Sharp Road Barn, Matakana

Conceived as a transitional structure to comfortably house the clients and their possessions while considerations are made for a main residence on the property.  An existing agricultural building was removed to make way for a new 240 sqm structure referencing the ‘rural’ in its exterior simplicity and materiality.

Two thirds of the new barn to remain as garaging and storage but with the option of being easily converted into open studios or work spaces with its high stud, timber sarked walls and ceilings along with open trusses, double glazed large joinery units and skylights.  
Lighting from a 1930’s factory along with large steel and timber sliding doors, screens and stairs further enhanced the industrial / rural nature of the structure .

The remainder of the ground floor consists of a 75 sqm one bedroom/bathroom apartment with 40 sqm of covered outdoor space and a 35 sqm first floor office/storage space with glazed views onto both open barn and living spaces.

Although small in footprint the apartment feels far larger due to its multiple ceiling heights 
(from 2.7m to 6m). The kitchen would not be out of place in a 4 bedroom home nor the 10 seater table or oversized lounge seating. A large sliding door between bedroom and living area further enhanced the generosity of space.

The in-house team designed and completed the majority of bespoke features including Kitchen cabinetry,  exposed roof trusses,  large barn doors and external sliding and fixed screens,  all internal timber and steel joinery along with beds,  shelves etc. 


Timbers used included Chestnut, Totara, Macrocarpa, Cedar (both Western red and Japanese), Lawson Cypress and Eucalyptus. All timbers used were New Zealand grown.

PROJECT DETAILS: Floor area 240sqm, completed in 2020
DESIGN: Mike Petre Design
CONSTRUCTION TEAM: Bidwill Design and Build
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonny Davis