The jury’s comment:

“The designers appear to have touched every aspect of this carefully crafted cabin and it shows. While incorporating a great many ideas, the result is beautifully distilled, with the design and detailing illustrating a harmony of material relationships and, at the same time, retaining a complexity of spatial experiences. The pursuit of this material and spatial cohesiveness is evident in the smallest details, from the bespoke brass sink to the cast bronze door handle. The cabin’s immaculate detailing throughout and response to its remote location, with the lines between interior and exterior intentionally blurred, speak to the true meaning of escape.” - Interior Awards 2022 jury.

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: Abel Tasman

Client: Private client

Building area (m²): 37m²

Project brief: With four adult children with rapidly growing families, the clients found their bach was getting crowded. The solution envisaged was a small cabin they could ‘escape to’. Located on the bushy slope behind the existing crib. Design drawing from the language of the bush & rudimentary huts scattered through the national park. The cabin aimed to curate an immersive experience for occupants.

Credits:

• Designers - Prue Johnstone and Mike Callaghan of Johnstone Callaghan Architects
• Joiner - Kelvin Atkinson
• Contractor - Matt Ferguson
• Metal fabricator - Wesley Oldham

“We looked to make each space a unique but connected experience. Continuous timber flooring and the plywood ceiling extend through the living and bedroom; while the bedroom is a darker space contrasting with the lighter living space. As the project was small in footprint we also built in a large amount of flexibility; through sliding doors and a series of shutters. Connection to the landscape was key. We contrasted large glazed moments with purposeful framed views. A large stacker slider and shutters blurred lines and allowed the lower covered deck to become an extension of the ‘interior’. The shower and toilet are both accessed externally and placed in the trees are hidden gems.” - Prue Johnstone.

Watch the finalist’s presentation here: 

With thanks to our Interior Awards 2022 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.