Explore
They downsized dramatically for a tiny cottage that was once an 'ugly duckling'. Now it's winning awards
A former barracks became an award-winning tiny home where one family discovered less really is more.
AI summary
A Wellington family downsized into the award-winning Sergeant's Cottage, a renovated 33m² former barracks. Architect Guy Tarrant transformed the property into a celebrated home, winning at the Wellington Architecture Awards for its clever and efficient design.
The compact home, consisting of a main house and a sleepout, has encouraged a simplified lifestyle with more outdoor time. The family finds the beautifully resolved spaces joyful and engaging, proving that thoughtful design can make a small footprint feel surprisingly generous.
The crooked blue gate at the front holds sentimental value. Photo: Simon Wilson
The covered deck adds extra valuable room. Photo: Simon Wilson
The kitchen is compact next to the living room. Photo: Simon Wilson
The kids “love” the home. Photo: Simon Wilson
The sleepout has white-painted battens. Photo: Simon Wilson
The bunk room and Luke’s bedroom are in the same building. Photo: Simon Wilson
The rimu sarking from the original main house was re-milled and lines the inside of the sleepout. Photo: Simon Wilson
There are still plans to build that bigger house on the land, but for now the family are happy with their lot. Photo: Simon Wilson
Author
Other articles you might like
