Feature article

Adventure whare: A modern take on the A-frame cabin

This compact abode is cut from the cloth of the traditional A-frame and woven with a decidedly modern spin of colour.

By Clare Chapman (Editor in Chief, HOME)

Last updated: 1 February 2024 | 4 min read

AI summary

This modern A-frame "adventure whare" in Canterbury, designed by Studio Well, is a base for outdoor enthusiasts. Inspired by the alpine landscape, its design blends a traditional shape with modern function.

The exterior features locally milled macrocarpa and dark COLORSTEEL, while the interior uses cork, plywood, and earthy Resene paint colours. A large, glazed apex connects the home to stunning mountain views, and sustainable elements like natural ventilation and a wood fire ensure year-round comfort in its compact footprint.

Envisioned as a base camp for outdoor activities in the vast expanse of Canterbury’s high country, this compact abode is cut from the cloth of the traditional A-frame, and woven with a decidedly modern spin of colour and texture that echoes the alpine environment.

Exposed rafters give the cabin a sense of grounding; macrocarpa weatherboards meet a dark Colorsteel that recesses the east and west elevations into the natural landscape

The hero of the kitchen is the rear cabinetry, painted in Resene Log Cabin; the lighter, more whimsical hue of Resene Flax was used for storage cupboards to either side