Waterfall Chapel

South Pacific Architecture

This private chapel in rural Northland overlooks a 12 m high waterfall. Set amongst a stand of radiata pine, it has a minimal impact on the area.

Offering seclusion and solitude, there is space for up to seven guests to congregate inside this subtle and elegant building. The built form is generated through a relationship between the framed view of the waterfall and a shaft that rises from the chapel entry up to a 7 m apex. Hand-built by the local farming community, builders had an on-site mill with several species of cut timber available. These were used in a manner that reduced the requirement for other materials. The understated exterior is clad with radiata pine board and batten while the interior uses a mixture of oil-finished timbers. A wide pivoting entry door is made from split macrocarpa with a taraire frame. A cross-glazed wall contains a mix of redwood, saligna, Japanese cedar, white poplar and puriri. The ceiling uses radiata pine and macrocarpa sarking. The use of timber means the exterior will mellow over time and take a silver-grey tone that will harmonise with the environment while the protected interior timber will maintain its warm glowing hue.

Location:

Northland, New Zealand

Awards:

New Zealand Institute of Architecture Supreme Award 2004
Origin Timber Design Awards Joint Supreme Winner 2005

Reference:

Architecture New Zealand, January/February 2005, p 44

View more case studies