A better Bach setup

Traditional baches tend to try and do everything in one building. Sleeping, storing gear, cooking, relaxing all under one roof. And while that works, there’s another way of thinking about bach living that feels lighter, more flexible, and far better suited to an outdoor lifestyle. Instead of one big space, imagine multiple cabins on the same site, each with a clear purpose.

One site, multiple uses

At a bach, life naturally spreads out. Some days are about swimming, fishing, and jetskiing. Others are slow mornings, books, and naps in the shade. By using more than one cabin, you can keep sleeping areas calm and uncluttered, give gear its own dedicated space, let wet, sandy, muddy activities stay separate, and design the site around how you actually live. Each cabin plays a role and the space between them becomes just as important.

Gear where it belongs

Outdoor gear has a habit of taking over. Wetsuits drip. Bikes lean everywhere. Boards and packs pile up fast. A dedicated gear cabin makes a huge difference with space for boards, bikes, packs, and tools, easy access without traipsing through living areas and somewhere wet gear can dry properly – No stress about mess!

A cabin just for rest

On the other side of the site sits a very different kind of space. A sleeping and relaxation cabin that stays calm, warm, and uncluttered. This is where you can
sleep without smelling wetsuits, read, nap, and slow down, open the doors and let the breeze through and retreat when the weather turns. Separating these functions means each space works better and feels better.

The deck in between: where bach life happens

The magic of a multi-cabin setup is often what sits in the middle. A shared deck becomes the place everyone naturally gathers, a sheltered outdoor living room, somewhere to rinse off under an outdoor shower, and a spot for evening drinks, shared meals, and storytelling. With cabins on either side, the deck feels protected, social, and connected.

A setup that grows with you

One of the biggest advantages of multiple cabins is flexibility. You might start with one sleeping cabin, one gear or utility cabin and over time, that could evolve into guest accommodation, a work-from-bach setup, space for extended family and a layout that adapts as needs change. It’s a way of building a bach that doesn’t lock you into one way of living.

This approach is exactly where cabins shine. They’re ideal for creating purposeful, well-designed spaces without overbuilding, check out Duo 96: Modular Retreat for the Serious Recreationist or The Duo65: a 65m² bach built for small families craving luxury in NZ’s quiet corners.

A great bach doesn’t need to be large or complicated. It just needs to work with how you live. By splitting sleeping, gear, and living into separate cabins, you create less mess, more comfort, better outdoor flow and a bach that feels relaxed from day one. Sometimes the best spaces aren’t under one roof — they’re connected by a deck, a view, and a slower pace of life.

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