Kirimoko Tiny House: Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture

Wānaka, New Zealand

Project's Summary

Kirimoko Tiny House: Winner of NZIA 2019 Southern Architecture Award

The Kirimoko Tiny House, designed by Condon Scott Architects, has won the prestigious NZIA 2019 Southern Architecture Award. Inspired by a cycle trip and a life lived out of panniers, the house is defined by a simple gable form and a sturdy black rain screen. Despite its compact 30 square metre size, the one-bedroom home utilises cleverly crafted spatial devices to pack a lot of punch into a small place without compromising on the scale of the living areas.

Crafted Box: Maximising Space with Innovative Design

Located on a suburban street within Wanaka, the Kirimoko Tiny House was built with an ambitious brief of a 30m2 footprint. Designed as a crafted box, not a morsel of space is wasted. Innovative design elements such as drawers that pull out of each step tread and storage concealed in the toe space under the kitchen joinery, are just a few examples of how the house maximises space.

SIPs: High Insulation Panels for Thermal Comfort

For the roof and wall structure, Condon Scott Architects chose SIPs (structural insulated panels) for their high insulation R-value and the convenience of prefabrication. This energy-efficient design, combined with passive house measures, means virtually no additional energy is required to maintain a consistent level of thermal comfort against the backdrop of the unforgiving Central Otago climate.

Asphalt Shingles and Timber: Simple yet Striking External Palette

The external palette of the Kirimoko Tiny House is limited to asphalt shingles and timber. The shingles carry up the wall and over onto the roof, reflecting the way the building is made as both roof and walls are built of SIPs. This simple yet striking design element adds to the unique character of the house, which has become a standout example of innovative, sustainable architecture in New Zealand.

In summary, the Kirimoko Tiny House is a well-deserved winner of the NZIA 2019 Southern Architecture Award. With its innovative design, maximised use of space, and energy-efficient principles, the house is a shining example of sustainable architecture. Condon Scott Architects have created a unique and inspiring space that shows how much can be achieved with creative thinking and a commitment to sustainability.

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