Fabric, an architecture studio, has crafted a unique shed in Akaroa, New Zealand, that serves a dual purpose as both a storage space and a stunning light sculpture. This shed, named Nightlight, stands out with timber slats that imitate the surrounding treeline, transforming into a glowing structure after dark.
The shed, with a 10-square-meter footprint, is strategically placed amidst kānuka trees, designed to eventually become part of a residential setting. Its exterior features timber planks that seamlessly blend with the natural environment, offering storage and services for the future house while also adding an aesthetic touch as a luminous sculpture.
Constructed with a translucent, mono-pitched form using polycarbonate, Nightlight is elevated on concrete piles, allowing light from within to radiate through the gaps in the timber slats that envelop its exterior. This design choice not only enhances the shed’s visual appeal but also creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadows.
Fabric’s vision for Nightlight goes beyond conventional shed designs, aiming to make it a prominent feature visible from the outdoor living spaces of the future residence. The shed’s interior is equipped with amenities such as a small bathroom, workspace, outdoor kitchen, and storage area, complete with a toilet and workbench, offering practical functionality in a compact space.
The use of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) pine for the timber slats was a deliberate choice by Fabric, ensuring structural integrity with fewer timber elements. The alignment of the slats with the shed’s internal structure was crucial to achieve a consistent pattern of glow at night, presenting a harmonious blend of form and function.
Internally, warm-toned timber and muted green hues create a welcoming ambiance, complementing the shed’s exterior aesthetic. The pine planks and locally sourced macrocarpa wood used for the decking were weathered to match the surrounding kānuka tree trunks, while exposed fixings and joins add a touch of industrial charm.
Fabric’s expertise in creating architectural marvels is further showcased in their recent project, a vacation cabin in a New Zealand coastal village, featuring expansive windows that frame picturesque views of the rainforest. This commitment to blending design with nature underscores the studio’s dedication to crafting spaces that resonate with their surroundings.
With Nightlight, Fabric has redefined the concept of a shed, infusing it with artistic flair and practicality. By seamlessly integrating form and function, this structure not only fulfills its utilitarian purpose but also serves as a captivating visual centerpiece that harmonizes with its natural setting, embodying the studio’s innovative approach to architecture.
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