Biv

Designed as a collaboration between Mitchell and the client who is a Kiwi architect based in Hong Kong, this building was to be rented as high end, short term accommodation; and the first of a series of buildings. Set in the Punakaiki bush, the aesthetic concept was a reinterpretation of a historic gold-mining hut, but with all the modern facilities to warmly welcome travellers and encourage them to have a uniquely West Coast and New Zealand experience.

Q What was it like to collaborate together on this project?

A (Mark) It was a pleasure to deal with Mitchell. I live in Hong Kong, but I work late and Mitchell starts early so we could have regular calls early New Zealand time. We found the timezone and geographical distance to be no issue at all - often sharing sketches in the afternoon then speaking about them the next morning.

(Mitchell) It was great working with a client who deeply appreciates design and was keen to push the limits on what accommodation could be. Right from the outset we were looking to create something special and I feel we did a great job at supporting each other right the way through to completion.

Q As context plays a critical part in your designs, how did the West Coast inspire you both?

A (Mitchell) We largely took inspiration from historic gold-mining huts local to the area. The form of the building takes cues from the exterior chimneys repeated on those huts. Internally the sky facing skylight represents the top of a smokestack, while the large amount of windows offer views into the bush or the cliffs beyond for an all-encompassing West Coast experience.

(Mark) We really wanted Biv to have the essence of those humble huts but with all the modern inclusions one expects from high end accommodation - the material selection and balance of minimal but luxury facilities achieves this.

Q Aside from the incredible location, what will stand out most for travellers?

A (Mitchell) There are many ‘instagrammable’ moments for travellers - including in the bathroom where a tree trunk just brushes past the window beside the bath - but I would say it’s how cosy the space is. As guests are likely only staying for a short time, it has been designed for passive thermal gain. Its high insulation and thermal mass with an active ventilation system keeps it at a stable temperature so there is no need for their input to remain comfortable - although a small fire was installed for ambience, as no cabin in the bush is complete without one. Spaces are intentionally underlit to further promote a cosy environment.

(Mark) Mitchell did an excellent job at identifying the small things that make a building comfortable, while still maintaining the overall aesthetic concept to ensure it is memorable.

Q How did Biv’s inspiration and location influence your material selection?

A (Mitchell) A mostly timber interior and full metal exterior was chosen to represent the historic gold-mining hut aesthetic and, as the site is remote, mass timber construction in the form of cross laminated timber (CLT) was chosen for its prefabricated off site construction, thermal performance and negative embodied carbon.

The geometry of the internal exposed CLT structure and how it relates to the aluminium exterior was critical to get right. The aluminium cladding is fully custom folded with all trays to the top portion of the roof fluted to accentuate the form of the building and ensure minimalist detailing.

A durable concrete floor suspended on only a few concrete piles with no formal landscaping further promotes the idea of ‘simple living’ for guests. The piles to bearer connections have an adjustable bracket to allow for future releveling if needed.

Q What does the future look like for Biv?

A (Mark) We are intending to do a number of these buildings on this site in a similar aesthetic, but with a different layout to suit the orientation. We are also aiming to do others around the South Island, with each drawing on local context and history for the style and story it will tell.

Q How can I stay there?

A (Mark) It is available to rent on Airbnb here.