A family bach in the Kuaotunu dunes by Crosson Architects wins Home of the Year 2020. Watch the video below and pick up a copy of the latest issue of HOME from your local supermarket
[jwp-video n=”1″]
When the Home of the Year shortlist was announced in February, HOME editor Simon Farrell-Green remarked at how 2020 was the “year of the retreat”. From the cliffs of Tutukaka to Wanaka, via Kuaotunu and Waiheke Island, the majority of the projects shortlisted were coastal getaways who used beautiful, natural materials.
Now as we all retreat into our homes for the four-week lockdown, the theme of a private sanctuary has been highlighted as never before. “Though it seems a little strange to be announcing the country’s best homes at such a difficult time for the country,” says HOME editor Simon Farrell-Green, “we think the awards will bring much-needed joy to the winners and some inspiration for the future.”
Joining Simon on the judging panel this year were Melbourne’s Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan of Kennedy Nolan, and last year’s winner Jack McKinney. After much deliberation, they managed to whittle the six finalists down to one project.
The winner of Home of the Year
The winner of the 25th Home of the Year awards thanks to Altherm Window Systems is this humble yet dramatic family bach on the Coromandel Peninsula by Crosson Architects.
Designed by architect Ken Crosson, the form was inspired by the mine shafts of the area’s long-abandoned gold mines. “We were playing with this idea of locality – and it just fitted,” says Crosson of the vertical mines. “We talked to the clients about the spatial quality underneath, the play of light but also the experience.”
The judges were impressed by the exploration of strong sculptural forms. “It’s modest but also memorable,” says HOME Editor Simon Farrell-Green of ‘Light Mine’. “It’s distinctive but recessive. You see the dance between the horizontal and vertical, a play between wide and tall. It’s an extremely clever play – it’s just delightful.”
Crosson has been recognised by Home of the Year before – his own bach at nearby Otama was named Home of the Year in 2003 and Home of the Decade in 2010.
See more of this winning home in the latest HOME magazine, in supermarkets now.
Special thanks to our sponsor Altherm Window Systems for their support over the last 11 years
HOME cover photographed by: David Straight.
[related_articles post1=”117767″ post2=”94167″]
