Young Architects have designed a modern holiday home called the Ligar Bay Bach (‘bach‘ is a colloquial term in New Zealand for a small relaxed holiday home), located in the picturesque region of Ligar Bay, Tasman, New Zealand. This innovative project spans 163 square meters and presents a modern take on a jungle treehouse, perfectly suited for both the homeowner’s vacations and rental purposes. Having previous experience with design and construction, the clients provided a detailed request complete with imagery, prompting the architects to push the boundaries. The site posed significant challenges with its steep, unstable landscape, necessitating meticulous planning and design.

The layout of the Ligar Bay Bach encourages a sense of adventure, with movement between spaces resembling a journey through tents in a forest. Utilizing the natural elevation of the site, the stacked, glass-fronted pavilions offer unobstructed views of the coastline and ocean, fulfilling the requirement for separation and privacy.
The design breaks up the building mass through the use of depth, transparency, and reflectance, while the materials ? concrete, wood, and steel ? are prominently showcased in both structure and finish. These locally sourced materials, including low-carbon Golden Bay cement and plantation-grown wood, contribute to the home’s minimal environmental impact.

Thermal bridging is thoughtfully addressed to reduce heating needs, and passive cooling is met...