Architect Sam Atcheson’s clients had owned the lake-edge Lockwood bach for more than a decade, enjoying countless family holidays and gatherings there, but its declining condition meant that it was structurally compromised, and preservation was unfeasible.

“Rather than simply designing a contemporary lakeside home, we sought to capture the essence of the original bach experience,” says Atcheson, “its modest scale, connection to the landscape and unpretentious character.”

The 245m² Dorrington Atcheson Architects design is made up of two primary forms: one which references the original Lockwood in both its proportion and positioning and a second which appears as an extrusion or evolution of the first, “as if the building had been imaginatively expanded over time,” says Atcheson.

This approach enabled the architects to maintain the footprint and position of the original structure, which was crucial for resource consent requirements regarding proximity to the lake, while creating a home that met the expectations of its owners, in terms of comfort and performance. In a clear reference to the original bach, the gabled form at one end anchors the composition while the more dynamic architectural expression of the extended form creates additional living space.

“The internal arrangement prioritises lake views, with the kitchen and living areas facing directly toward the water and generous glazing framing the view as a living artwork,” says Atcheson. “Throughout the design, we’ve balanced nostalgia with forward-looking architectural thinking, creating a home that honours the site’s history and our clients’ memories while providing a fresh interpretation of lakeside living.”

The result juxtaposes the familiar with the new, capturing the informal ease of bach life within a more refined architectural envelope. “The surrounding context includes a mix of traditional baches and more contemporary lake houses, creating an architectural vernacular in transition,” Atcheson explains. “Our design acknowledges both traditions — referencing bach simplicity while incorporating more sophisticated architectural elements that respond to the growing sophistication of the area.”

The positioning of the house maximises the site’s all-day sun and sunrise views across the lake while providing shelter from prevailing winds, creating comfortable outdoor living spaces for all seasons.

In keeping with their clients’ desire to maintain the unpretentious character of their original bach while upgrading comfort, performance and durability, the architects created a modestly-sized dwelling rather than working to maximise the site’s development potential.

The material palette references the original Lockwood while introducing contemporary elements to enhance performance and durability in the lakeside environment. Much of the exterior is clad in a deep-red Colorsteel, paired with locally-sourced vertical redwood cladding that will develop a silver-grey patina over time.

“The roof’s form references the gabled profile of the original bach while introducing subtle manipulations that create architectural interest and optimise interior volumes,” says Atcheson. “We’ve employed high-performance double glazing with thermally broken frames to manage heat loss during the winter while still providing excellent transparency and connection to the views.” Large sliding doors connect interior spaces to sheltered outdoor living areas, extending the usable footprint during favourable weather.

In keeping with a lakeside retreat, tactile, natural interior finishes include timber floors and warm, textured walls, while elsewhere, white walls provide a more neutral backdrop for views and artwork. The kitchen features materials such as composite stone countertops, timber cabinetry and fixtures that will age well.

“We look on this project as a ‘spiritual renovation’ rather than a literal one,” says Atcheson. “We carefully documented the original building before it was removed, recording dimensions, proportions and spatial qualities that would inform the new design.”