The Taieri Mouth Bach is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional, simple holiday cottage, or "bach," built by architect Regan Johnston for his family while he was working at Mason & Wales Architects. Located on a sand dune near a fishing village at the mouth of the Taieri River on New Zealand's South Island, the project was completed in 2013 and took only eight weeks to build. The modest 55-square-meter dwelling was designed with a simple gabled form and honest, natural, and robust materials, paying homage to the original, often handmade, fishing huts and baches of the area. The bach's straightforward and economical construction is balanced by a striking, fully-glazed end wall that offers expansive views of the surrounding dune, Moturata Island, and Taieri Beach. To minimize view obstruction while ensuring the structure's stability against high winds and earthquakes, the glazed gable end is reinforced with a system of steel tension rods arranged in an X pattern. An open-plan living area occupies most of the ground floor, featuring a vaulted ceiling that rises to the roof ridge. Another wall with large sliding glass doors opens the living space to a timber patio on the sunny north side. The kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and storage areas are located at the back of the house. The project has been praised for its simplicity, charm, and unquestionable sustainability, with minimal waste during design and construction. It was a recipient of a NZIA Residential Award and a Supreme Timber Building Award at the 2013 New Zealand Wood Awards. Credits Architect: Regan Johnston, Mason & Wales Architects Contractor: JJ Oskam Builders Photography: Mason and Wales Architects