Harmony House
Studio:
Justin Crook and Olivia Wong
Year:
2021
Client:
Earth Energies Sanctuary
Location:
Coromandel, New Zealand
Services:
Creative strategy
Design direction
Architecture
Interior design
Art direction
Justin Crook and Olivia Wong
Year:
2021
Client:
Earth Energies Sanctuary
Location:
Coromandel, New Zealand
Services:
Creative strategy
Design direction
Architecture
Interior design
Art direction
Finalist in the Bee Breeders’ ‘romantic cabin for two’ design competition. Providing a therapeutic escape, the Harmony House acts as a facilitator for guests to connect with each other as well as to nature. It achieves this through the central idea of balance. Harmony.
With sustainability at the heart, the full timber structure breaks the cabin into three zones, placing locally sourced materials on display and maximising natural light and resources throughout.
At the heart of the Harmony House is wellness — offering shared healing and rejuvenation in an intimate environment. Vulnerability enables guests to experience and discover each other fully — exposing feelings, thoughts, challenges and insecurities, while natural light and ventilation, warmth, water, fire, connection to nature and openness provide a tranquil environment to relax. Romantic amenity is provided in the form of a fireplace, cooking facilities, bath, dual showers and basin, stargazing, lounging, boardgames, burning essential oils and meditation.
Beyond a seemingly impenetrable, dark and closed off exterior wall is where the escape begins. The arrival experience provides confidence that this retreat is sheltered from the rest of civilization. Entering through their private entrance, guests are greeted by an open space with framed views over the Firth of Thames and Coromandel Ranges.
Guests will continue to discover little surprises and moments of joy within the space. Concealed doors, changing weather and different times of day creates dramatic changes within the space. Another key feature for those seeking an escape is premium stargazing from the bedroom with a unique view of the galaxy that only New Zealand can offer.
Beyond a seemingly impenetrable, dark and closed off exterior wall is where the escape begins. The arrival experience provides confidence that this retreat is sheltered from the rest of civilization. Entering through their private entrance, guests are greeted by an open space with framed views over the Firth of Thames and Coromandel Ranges.
Guests will continue to discover little surprises and moments of joy within the space. Concealed doors, changing weather and different times of day creates dramatic changes within the space. Another key feature for those seeking an escape is premium stargazing from the bedroom with a unique view of the galaxy that only New Zealand can offer.
The Harmony House is a sustainably designed cabin that visually connects to and leaves minimal impact on nature. Locally sourced materials are placed on display in a luxurious array of finishes, contained within a simple and affordable structure. The Harmony House proves that kaitiakitanga /guardianship can be achieved without compromising a bespoke design vision or blowing out construction costs. Guests will develop sustainable behaviours through a memorable experience anchored in wellbeing and nature.