Pariwhero Hiker’s Hut

The Catcher in the Sun is a site-specific architectural intervention designed to engage with the rugged terrain and solar path of a remote mountain landscape. Positioned to capture both sunlight and panoramic views, the structure serves as a solitary retreat that balances exposure and shelter. The design process incorporates site analysis, environmental considerations, and material sensitivity, culminating in a vertical timber-and-metal volume that lightly touches the earth. The building is organized around a central light shaft and a series of platforms for rest and reflection, emphasizing stillness, isolation, and connection to the surrounding landscape. This project explores how architecture can become a poetic and respectful mediator between human presence and natural forces.