Bach

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Let's travel to New Zealand for a while… In the land of one trillion, fourteen billion, three hundred and ninety-six thousand, four hundred and sixty-three sheep (give or take), there's a whole new vocabulary we need to learn. Firstly, there's a 'Chilly Bin' otherwise known as an Esky or an Ice Chest. And if you're beginning to feel like your new New Zealander friends swear as often as a shipload of irate sailors, relax. New Zealanders pronounce all of their vowels wrong differently. They're probably just saying 'Six', 'Deck' and 'Sheet'.

Maybe you'll hear the word Bach (pronounced, I'm told, like Bachelor) thrown around? A Bach is a small scale beach retreat — like a holiday shack or cabin. It's usually only occupied for the summer months and is almost guaranteed to be in a spectacular beachside location (it's hard to find unattractive places in NZ). We love Bachs at Lunchbox Architect because they are back to basics shelters — all you need for a relaxing mini-vac at the beach. You'll find they're usually built from affordable, but hard-wearing materials that are in keeping with their low-fi spirit and the tradition of affordable beach-side holiday homes in NZ. Fibre cement, corrugated iron and plywood are staples of Bach-itecture.

Bachs will usually follow a basic, but functional plan, with living areas opening up to the outdoors (and those killer views), while a combination of bedrooms and make-shift sleeping spaces can cater for just a couple or a whole mini-van full of family and friends.

If you're craving a beach holiday, then be sure to take a look at some of the incredible Bachs we've featured. Once you see some of the modern Bachs we feature, you'll fall in love with their beautiful simplicity.

Check out some of the Bach projects featured on Lunchbox Architect

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