KEY POINTS:
A couple of Wellington architects have injected portability, affordability and sustainability into their own style of Kiwi bach ownership.
Following up on an idea sparked several years ago, Atelier Workshop's William Giesen and Cecile Bonnifait gradually pieced together a concept to create a portable unit with the durability
to be permanent.
Using a shipping container as the base, the concept was developed in Wellington and gradually turned into reality through an architectural colleague and a builder in China.
The Port-a-bach prototype arrived via ship in Wellington recently, giving its creators their first opportunity to see it first hand.
While excited to now have it set up on a section in Martinborough, both have been busy in terms of fine tuning its user-friendliness and functionality.
A heavy-lift helicopter is capable of transporting the unit to wherever one wants, but Mr Giesen said a more realistic mo de of transport was a truck with a hydraulic lifting arm.
Once settled on its concrete block foundations a small electric winch lowers the front of the container to form a deck.
A bunk bed can be set up between two open doors at the end, with another bed folding down from a wall, and a canvass cover can transform the entire structure into a giant, industrial style tent.
It's timber lined and kitted out with louvre windows, has a shower, sink and composting toilet and only needs water and electricity supplies to fully complete it.
Mr Giesen said he came up with the idea while holidaying at a section leased long-term by his family at Matapouri in Northland.
While it occurred that such a product could be used in various ways such as to complement an existing building or in a portable office type of capacity, the Kiwi bach concept was the focus.
"Another thing is that people have to spend so much money on the land alone now. It provides a cheap option, even if it's in the interim while they build there."
Ms Bonnifait said the traditional idea of a Kiwi bach had been blown out of proportion in recent years and hoped the concept would appeal to those looking to stick to the basics.
"We don't think taking over the sand dunes and building a huge concrete structure is the way to go ... so maybe it's just a little statement."
Both have a green streak and say they were also drawn to the idea of leaving little environmental impact.
They've talked about the prospect of using solar and wind energy to power the unit, saying there is potential to hook into the national grid and have it contributing power while locked up for the time its not being used.
"The idea in the long term as well is that it's a perfect little module to become self-sufficient," Mr Giesen said.
The Port-a-bach carries a price tag of about $80,000 plus GST and comes with council consent processes already ticked off.
- NZPA
