteley, leveraging their extensive creative expertise in conceptual design. Together, they have envisioned a design that is both “unfussy and honest,” leading to a thoughtfully curated material palette that showcases the raw beauty of concrete, metal, and timber.

The home’s nearly open-plan layout is meticulously crafted to facilitate seamless movement between various spaces, creating an organic flow that enhances the overall living experience. This intentional design approach ensures that the residence is closely aligned with its natural surroundings, fostering a profound connection with the environment.

The studio articulates that the family residence is envisioned as a sanctuary that “lives in harmony with the natural surroundings,” emphasizing the significance of curated interactions between organic and inorganic elements. This philosophy is reflected in the square layout and corrugated roof, which echo the forms of historical structures in the region, such as miner’s huts and farming sheds. By employing a rational grid, the design allows for the flexible adjustment of interior spaces, enabling residents to adapt their living environment to suit their needs and preferences.

The structural concrete elements of the residence have been meticulously arranged to create a staggered effect that retreats gently from the building’s edge. This intentional design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also cultivates an inviting open space around the perimeter of the home. By embodying the essence of a Japanese engawa, or verandah, the layout promotes a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

This thoughtful configuration allows for a seamless transition to various outdoor spaces, all of which are thoughtfully sheltered under the expansive roof eaves. These overhangs provide protection from the elements, enabling residents to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings regardless of the weather. The design encourages individuals to step outside, relax, and engage with the tranquil rural landscape that envelops the property, fostering a deep connection with nature and inviting moments of reflection and serenity.

At the base of the residence, a low concrete upstand supports a sophisticated track system for the sliding glass doors and slatted timber screens. This design enables precise control over sunlight and ventilation, enhancing comfort throughout different times of the day. “Layered with these intricate systems, the purity of the plan acquires depth through elements of architectural expression,” remarked the studio, illustrating how functionality marries aesthetics in this design.

The robust concrete upstand remains steadfast as the doors glide open effortlessly, offering a striking contrast to the sleek and sophisticated joinery that seamlessly integrates into the overall design. This innovative approach allows the joinery to blend seamlessly into the wall, creating an unobtrusive facade that enhances the space’s minimalist aesthetic. The thoughtful design effectively blurs the boundaries between the home’s fixed elements and its more dynamic features. This fluidity fosters a harmonious interaction between the interior and the exterior environment, enabling natural light and fresh air to permeate effortlessly and encouraging a seamless transition that elevates the overall living experience.

A gracefully designed single-flight staircase ascends elegantly to a spacious additional bedroom and bathroom, nestled beneath the strikingly high ceilings of Openfield House. This area is infused with natural light, thanks to a thoughtfully positioned large circular skylight that not only illuminates the space but also beautifully frames the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This architectural feature enriches the overall living experience, allowing residents to feel intimately connected to the stunning landscape that envelops the property.

The interplay of light and space creates a serene ambiance, forming a home design that encourages relaxation and contemplation. The design of Openfield House reflects a deep respect for the natural environment, seamlessly integrating elements that harmonize with the landscape while providing comfort and tranquility for its inhabitants. It embodies a commitment to fostering a nurturing atmosphere that prioritizes the well-being and connection of its residents to the magnificent world outside.