Photography: Stephen Goodenough, Design: Studio Now
There’s something special about stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escaping to a place that feels like it’s just for you. Adventure Whare, designed by Studio Now, embodies this philosophy with its thoughtful design and striking location in Canterbury’s Castle Hill Village. It’s not just a home; it’s a retreat, an invitation to pause, explore and reconnect – with nature, with loved ones and even with yourself.
Adventure Whare’s A-frame design is designed with explorers in mind and nods to traditional alpine huts. Its thoughtful, playful interior is the perfect retreat for comfort and connection to the great outdoors. The sympathetic design also makes the home feel like an extension of the land rather than just another structure on it.
The family who calls this their holiday haven spends their days traversing nearby mountains and forests. This cosy sanctuary offers them a place to unwind, swap stories and recharge for their next adventure.
From the outside, the A-frame form peeks between two established trees, with a roofline that cleverly lifts to reveal expansive timber-framed glazing. This design connects the home to the surrounding native bush reserve and frames jaw-dropping views of the Canterbury high country’s dramatic mountain ranges.
Inside is a mudroom ready to handle the muddiest of boots and wettest of gear in recognition of the family’s active lifestyle. The heart of the home is a spacious, open-plan area where everyone can gather, while flat-roofed bedroom wings provide private spaces for quiet reflection. There’s even a cosy loft tucked above the service areas. The entire home radiates warmth and charm, thanks to exposed timber, cork flooring and plenty of playful, nature-inspired colour.
The colour scheme of Adventure Whare mirrors the alpine surroundings, with every shade carefully chosen to reflect a piece of the landscape. The kitchen, painted in Resene Log Cabin, echoes the deep green of the native canopy. The wardrobes, finished in Resene Flax, take inspiration from the pale mosses found in shady forest corners. Even the interior doors, painted in Resene Toffee, reflect the golden wild grasses that ripple through the high country.
Paired with these hues are natural slate surfaces which ground the playful tones and bring a touch of contrast. This careful balance of colours and materials creates an inspiring, vibrant interior that feels harmonious with the rugged outdoors.
Building Adventure Whare wasn’t without its challenges, but they only add to its charm. One standout feature is the fully exposed, self-supporting timber roof panels, a striking design element grown and fabricated in New Zealand. This engineered timber highlights the home’s commitment to sustainable practices – an essential value for an alpine retreat.
Adventure itself has a way of grounding us, reminding us of what matters. Exploring new places or revisiting favourite ones is like hitting the reset button. Castle Hill Village provides the perfect backdrop for such an escape. The breathtaking limestone rock formations, peaceful alpine air and wide-open landscapes are like an extension of Adventure Whare, reinforcing the connection between the home and its environment. Known as Kura Tāwhiti in Māori, this area also holds spiritual and cultural significance, and its beauty is nothing short of magical.
Spending time in a home like this – where the lines between indoors and outdoors blur – can replenish the soul. Whether sharing stories after a day in the mountains or simply sitting in quiet admiration of the view, the remote beauty and design serve as gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Life’s adventures don’t always have to be big and bold; sometimes, the most meaningful ones happen in quiet moments of connection and reflection.
