At home in the forest
Hidden away in tranquil beech forest near Mt Creighton are two rural retreats that recently scooped national architecture awards.
Queenstown’s Carolin Friese, of Carolin Friese Architecture, took home three awards for Tall Tree House and The Cove, at the 2024 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Award last month. Tall Tree House won a National Award for New Home up to 150sqm and also the lauded National ADNZ Resene Kaitiakitanga Award, something Friese is particularly proud of. The Cove, a standalone hideaway on the same property, took home the National Award for Home Interiors.
“The Cove is an exploration of super efficient planning and small scale living,” Friese says. “The clients wanted to figure out how small you could live without compromising on comfort, quality or atmosphere.
“It’s a very unique place, a little gem in the forest. The design came from the idea of having a cigar room, behind this velvet green curtain, with double doors reclaimed from an old pub in Christchurch, and high ceilings so it feels comfortable but still spacious.”
While The Cove explores size, and looks like one of the best places in Queenstown to sit back and read a good book, the 130sqm Tall Tree House puts sustainability to the fore.
“It was designed to last generations, utilising the best building practice, and with thermal efficiency at its heart. Performance was a major factor,” she says.
“For me, performance doesn’t compromise aesthetics. And the function of a house should be an enclosure; a comfortable, dry and warm space for the inhabitants.
“The design was inspired by moody European alpine cabins, which ties in with the native beech forest it sits in. When you walk through the house you get completely different glimpses of the forest and the mountains, and it frames the view rather than exposing you to it.”
Is it difficult to let go of a project once it’s completed?
“I feel passionate about all of my projects and create a deep connection with my clients. However, my general vision is to make sure that we are creating sustainable buildings which will be enjoyed by the clients and future generations alike. I take pride in creating spaces that allow pople to thrive and relax.”
An architect and certified passive house designer, Friese has been working in the Queenstown Lakes region for 12 years, creating beautiful, sustainable and energy efficient homes. She’s the founder of Bob’s Cove Punatapu Community Trust, and is passionate about conservation.
She says the awards mark a “very big milestone and achievement” for her. “Especially the Kaitiakitanga Award, which celebrates sustainable design to protect the future of New Zealand.”
Judges said Tall Tree House, designed with passive principles in mind, “embodies a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication” ensuring both functionality and tranquillity.
“Its well-resolved, simple form seamlessly integrates timber and metal claddings, creating a timeless aesthetic that respects its natural surroundings. Inside, the voluminous interior captivates with its moody colours and finishes, while strategically positioned windows frame picturesque views, inviting the beauty of the outdoors inside.”
The Cove, meanwhile, has a “serene atmospheric interior environment” and “exemplifies super-efficient planning and small-scale living”.
“It integrates judicious use of materials combining modesty with meticulous attention to detail throughout the design. A centrally located double-height living area creates a tall, elegant volume despite the compact footprint. Every square metre is optimised for function without compromising its visual qualities and atmosphere.”
For more info visit www.cf-architecture.co.nz
