Cosy up: top 5 winter spaces
White Hart Hotel in New Plymouth by Atelierworkshop.
White Hart Hotel in New Plymouth by Atelierworkshop.
Pitches Store by Michael Wyatt Architect in Central Otago.
Pitches Store by Michael Wyatt Architect in Central Otago.
Matterhorn restaurant, Auckland by designer Richard Keddell.
Matterhorn restaurant, Auckland by designer Richard Keddell.
Aro Hā wellness retreat by Tennent+Brown, with interior design by Polish Design Workshop.
Aro Hā wellness retreat by Tennent+Brown, with interior design by Polish Design Workshop.
Sherwood, Queenstown by Sam Chapman and Stephen Marr.
Sherwood, Queenstown by Sam Chapman and Stephen Marr.
Despite the rain, cold and limited sunshine that winter brings, there is also no better time to cosy up and enjoy some of life's indoor pleasures. With the winter solstice nearly upon us, ArchitectureNow has delved into the archives and compiled a list of some of the best spots around New Zealand to drink a glass of mulled wine, get a massage or just enjoy a hot meal.
1. White Hart Hotel by Atelierworkshop
Originally built in 1886, the White Hart Hotel in New Plymouth is more like a homestead, with a large verandah wrapping around its second floor. The Snug Lounge restaurant and bar, situated on the ground floor, is pure English country-house comfort, complete with an original roaring open fireplace, red velvet seating and plenty of dark recycled timber. More…
2. Pitches Store by Michael Wyatt Architect
Michael Wyatt has turned a largely derelict former town store in one of Central Otago’s heritage precincts into a restaurant and boutique bed and breakfast. Timber used for the flooring and bar add a warm glow, which is only accentuated by the large open fireplace in the living room. Rooms feature walls of recycled brick in various shades that introduce texture and keep the heat in. More…
3. Matterhorn by designer Richard Keddell
The Matterhorn restaurant in Auckland is an intimate space of exposed brick and trusses, rich dark timbers, furs and copper conduits. Moody, soft lighting is created by candles that are dotted on the tables throughout, and the warm tones and heavy timber forms that run through the restaurant are reminiscent of a Swiss chalet. More…
4. Aro Hā retreat by Tennent+Brown, with interior design by Polish Design Workshop
With its palette of natural, earthy materials that echo the surrounding landscape, the Aro Hā wellness retreat, 40 minutes drive from Queenstown, creates an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. The communal lounge is large enough to hold all guests but remains a warm, welcoming space thanks to the double fireplace made of local schist and simple but comfortable furniture. More…
5. Sherwood by Sam Chapman and Stephen Marr
Situated on the eastern fringes of Queenstown is a 1980s-era mock-Tudor motel that has been transformed into a multi-functional hot spot. With a focus on honest materials and locally sourced goods, Sherwood is at once a hotel with a striking, cosy restaurant and bar (designed by Wellington firm Allistar Cox); an affordable yoga and wellness retreat; a concert venue and the perfect place to simply hang out by a firepit. More…
And… if none of these Kiwi spots take your fancy, what could be better for the body, mind and soul in winter than a sculpted wooden sauna perched right on the edge of a Canadian lake? More…
