Overview
Kohara Lodge has been built with environmental considerations in mind. The owners' main aim was to put the land back to the way it was once building had finished hence the design of the property incorporating the natural hillside, and re-planting the grounds with native New Zealand trees.

The architect's vision was to replicate the natural environment as much as possible. To this end natural schist stone from a local quarry was used and this was dry laid as much as possible and dry stacked. Recycled railway timbers have been used on the outside of the property and there is no paint anywhere on the exterior of the house.

The windows at Kohara Lodge all have Comfort glass to prevent glare and reflection, built in UV protection and double glazing for energy efficiency.

Location
The house was designed by architect Murray Cockburn from Queenstown. The main aim of the owners when building was to ensure the land could be put back the way it was once they had finished, for example the grounds are planted with all native trees.

Set into the hillside with a grass covered roof, the house is built of schist stone and natural wood beams. From the all main rooms there are magnificent views over the mighty Shotover River and Coronet Peak.

Features
The spacious open plan living and dining area features a stylish, contemporary fitted kitchen with a large rustic kitchen table, glass splash backs and over size ceiling lights.

An open fire and feature ceiling-height schist stone fireplace create the prefect environment to relax in the colder months, with comfortable leather armchairs and couches. In the summer, large floor to ceiling glass doors can be opened up to the terrace area, which enjoys an outside open fire and provides access to the lap pool.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite), open plan living, dining and kitchen area, lap pool and heated spa.

Project location
Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand
Architect
Murray Cockburn Partnership

Further info
www.ultimatehides.com
www.koharalodge.com
Plans

Prior to the build beginning, large rainwater and sewage treatment tanks were buried under the site. The cooler environment promoting less bacterial growth and leaving the relatively pure rainwater, collected from all roof sections, requiring no treatment to drink.

A Full functional kitchen the heart of the residence is flanked by a covered porch to the right with open fire and shaded midsummer dining area to the rear. Sunken, in front of the kitchen and nearest to the beach, is a cosy built in couch and tv nook.

Traversing the Gabion wall to the rear of the house is the bedroom tower and bathroom. Two bedrooms with surf views or walk out patio respectively

Our primary concerns in the design of this building have been to:

• create an environment that facilitates and enhances the experience of living outdoors


• challenge convenience as the driving force behind decisions, concentrating rather on the rituals associated with space


• establish a range of spatial, light and textural experiences be responsive to the small scale of the existing built
  environment.
  

In order to articulate the building in a scale of forms appropriate to the environment the functions of the house that require complete weather enclosure are broken into three individual masses:

• a horizontal structure housing the living functions


• a tower housing the sleeping and bathing functions


• and a boatshed.

prevailing south-west wind a spine wall of gabion baskets is set at right angles to the site. The wall sets up a strong enclosing edge for the main covered living deck and provides an intimate textured backdrop to the bathroom space. The masses of the building are arranged around the gabion wall to form edges, create a range of negative spaces and provide wind shelter to two covered outdoor living spaces.

Lance Herbst

Project location
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Architect
Herbst Architects
Plans

Photos Patrick Reynolds