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The Original Iconic Kiwi Bach on the Coromandel

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This is the quintessential Kiwi bach. Designed by Crosson, Clarke Carnahan for the Crosson family, this simple structure has been the recipient of almost yearly awards in recognition of its almost iconic status.

A simple mechanism to the deck allows the “box” to open up on arrival providing a stage for living – and to close down on departure – providing protection.

The open center is much imitated. The idea is to recreate the sense of a tent strung between two caravans.

The open tent effect is a play on the original camping structure for New Zealand families, in a nation which is blessed both by an abundance of coastlines, and by a government which requires that its people go and take five week vacations each year.

As you can imagine, this combination of factors leads to a lot of work for architects, who must come up with new ways to celebrate the natural beauties that people have been sent out to admire, but not spend too much money.

So the unadorned natural timber, a sustainable and renewable resource, provides a connection to nature and the natural.

Cheap louvred windows like these have changed little since the 1950s. Using just two curtains, the architect creates a very versatile shower. This bathroom offers the options of a private or a sea view bath or indoor shower – or outdoor shower for returning beach-goers to wash off sand as they come in to the house.

Simple plywood walls and a wood fire makes it a holiday home for winters too. All in all a typical Kiwi bach style that’s unpretentious, and built from simple cheap materials, but big on views.