Situated within the North Canterbury Oxford hillside, the brief for this design was to be a celebratory response to its natural surroundings. The aim of the dwelling was not to detract from its landscape, but to merely be a simple use of space that was aimed at appreciating the setting and panoramic views. 

Our response to the design brief was to create a multi-use compact abode, that allowed almost as much internal floor area as it did external decking. The modest internal plan is split between two rooms which house a multi-use space and a bathroom. The multi-use area acts as a kitchen, living and sleeping area and a sloped singular roofline with cantilevered eaves, helps to protect the dwelling from the prevailing elements caused by the 'lee zone.' High level clerestory windows and a frameless glass balustrade help to give residents an unobstructed panoramic view of the Canterbury plains.

Sustainability was the most important aspect the designs brief. Due to the site's location, it was fundamental the dwelling needed to be 'off grid.' Sustainable components include; solar panels placed downhill for power supply, filtered rainwater tanks for water supply, natural flow eco-waste water systems and natural construction materials where available. The lee zone location meant that weather conditions also needed to be accounted for. 140mm external framing was chosen to provide a more efficient thermal envelope, and the northern tree line provided weather protection, and legally had to remain untouched, due to the trees being exchanged for carbon credits. The steep site proved to be challenging in terms of construction, but keeping with the sustainable theme, it was decided that timber driven piles were to be used for the foundation as it prevented the need for concrete transport and touched the landscape lightly. A simple and concise materials pallet was chosen to link with the colours of the surrounding nature. Locally sourced Abodo timber was selected for its efforts towards sustainability as well as the lightweight aesthetic it offered, and kwila timber forms the 27m2 of decking, with an engineered frameless glass balustrade providing unobstructed views whilst still be capable of withstanding the prevailing winds. Sladdens Bush provides an intrinsic space for a private getaway to the country. Instead of a perfectly manicured landscape, this design situates itself within its natural rustic surroundings. It aims to camouflage into its environment, coordinating materials that are sympathetic to the wider environment. 

Inside, the dwelling offers a modest yet functional layout split between two rooms—a multi-use space that serves as kitchen, living, and sleeping quarters, and a separate bathroom. The interior is compact and efficient, designed to connect seamlessly with the outdoors through clerestory windows and a frameless glass balustrade, offering uninterrupted views of the Canterbury plains while maintaining shelter from the hillside’s prevailing winds.

Completed 2021

Photography - Paul Daly

Crafted by - Riley Builders