A clever conversion fits beautifully into its rural setting,\u00a0Kim Dungey reports.<\/p>\n
A concrete shed is probably the last thing you\u2019d expect could be converted into a comfortable home.<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s exactly what the owners of this H\u0101wea Flat property have done, with the help of Chaney & Norman Architects.<\/p>\n
Located in a small, semi-rural community at Windmill Corner, the concrete shed was originally used for farm purposes and later became a modest crib, with the addition of a timber lean-to.<\/p>\n
Now, it has been extended again to become a permanent home.<\/p>\n
The architects said the owners wanted to retain and celebrate as much of the existing building as possible while transforming it into a warm, efficient \u2018\u2018forever home\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Alongside high levels of insulation and careful use of thermal mass, they prioritised generous natural light, healthy indoor air quality and recycled and sustainable materials.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018They also wanted a simple design with moments of delight – in their words, something with a \u2018wow factor\u2019 that \u2018didn\u2019t feel boring\u2019.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The design builds on the character of the original structures while adding two new \u2018\u2018pods\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
One of these includes the main bedroom, laundry and storage, with a mezzanine workspace above capturing the morning sun.<\/p>\n
The other contains a private living space that makes the most of the afternoon sun and long rural views to the rear of the property.<\/p>\n
The new wings were connected to the existing structure by glazed links which reference an existing conservatory that couldn\u2019t be saved due to its condition.<\/p>\n
The compact additions are clad in board and batten up to the ceiling datum and above this, in Metalcraft Kahu – a more modern take on the traditional corrugate of the original building.<\/p>\n
The original structure houses everyday living areas and guest bedrooms, with a flexible workspace that can be closed off and accessed independently when visitors are staying.<\/p>\n
The contrast between the earlier and new sections is deliberate, allowing the development of the site to be clearly read.<\/p>\n
Positioned to frame views of the mountains, the new wings have a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n
Sustainability was also a key part of the project, which cost less than $600,000.<\/p>\n
Retaining the existing concrete shell avoided demolition waste and substantially reduced the volume of new materials required; its thermal mass also helps regulate indoor temperatures.<\/p>\n
Second-hand materials were incorporated where appropriate and the alterations were carried out carefully so existing elements could be reused – one example is the original concrete porch posts which were repurposed as garden steps.<\/p>\n
A balanced heat-recovery ventilation system, paired with efficient heating and cooling systems, maintains year-round comfort while reducing energy demand.<\/p>\n
The additions incorporate high levels of insulation and airtight construction, with taped plywood on the interior serving as both an air barrier and structural bracing.<\/p>\n
A winner at the Southern Architecture Awards and a national finalist in the Colorsteel Awards, \u2018\u2018Pointy Flat House\u2019\u2019 might be modest in scale but it is warm, sustainable and full of personality.<\/p>\n
Every choice was made for the owners\u2019 way of life, not for the market, the architects said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The ambition was not to build bigger, but to build better.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n