Riwaka Farm Building

The development of an orchard into a Truffière in the Nelson Region for a Wellingtonian required the construction of a farm building to accommodate farm equipment and machinery as well as temporary accommodation during regular farm visits.

The resultant “shed’ resembles a wedge with a large opening at the thicker end of the wedge designed to accommodate larger farm machinery such as tractors. The lower end of the wedge culminates in a tower structure supporting photovoltaic and solar water heating panels which make the accommodation self sufficient energy wise.

The roof of the wedge is made of 60mm pre-coated steel sandwich panels which will span 3m. The walls are made of 75mm SIPS panels Polystyrene core with plywood outer skin both sides overlaid with a macrocarpa board rainscreen from trees milled on site. Floor is polished concrete. A large glazed cut out in the side of the wedge provides stunning views of the Tasman Bay from all habitable rooms.
A second stage is planned for the future on the other side of the tower to provide permanent living accommodation.