Tower Amongst the Poplar Trees, Matakana

Originally conceived as a play fort, the Poplar Tower was enclosed to become a space able to be enjoyed throughout the year. By climbing the short ladder and opening the counter-weighted trap door, you enter the top floor of the tower which can seat four, sleep two, or be a generous escape for one. 

Designed to occupy the specific environment of its gridded poplar grove, the Tower utilises nature’s seasonal changes to control temperature and depth of view. A verdant green canopy totally surrounds it in the summer, making it the coolest spot with wonderful dappled light and the distinctive whisper of leaves in the breeze. Winter brings a starkness to the trees, opening up long views to the distant ranges and allowing maximum exposure to the sun. 

All materials were either recycled or sourced from local timber mills. The building is clad with a Japanese cedar rainscreen, the upper floor walls are lined with poplar sarking, the flooring is tōtara, the bracing is old man pine, it has reclaimed native timber windows, and wool insulation. The trapdoor counterweight is a carved stone supplied by a sculptor friend Chris Charteris. The window sills are flashed in copper. 

PROJECT DETAILS: Internal floor area 10m2 over 2 levels, completed in 2011
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INTERIORS: Mike Petre Design
SCULPTURE: Chris Charteris
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonny Davis – apart from shots during Autumn/Winter.