REVIEW: Herbst: Architecture in Context by John Walsh is a beautiful new book on Auckland architects Lance and Nicola Herbst’s award-winning work in New Zealand.
The architects are renowned for their “back-to-basics” bach design that celebrates raw materials and beautifully crafted simplicity. The book itself has a wood-like debossed cover with an exposed spine, so it’s almost like part of the bach has been peeled off and opened up to view.
We’ve seen a lot of Herbst projects over the years - they invariably win architecture awards and feature in documentaries. But it is is especially intriguing to see the first Kiwi bach the couple designed in 1999 after emigrating here from South Africa.
It is, of course, their own bach on Aotea Great Barrier, and it influenced everything that was to follow.
This is how the architects themselves talk about it: “The bach on Aotea wasn’t meant to be a ‘proper’ building. We were interested in smallness and efficiency, and wanted an informal connection with nature.
“At first, the bach was basic, almost a diagram for the provision of the necessities - shelter, water, cooking - that allowed us to get on with the rituals of a holiday. Things developed from there (although we’ve only just got a washing machine).”
In an earlier interview with this writer, Lance Herbst said he prefers not to put in a dishwasher for clients, because baches are all about sharing the chores - chatting as you wash and dry the dishes. He doesn’t always get his way on that score.
Read the full review on Stuff here.
