Art Home in the Bush

(The Press At Home, 2008)

Completely surrounded by bush, this house was designed as an inspiring base for New Zealand's up-and-coming young artists - with a dash of history thrown in.

Colin McCahon (1919-87) is considered by many to be New Zealand's greatest modernist painter. Many of his works during the 1950s sought to make profound statements in a minimalist way, often featuring biblical quotes written under dark brooding skies.

During much of the 1950s, McCahon and his family lived in a tiny cottage near the waterfront at Titirangi, in Auckland, surrounded by regenerating kauri forest. Their four children slept in the semi-open, in a sleepout facing the bush (all that fresh air was believed to be good for their health.)

The McCahon Trust, in association with the local territorial authority, has spent $2.2 million to restore the cottage, and turn it into a museum.

They also commissioned Auckland firm Pete Bossley Architects Ltd to design a new house on the site to serve as a residence for young artists from around New Zealand while completing a body of work. The brief was challenging: the house had to compliment and not overwhelm the existing cottage; it had to fit in with the environment; and it had to be refreshing and contemporary in appearance.

That Bossley Architects has achieved these aims with remarkable success is testament to a skilful vision, but is also the legacy of experience: many of the firm's other houses also occupy pristine natural settings.

The site was tricky: sloping, slippery, and bushclad. Project architect Andrea Bell's solution was simple: construct a raised platform deep within the bush, supported by poles. At its highest point, the house is 6.5 metres above the forest floor.

The house is actually two main platforms, reached via a timber and steel bridge and pathway from the road above.

Apart from timber, materials are semi-industrial, such as Cor Ten steel panels and steel tread plate used vertically as screening. Red, yellow and silver act as accent colours and are a surprise in the midst of the bush. They bring to mind the geometrical art of celebrated 20th century Dutch artist, Piet Mondriaan.

All rooms have views over the bush, out towards the forest canopy. High ceilings enhance the sense of space in what is essentiality a compact structure. The first platform contains the kitchen, dining and main living area.

Stairs lead down to two bedrooms, bathroom and separate toilet. Fittings and colours are restrained, materials crisp and clean.

The second platform, which is reached via the central deck is at a lower level. This is a simple large open area, the artist's studio. Current artist-in-residence, James Robinson, whose latest projects include one entitled Taniwha/Dragon, describes his work as an "organic, mixed media approach...it's steam before it condenses."

And what is the house like as a place to live and work in? "You hover in mid air," says Robinson. "You are grounded but it's a bit aethereal. There's a nice sense of a suspense of belief."

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