Shoal Bay Bach / Parsonson Architects

© Paul McCredie

Architects: Parsonson Architects
Location: Shoal Bay, New Zealand
Project Team: Gerald Parsonson, Craig Burt
Structural Engineer: Spencer Holmes Consulting Engineers
Builder: Phil Davidson Construction
Project Area: 220 sqm
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Paul McCredie

Shoal Bay is a remote settlement on the rugged east coast of southern Hawkes Bay. The building is designed to be part of the rural setting, it is raised off the ground and sits beside the original woolshed, which has served the bay since the early 1900′s. The bach is rugged yet welcoming and offers unpretentious shelter, it is the type of place where you kick off your shoes and don’t need to worry whether you walk sand through the house.

floor plan

© Paul McCredie

The bach is formed of two slightly off-set pavilions, one housing the bedrooms and the other the main living space. Decks are located at each end of the living pavilion allowing the sun to be followed throughout the day. Sliding screens at the north-west end provide adjustable shelter for the different wind conditions, offer privacy from neighbouring campers and act as walls for outside sleeping.