MANGAWHAI BARN
Nestled amongst regenerating native bush in Kaipara, Mangawhai Barn is a striking example of sustainable living and thoughtful design.
Owned by Sarah James and Tim Daniel, the home reflects a deep commitment to minimising environmental impact while creating a warm, comfortable retreat. The couple had long dreamed of a getaway on Northland’s east coast and stumbled upon a lifestyle block in Mangawhai almost by accident. Within days, they had purchased the land – 1.3 hectares of pasture with grazing sheep.
Tim, Director of Gel Architects, had always dreamed of applying sustainable design principles to his own home. From the outset, the focus was on building small but well- executed spaces. The result is a 36m2 barn- style studio with a 6m2 loft, complemented by a 42m2 workshop and covered terrace. Initially conceived as a first-stage build and future office, the compact footprint has proven more than enough, accommodating family gatherings and visitors with ease.
The couple envisioned something simple yet enduring – more than a glamping experience, but not a conventional home. Careful planning ensured every need was met without compromise, with traditional furnishings and defined spaces a priority rather than reconfigurable layouts common in tiny homes. “We enjoyed the challenge of minimising the habitable space to only what is practically required. Like a minimalist puzzle,” reflects Tim.
Over three years, weekends were spent camping on-site, planting hundreds of native trees, and restoring wetlands – groundwork that continues today alongside the development of a food forest. This process deepened their connection to the land and laid the environmental foundation for the build.
The barn’s scoria-toned corrugated cladding nods to rural buildings and Central Otago shacks, grounding it in the landscape. An asymmetrical gable and expansive glazing enhances the compact space with light and openness. A cabinet divider forms a cosy sleeping nook while a playful ladder climbs to a loft for reading or guest accommodation, characterised by a circular interior window.
Choosing to live completely off-grid aligned with Sarah and Tim’s ethos while offering security in a windy area prone to power cuts. The barn is fully powered by rooftop photovoltaic panels, rainwater is collected into underground tanks, and wastewater is treated naturally. A wood- fired cooking stove and efficient hot water heat pump further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainability also guided the materials palette, with natural wool insulation, rough- sawn macrocarpa ceilings, birch linings, polished concrete floors, and natural fibre furnishings contributing to low-maintenance living and healthy air quality. Careful
window placement avoids overheating, while operable louvres and passive ventilation ensure comfort year-round.
The project was realised with the support of Gel Architects’ consulting team, McNaughton Consulting Engineers, Consult QS, and builder Smith Construction, who embraced the vision of clean lines and precise detailing.
For Sarah and Tim, Mangawhai Barn is more than a holiday home – it is a place of proportion, playfulness, and purpose. In creating a small, resilient retreat, they have proved that living simply need not come at the expense of comfort.
