An Open Bach
Coromandel Bach was conceived as a container sitting lightly on the land for habitation (or the dream of habitation). A 'bach' (pronounced like bachelor) is a New Zealand term for a simple holiday shack.
The intention was to reinterpret the New Zealand bach building tradition -- the crafting of wood, the expression of structure, cladding, lining and joinery -- in a raw and unique way.
The construction is reminiscent of the "trip" or "rafter" dams common in the Coromandel region at the turn of last century -- Heavy vertical structural members supporting horizontal boarding.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-1.jpg)
Capturing the View
The house has a simple rectangular plan that sits across the contour in a patch of cleared bush. The bach is designed like a rural shed, facing north and the view.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-8.jpg)
Indoor Camping
The living room is open to the outside and the sun, a metaphorical tent or campsite, while the bunkrooms are enclosed and cool.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-2.jpg)
Natural Timber
The unadorned natural timber, a sustainable and renewable resource, provides a connection to nature and the natural.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-3.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-4.jpg)
Open or Closed
A simple mechanism to the deck allows the "box" to open up on arrival - providing a stage for living - and to close down on departure - providing protection.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-5.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-6.jpg)
Connection to Nature
The large fireplace allows winter occupation and the open bathroom and movable bath allows the rituals of showering and bathing to become and experience connected to nature.
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-7.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-9.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-10.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-11.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-12.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-13.jpg)
![Coromandel Bach Coromandel Bach](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/coromandel-bach-beach-house/coromandel-bach-14.jpg)
New Zealand Spirit
This bach is an attempt to provide an environment to capture the essential spirit of the New Zealand holiday in the New Zealand landscape.