Located in Otago, New Zealand, the Station Cabin by Crosson Architects involved the conversion of an existing shed on a remote sheep station into accommodation for farm workers and visiting guests. The project is known for its craftsmanship, compact efficiency, and its ability to provide a warm, protective interior set against the expansive, isolated landscape.

The design contrasts the vast scale of the Otago sheep station with the compact and intricate interior of the cabin, evoking a feeling similar to being inside a sailboat on the open sea. It is both grounded on a hill and sheltered, providing a delightful and intimate retreat in the middle of a paddock. The thoughtful, efficient design economically uses every nook and cranny.

The conversion retained the original solid timber floor and the plywood-lined, gabled walls and ceiling.

The layout is tight and delicate, using well-crafted timber surfaces that exude an amber warmth. The interior spaces are intertwined to maximize functionality. A small loft area, accessible by a steel ladder, functions as an intimate, elevated observatory with treetop views.

New cedar-lined walls and cedar cabinetry were integrated into the original structure. The original solid timber floor and gabled plywood ceiling were retained, maintaining the character of the existing shed.

Project team and credits

Architect: Crosson Architects

Photographer: David Straight

In 2018, the Station Cabin was a winner at the Southern Architecture Awards hosted by the NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA), in the Interior Architecture category. The jury noted the contrast between the project's compact interior and its expansive site.