Twin gable and pavilion style homes: why this design suits South Island sites
Pavilion-style homes have become an increasingly popular approach to residential architecture, particularly on rural, lifestyle and lakeside properties throughout New Zealand.
At Chilton + Mayne Architecture, we have incorporated pavilion forms into a number of our residential projects, from lakeside homes in Canterbury to alpine retreats in Central Otago.
We particularly enjoy working with this architectural style because of its flexibility. Rather than designing a home as one large building, pavilion architecture allows us to create a series of connected spaces that respond individually to the site, the surrounding landscape and the way our clients want to live.
The basics
What is a Pavilion-Style Home?
A pavilion-style home is generally made up of two or more distinct building forms, or wings, connected through linking spaces such as entrance halls, glazed walkways or lower roof structures.
Each pavilion can have its own purpose. One might accommodate the main living areas, another the bedrooms, while a third could provide guest accommodation, garaging or recreational spaces.
Although pavilion homes are often associated with traditional gabled roofs, the architectural approach is not limited to one particular roof shape or style.
The real defining feature is the way individual building forms are arranged to create a cohesive home, with the spaces between them becoming just as important as the buildings themselves.
The benefits
Why Pavilion Architecture Works So Well
One of the greatest advantages of pavilion architecture is its ability to respond to the characteristics of an individual site.
01
Responding to Sunlight and Views
Rather than forcing every room into one large building footprint, individual pavilions can be positioned and orientated to take advantage of sunlight, views and natural surroundings.
Living areas can be directed towards the sun and primary outlook, while bedrooms and more private spaces can be positioned to provide separation and privacy.
This flexibility is particularly valuable on sites where the best views and solar orientation are not necessarily in the same direction.
02
Creating Sheltered Outdoor Spaces
The arrangement of individual pavilions can create naturally sheltered courtyards and outdoor living areas.
By carefully considering prevailing winds, building orientation and the relationship between the different wings, we can create outdoor spaces that feel protected and connected to the interior.
This is particularly important in the South Island, where exposure to prevailing winds can have a significant influence on how outdoor spaces are used.
03
Separating Living and Sleeping Areas
Pavilion architecture provides a natural opportunity to separate different functions within a home.
Living, dining and entertaining areas can occupy one pavilion, while bedrooms are positioned within another, creating quieter and more private spaces.
This arrangement can work particularly well for families, homes with regular guests or clients wanting greater separation between everyday living and private accommodation.
04
Breaking Down the Scale of a Home
Larger homes can sometimes appear visually dominant when designed as one continuous building.
By breaking the building into a series of smaller forms, pavilion architecture can reduce the perceived scale of the home and create a more considered relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Individual rooflines, changes in building height and carefully proportioned connecting spaces all contribute to a more balanced architectural composition.
05
A Connection to Rural Architecture
Gabled pavilion homes also have a strong connection to New Zealand’s rural architectural heritage.
The simple forms of traditional woolsheds, barns and farm buildings provide a familiar architectural language that can be reinterpreted in a contemporary way.
We particularly like this approach for rural and lifestyle properties, where simple roof forms and natural materials can help a modern home feel comfortably connected to its setting.
Featured project
Twin Gables – Lake Hood
One of our pavilion-style projects is Twin Gables, a home completed in 2019 at Lake Hood, near Ashburton.
The design incorporates two main gabled pavilions running east to west, with the arrangement of the building carefully considered to capture views across the canal towards the surrounding mountains.
Pitched ceilings create a sense of openness within the interior, while extensive glazing connects the kitchen, living areas and master bedroom with the landscape beyond.
The relationship between the two pavilions also creates a series of sheltered outdoor living spaces, orientated west towards the canal.
The material palette is deliberately simple, with cedar cladding and glass providing a contemporary interpretation of traditional gabled architecture.
Cedar is also introduced internally, creating continuity between the exterior and interior spaces.
Twin Gables demonstrates how relatively simple architectural forms can create a home with a strong identity, while responding carefully to its lakeside setting.
More of our work
Other Pavilion Homes We’ve Designed
Lake Hood
Canal Views
Canal Views explores the pavilion approach through an elongated H-shaped arrangement.
Two principal gabled forms are connected to create sheltered terraces and courtyards, while the positioning of the building helps provide protection from the prevailing easterly winds.
The design demonstrates how pavilion architecture can be used to shape outdoor spaces as well as the interior layout of a home.
Lake Hood
Lakeside Boathouse
The Lakeside Boathouse takes inspiration from traditional boathouse architecture, with a series of gabled forms facing the canal.
Extensive glazing connects the interior living spaces with the waterfront, while the arrangement of the building creates opportunities for outdoor entertaining and everyday family living.
The repeated gable forms give the home a distinctive architectural character while maintaining a strong connection to its lakeside environment.
Central Otago
Wānaka Retreat
Our Wānaka Retreat project demonstrates how pavilion architecture can respond successfully to a long, narrow site.
A central entrance link separates the principal wings, creating a clear division between different areas of the home.
The simple building forms are particularly well suited to the alpine setting, demonstrating how pavilion architecture can be adapted to different landscapes and site constraints.
Is a Pavilion-Style Home Right for Your Site?
While pavilion architecture can be particularly successful on rural, lifestyle and lakeside properties, it is certainly not limited to large sections.
We have found that the approach can also work well on long, narrow sites, where the arrangement of individual building forms can help maximise sunlight, privacy and outdoor living opportunities.
However, pavilion homes are not necessarily the best solution for every property.
The additional external walls, roof junctions and connecting spaces can increase construction costs compared with a more compact building of a similar floor area. On smaller or more constrained sites, a simpler building form may be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the decision should be driven by the characteristics of the site, the project budget and how the home needs to function.
Architecture That Responds to Its Setting
At Chilton + Mayne Architecture, we believe the best residential designs are shaped by their surroundings rather than imposed upon them.
Pavilion architecture is one of several design approaches we use to create homes that respond to their environment, make the most of their location and reflect the way our clients want to live.
From our centrally located Ashburton studio, we work with clients throughout Canterbury and across the South Island, designing homes for a wide range of landscapes, lifestyles and budgets.
Let’s talk
Considering a pavilion-style home for your property?
Whether you’re planning a rural retreat, a lakeside home or a new build on a challenging site, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your ideas.