Just one hour from Auckland and you’re in a different time zone. High on a hillside, nestled among native trees and acres of green fields you’re far removed from the long lines of city day trippers making their way to Matakana.
Peace and quiet reign in this piece of rural paradise on which the Matakana Barn, by SGA architects, takes pride of place. The barn references are evident on the exterior with corrugated iron roofing and cladding, and the carefully spaced rough sawn Totara vertical planks.
Marley Magnum® commercial spouting and downpipes powerfully frame the utilitarian design and create an eye pleasing separation between iron and timber.
Room with a view
A very clever outdoor room makes the most of the northerly aspect and the spectacular views of the distant hills. Translucent sheeting and Totara ceiling battens let in a beautiful soft light and large, pivoting doors either let you enjoy the full 180 degree view, or shelter you from the prevailing westerlies.
Indoor/outdoor flow
The Matakana Barn takes the much desired indoor/outdoor flow to a new level. You can effortlessly step from the main living area into the outdoor room, a sliding door is all that separates the master bedroom from the lawn, and the ensuite shower almost lets you to bare all to the outdoors.
A wide opening window in the shower cubicle creates the feeling of showering in the great outdoors.
It keeps getting better with age
While the interior of the Matakana Barn is all warm, natural Totara and honey coloured plywood, the exterior timber has weathered and continues to silver and soften with age. The initial investment in polished concrete flooring for thermal mass and solar panels for water heating is already paying dividends and the choice of commercial grade Marley Magnum® spouting has proved itself time and time again. The large round profile and generous 110mm round downpipes are more than capable of coping with the water flow from the long run roofing.
The Matakana Barn may have elements of rural design in its makeup but the finished product is every inch a sophisticated and elegant family home. It just so happens it’s in the middle of the countryside.
Photo credits to Jackie Meiring
