straw house
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straw houses, martinborough
The straw houses play with three perceptions, form, scale, and substantiality, by combining very deep cosseting wall thicknessness with traditional roof and verandah design. My integration of bespoke straw bale design with traditional building methods has resulted in houses which are reminiscent of the warm Mediterranean area, but functionally sustainable for living in New Zealand because they are designed to meet the climatic and terrestrial demands of the surrounding area. Solar gain, thermal mass and high insulation are balanced to create a pleasant environment all year around. The straw house (pictured above) enfolds two womb-like double bedrooms within spiraling bale walls at opposite sides of a sunny living space.
Set in a rural wine growing and farming area of New Zealand, the straw houses are designed from locally available materials, crushed river rock in the foundation, straw bale walls and sustainable oiled macrocarpa timber. The 'straw house' complex comprises three houses, the owners home along with a bookable studio and a small house available for visitors to Martinborough, one of New Zealand's premier wine regions. For Straw House accommodation, click here. |