The Boathouse

Project Info

The judges selected The Boathouse as the Private winner. Judge Kirsten Haggart comments, “A fabulous hand-built home with a wonderful story. The use of local materials, except for the two Canadian spruce trees, and local labour overseen by the owner, a craftsman with attention detail and a rigour in his approach, make this a worthy winner.”

This practical family residence respects the outstanding natural beauty of its surroundings and looks out over the Salcombe Estuary.

Natural materials are at the heart of the project. Geometry and materials are expressed in different ways on different floors. Below-ground, the emphasis is on stone and natural curves, from a curved bench and coat rail to curved doors.  Above-ground is straight, with timber and deliberately man-made materials used. The owners’ expertise meant that the best quality wood has been used, with timber supplied by his import company, sourced from Canada. Yellow cedar tiles and cladding adorn the roof and exterior, while the upstairs floor is made from Douglas fir.

The long, straight grain of the wood has been deliberately exposed on all levels to show off its beauty. The typical house plan has been inverted, with the main living spaces set above the bedrooms. Other interesting design features include the eaves, which were inspired by thatched roofs, and the use of surplus roof copper throughout the project. The large, open plan living space is flooded with light and features a glass and timber balcony above the lower-level entrance door.