Coromandel Bach is a Protected Timber Beach House in New Zealand

The <a href="http://www.ccca.co.nz/projects/coromandel-bach" target="_blank">Coromandel Bach</a> (or beach house to us non New Zealanders) sits prominently on a bluff looking out over the ocean. Designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/crosson-clarke-carnachan-architects/" target="_blank">Crosson, Clark and Carnachan Architects</a>, the vacation home was conceived as a simple timber container that could be closed off when vacated. Two large doors on either side can be lowered to open the home and provide a direct connection to the outdoors. Built from unadorned natural timber, the Coromandel Bach is also an exploration of traditional New Zealand wood construction techniques and use of a renewable resource.

Located near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel,_New_Zealand" target="_blank">Coromandel</a>, the simple bach for the <a href="http://www.ccca.co.nz/practice" target="_blank">Crosson Family</a> was designed to be a simple rectangular container.

Built from unadorned natural timber, the home is a to reinterpretation of New Zealand wood craft tradition and the structure, cladding, lining and joinery was expressed in a raw and unique way.

The design took ideas from "trip" or "rafter" dams that were common in the Coromandel region at the turn of last century and heavy vertical structural members supporting horizontal boarding.

Wood was also chosen as it is common to the region and was sustainably and renewably harvested.

The long rectangular home features private, secure and cool bunk rooms and a bathroom on either end with a public and open living space in the middle.

The open living, kitchen and dining area is an extension of the outdoors and a large fireplace provides heat during wintertime occupation.

When the owners arrive, they raise the shutters and lower doors to open the home and when they depart, the home is easily closed up to provide protection from the elements.

The bathroom can also be opened up to the outdoors and features a moveable tub for bathing au naturel.

The open air dining room and kitchen.

Storage and a private bedroom with a louvered window wall.

The bathroom can open up to the outdoors.

The built in sink and cabinets.

Completed in 2002, the Coromandel Bach has been the recipient of numerous design awards including the NZIA Supreme Award for Architecture 2004, NZIA Local Award for Architecture 2003 and the Origin Timber Design Award for Architectural Excellence 2003.