A Moveable New Zealand Beach Shack - Hut on Sleds by Crosson Architects

Designed to accommodate its family of five, Hut on Sleds is an exploration of form, materiality and context set within its coastal environment.

Taking inspiration from the traditional surf lifesaving or observation tower, a series of sleeping and living zones cross over through a duality of function. The central living, dining and kitchen preparation area is located on the approaching ground level, with the sleeping zones placed in more passive areas. On the upper level, the adult sleeping zone houses a double bed, and, hidden behind the integrated kitchen joinery, a three-tiered bunk bed arrangement. This purposed planning allows for a spill-over of these communal areas out onto the deck, expressing an encouraging engagement with the elements.

Taking inspiration from the traditional surf lifesaving or observation tower, a series of sleeping and living zones cross over through a duality of function.

The two-story operable glazed façade is revealed as the folding timber awning-type structure ascends, providing a clear protective barrier that optimises views and also controls the interface between indoor and outdoor. The combination of this operable façade and the overall planning means that the daily functions are purposely connected to the outdoors, making these architectural elements so imperative.

Hut on Sleds sees a traditional formal response, which integrates industrial and robust mechanisms and is designed to close up to the elements. It responds to its unique coastal site and is designed and constructed in to allow for future responsiveness to its changing contextual conditions. Apart from food delivery and non-recyclable waste removal, the structure is self-sustaining integrating rainwater catchment tanks, worm-tank waste systems and separate potable and grey-water tanks. Within its mere 40 square metres, the extent that Crosson Architects has expressed efficiency through materials, application and functionality emphasises a consciousness of sustainability, shared with their clients.