A sanctuary immersed in its distinctive tone

Wellington architect Gerald Parsonson had a bit of fun when designing this bach in Peka Peka, north of Wellington. The design embraced traditional ideas of the bach – modesty, a connect with the beach and outdoors, and a playful casualness not found in city abodes.

Parsonson was trying to simultaneously create a building with a strong architectural character that was also economical. Within a modular form, colour became a key element in creating a unique atmosphere within a simple space. Colour can be a tricky one, bright colour in particular. It’s so easy for colour to spill over into glaring rather than rich.

This deep aqua blue has a depth that evokes the ocean without being obviously ‘beachy’. Because the entire room – ceiling included – is painted, the bedroom becomes a sanctuary immersed in its distinctive tone. Unsurprisingly then, in recognition of this clever use of hue, the Peka Peka bach was awarded a Resene Colour Award as well as an NZIA Local Architecture Award.

Consistent with this home being a holiday retreat, storage is minimal and tucked out of the way, and few objects clutter up the room maintaining a sense of simplicity and calm. A shaft of sunlight become like a modern work of art as it traverses the room.

 p-a.co.nz