A mud house in the harsh landscape of New Zealand

This mud house is located in the harsh and isolated landscape of New Zealand. It was designed by architecture studio Nott Architects, in a desert environment where it blends. The clients, a retired couple with a dog, wanted a very graphic home, which opened out onto the arid landscape. The house had to have contemporary lines, keep it very simple, and fit in with its wild surroundings. The architects opted for an earth-rammed, but not hippie-chic house look as one sometimes encounters.

The earthen house consists of a main building and outbuildings, with a small studio with bathroom serving as a guest bedroom or office, while the main house in which the couple lives is the centerpiece. There is a living room with an open kitchen as well as a bedroom and a bathroom. The chic decor is mid-century inspired, but the desert landscape visible from the many windows is sure to be the real star. And when night falls, the house, which is away from any urban light pollution, offers a wonderful starry sky to admire. Photo: Pedi Rowley

Ramming an earthen house in the harsh landscape of New Zealand

This earthen house is located in a harsh and isolated landscape in New Zealand. Designed by studio NOTT Architects, it is set in a desert environment in which it blends. The clients, a retired couple with a dog, wanted a very graphic home that opened out onto the arid landscape. The house had to have contemporary lines, stay very simple and blend with its wild surroundings. The architects chose a design that rammed earth, but didn’t have the hippie chic look you sometimes get.

The earthen house consists of a main building and outbuildings, with a small studio with bathroom used as a guest bedroom or office, while the main house in which the couple lives is its centerpiece. There is a living room with an open kitchen as well as a bedroom and a bathroom. The chic decor is mid-century inspired, but it’s undoubtedly the desert landscape that can be seen from the many windows that is the real star. And when night falls, the house, which is away from any urban light pollution, offers a wonderful starry sky to admire. Photo: Pedi Rowley