Nestled upon an exposed yet picturesque stretch of shoreline in the Coromandel, the owners found themselves fortunate enough to build a small off-grid cabin.
They envisioned a simple, practical structure for off grid living with the ability to lock it and leave it for months on end if needed.
Accessing the building site was not so simple, as the access demanded traversing rugged terrain only navigable by a four-wheel-drive vehicle. This challenge, while daunting, was all part of the adventure, especially when the goal was to bring a new dwelling to life in such a remote locale.
The builder set up camp in close proximity to the construction site in an oversized tent as a workshop for equipment, tools, and materials.
The architectural journey began with sourcing secondhand windows and joinery; their particular dimensions served as the cornerstone around which the design unfolded. Practicality and resourcefulness dictated many choices. Central to the build was the decision to work with the dimensions of the stand ply sheet, so this approach translated into a cabin built to the specifications of exactly three ply sheets deep and five sheets wide. This eliminated waste while embracing an efficiency-driven ethos. The roof panels were oversized sheets to increase the pitch in the roof.
Thoughtful design considerations led to the incorporation of storage drawers beneath the bed, providing a safeguard for blankets during winter hibernation.
Being so close to the beach does mean there is the task of sweeping becomes a small tribute paid daily.
Undoubtedly there were challenges, but remarkably, the cabin was built in the brief span of eight weeks.
