rktimber

On a sloping rural lifestyle section in Coatesville, a composition of three barn-like gable forms sit both within and over the land.

A restrained palette of dark stained Western Red Cedar and European style tray profiled metals clad the exterior. Oiled oak and soft natural stones line the interiors.


A number of architectural moments are created within the composition of the home, enabling a variety of internal and external living spaces.

Interior and exterior spaces are linked by way of bagged clay brick walls, which continue inside to out.

Brass is used selectively within the dwelling on fixtures and surfaces to be touched by occupants – including the large pivoting front door. The brass will naturally patina overtime.

Western red cedar with vertical grain and bandsawn face used for horizontal shiplap weatherboards. Supplied in selected lengths to avoid joins. Coated in Dryden WoodOil Dark.

Extruded and powder-coated aluminum flashings to corners and vertical joints.

Soffit panelling in Western red cedar and a bandsawn face.

One Ashridge Park 

Nestled amongst sand dunes, this magnificent holiday home features oiled cedar for both wall and ceiling planes, integrated with Moroccan limestone, to mimic the tone of the sand and blend inconspicuously into its surroundings.

The site provides spectacular views overlooking a golf course and the ocean, which also gave Julian Guthrie Architects the challenge of designing for strong winds and harsh dune conditions. The timber and finishing choices not only make the home feel like part of the landscape, they also provide the necessary qualities required to withstand the elements.

To further respond to these challenging conditions, the design response was to set the building low into the land, with flat timber roofs cantilevering out to form generous covered verandah zones.

The layout breaks the house area into separate wings for living and sleeping zones, creating a series of sheltered courtyard spaces between. Colour accents come through with rusted corten steel, and the peacock blues of the pool. Landscaping responds to the dune setting with desert plants, and enhances the references to mid-century American modernism in the architecture.

Western red cedar vertical shiplap weatherboards supplied in a set pattern of varied widths and depths.

Laminated extra wide fascia boards in Western red cedar.

All with a bandsawn face and coated in Dryden WoodOil Dry Hills.

Ceiling and soffit panelling done in hidden fixed Western red cedar.

Extruded and powder-coated aluminium flashings to junctions.

Interset recessed window flashing system.

Dune House 

Amongst the dunes and pine forests along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is a pair of gabled timber sheds. The design references the timber working sheds found in rural New Zealand.

The buildings nestle against the dune edge, creating a relaxed and timeless sense of harmony with the environment. Between them is an area for seating and outdoor fire.

To control lights, air, view and privacy, the house is layered with sliding timber shutters. Together with the timber cladding and roof, the material will age and silver over time - integrating the building even more with the landscape.

By using timber on the interior it brings together the building as a whole and blurs indoors with outdoors. The interior timber is oiled to provide warmth as a subtle counter to the exterior.

Inside a combination of sloping and flat ceilings provide both intimate and voluminous spaces. When the ceilings are raised and sloping to the ridge, a dado of timber down-stands visually links the spaces and echoes the lines of the windows and shutters.

Open rainscreen to roof and enclosed rainscreen to walls utilising Vertical shiplap weatherboards, in Western red cedar, with a bandsawn face.

Western red cedar is also used for interior panelling and shutters.

Te Arai

In a wood-lined field near the lake’s edge, twin gables and a chisel roof slip past one another to create three enclosed courtyards.


The design evokes the green-roof sheds of the south. It creates the look of an ad hoc settlement, with graduated weatherboards and a razor-thin roof edge making a striking profile.

The interior is lined with a combination of southern beech, recycled kauri, rimu, plywood and terrazzo, while dark concrete floors merge with local stone paving, before dissolving into the grassed surrounds.

Detailing draws inspiration from the elements that have informed the overall project, with façade features accenting the composition of interior features, such as a mustard reading-nook box, concealed venting openings, triangulated high-level windows, and corrugated steel wall with floating entry boardwalk.

At 150 square metres, the crib has the intimacy of a small house, but can comfortably sleep ten people, with two double bedrooms, an attic loft for two, and a bunk room with four beds.


The home’s interior has a direct relationship with three enclosed courtyards. The lounge and dining spill out to a north-facing entertaining patio, bounded by an angular concrete cooking fire. The kitchen connects to a sheltered southern working garden, enclosed by a grape-bearing espalier frame made of reinforcing steel. The eastern terrace gives access to the self-contained bunkroom providing privacy from the public reserve and boulevard of trees.

Lapped and mitred external corners, using powder-coated and extruded aluminium corner flashings behind.

Wanaka Crib 

This home, on a thoroughbred horse farm, adopts an aesthetic inspired by stables. The interior design features a carefully considered material palette of timber, stone, tile, and rendered plaster, creating a timeless sense of warmth and permanency.

Located on a mostly flat site with expansive views across the farm and beyond, the design revolves around a solid axis. Barn forms are linked by glazed gallery spaces to retain visual connection to the landscape.

Western Red Cedar Shingles No.1 Blue Label.

Stud Farm

Harmonizing with the stunning natural surroundings, this modern Wānaka farmhouse strikes a balance between visual appeal and practicality, creating a space conducive to family living.

Key elements of the design included a large open fireplace, outdoor spaces for entertaining, and a layout that showcases the breathtaking views of Central Otago.

The home features two interconnected gable forms, clad in pre-finished metal and vertical cedar weatherboard, with a timber-batten rain screen. Cedar was selected for its light hue, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Board-formed concrete was used both inside and outside, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic. The sculpted concrete fireplace in the living room is a focal point, uniting the space.

The 320 square metre home prioritizes natural light and views, with a design that includes a bedroom wing designed to capture southern light, and open-plan living areas that flow into the outdoors.

Luggate Farm House

From rustic minimalism to palatial elegance, and from leading role to supporting act, timber’s only limitation is our imagination. Explore these beautiful homes for a small taste of the possibilities.

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