Project Partners: Airbnb
Competition Brief: Airbnb established a fund dedicated to making the creative, unusual and unique home-sharing space of aspiring Airbnb hosts and design enthusiasts a reality. The aim of the Contest is to identify, through an application and judging process, ten people who will each receive a grant to enable each winner to carry out their plans of creating a unique space in their home or on their property, with the intention that upon completion, guests will have the opportunity to experience the space by booking it on Airbnb.
The brief calls for unusual shapes, unexpected locations, immersive concepts, spaces with a story. We’re on the hunt for people who will challenge the very idea of a house. The wilder, the better. Designs should reflect a fresh perspective visible in every detail. A successful entry will be full of surprises, inside and out. Recycled materials. Energy efficiency. Smart irrigation. Waste reduction. We’re looking for innovative ways to keep the footprint light at every stage. Spaces for social good - Is this a place with purpose? Consider the ways the space will benefit your guests, your neighbours, and your community at large, too.
Our Services: Community consultation, Brief development, Concept Design.
‘Wedge House’, a 60 metre long, 3 metre wide bespoke wedge shaped lodge, located in Fiji, owned and operated entirely by Naidi Village Community.
Deep within the islands of Fiji sits the village of Naidi. Known for their impressive tribal Meke dance and love for drinking Kava, the community hopes to share their culture and way of life with those who visit their shores. For years the community have saved a superbly located plot of land in hopes of one day building a unique local guesthouse for a couple or small family to stay.
In 2016, Fiji was hit by Cyclone Winston, the most intense cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. Shortly after the crisis, we worked with a local charity, Naqaqa Giving Foundation, to identify those most affected. Amongst those was Naidi Village, where we lived for 2.5 months whilst designing and constructing a striking new community hall - this process was the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship where we were granted the land permissions to develop their guesthouse idea further.
100m of dense jungle separates the village from a pristine beach. ‘The Wedge House’ will be a unique addition to this landscape. Visitors will be welcomed into the heart of Naidi Village, before being led down through the jungle towards their accommodation. The Wedge House is a perfectly straight, narrow and long direct slice through the trees to the beach, akin to a cheese wedge growing out of the ground. Solid timber pine poles begin to emerge from the ground, either side of the path, uniformly spaced and gradually increasing in height - a stark contrast to the surrounding chaotic jungle. The path transitions from earth and gravel to a gently inclined, sheltered deck suspended from the monolithic timber pine poles, visually reminiscent of old timber roller-coaster tracks gradually increasing before a climax. As the passage increases in height, and the structure begins to widen in a crescendo shape, visitors will reach their treetop cabin, overlooking the bay and beach below.
The Wedge House peaks at 8m, allowing for the cabin to feature a vertically layered design, complimenting the long horizontal slice. The raised path leads into the main living space, with kitchen amenities, seating and large double doors that front onto the beach. Through these doors sits the external deck, large enough to accommodate small Kava drinking ceremonies with the village, providing direct access to the beach below. A toilet and shower is located below for privacy, whilst the upper mezzanine level is reserved for a bed, and exterior stargazing platform.
This building will provide a sustainable income for the community, allowing them to maintain and further develop their village infrastructure.