A Minimalist Cabin in New Zealand Is Crafted From Eco-Friendly Timber

Designed by Assembly Architects, this gabled cabin in Cardrona Valley is a showcase of Abodo’s sustainable timber, sourced from rapidly renewable New Zealand plantations. The Cardrona Cabin shares its alpine site with the ruins of small stone huts from the region’s gold rush days, inspiring the architects to reference "the simplicity of these historic huts," Abodo shares.

The cabin’s straightforward floor plan features a single opening that interrupts a graphic exterior of slatted Vulcan Screening in a Sioo:x finish—a material that will develop a gray patina that echoes the rocky landscape.

The interior of the cabin pays homage to traditional New Zealand carpentry with its exposed timber form. Additionally, the "highly grained timber panelling" references the use of roof sarking common in "early period cottages in the area," notes Abodo. Fusing contemporary materials and traditional craftsmanship, the final product sets a standard of innovation for future design. 

Shop the Look

Related Reading: 

A Tiny Cabin Boasts Big Views of the New Zealand Countryside

A Compact Prefab Cabin Draws In Spectacular Valley Views

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Justin Wright, Assembly Architects / @assembly_architects_

Builder of Record: Bryce Dunlop, Dunlop Builders / @dunlopbuilders

Structural Engineer of Record: Fearghal McGuiness, Sullivan Hall

Other Company of Record: Abodo Wood / @abodowood