Nightlight - Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

Using a polycarbonate shell screened with Abodo Vulcan timber, this utility shed is creatively designed to double as a sculptural light feature for the future outdoor living space of a work-in-progress building project.

With long term plans to regenerate the land and create their ‘forever home’ on this kanuka-lined site in Banks Peninsula, architect Mitchell and designer Amy Douglas of Fabric (formerly Coll Architecture) have made a strong start with this sculptural utility shed, which has already been awarded a 2022 New Zealand Architecture Award in the Small Architecture Project category.

Dubbed ‘Nightlight’, the structure not only provides tool storage and outdoor amenities for washing up, but will also play a part in illuminating the garden when the house is finished.

A polycarbonate shell allows light through, while a lattice of Abodo Vulcan Screening gives texture and the essence of a Japanese lantern to the structure.

The light it provides will be a welcome addition to an otherwise dark backyard. To help the building merge with its bush setting in daylight, the designers specified a combination of 88x18mm Vulcan Screening finished with one factory coat of Protector - Patina, and uncoated 42.65mm Vulcan Screening. This will silver off with time and exposure to the weather.

As the project was a labour of love, the stability of the thermally modified timber was also a bonus for the designers, who required the timber to withstand being stored on site over winter.