The Man Behind the Silos
Stuart Wright-Stow is the man behind SiloStay, a visionary, leader, and innovator. Stuart and Angela Wright-Stow own the Little River Gallery – renowned in New Zealand for the quality, diversity and richness of its NZ made Art.
Stuart’s view of life is slightly different to most folk. Stuart has a vision for objects beyond their primary form, and saw the opportunity to push the boundaries of design and turn the agri-dustrial silo structure into a unique, relevant accommodation solution for Little River. Stuart pondered the intricacies and the challenges of the circular shape and realised his dream to build SiloStay - an innovative, eco-friendly and exciting accommodation experience.
Going Against the Grain
Stuart embarked on this epic adventure just prior to February 2011 when life in Christchurch was somewhat shaken, forever changed.
SiloStay is testimony to Stuart’s belief in his vision and grim determination to not let obstacles stand in the way of his dream.
Along the way, there have been notable milestones and tremendous highs and lows.
Building ‘outside the square’ in Christchurch since the earthquakes has had its many challenges, but to Stuart it is phenomenally important to try something new, be daring and different and leave a positive mark on imaginations whilst being mindful of our precious environment.
Traditionally, grain silos are found in the country filled with feed, surrounded by a distinct waft of, er, farm animals; however SiloStay, based in Little River, Banks Peninsula, is going against the grain. In this instance, proprietary grain silos are being used as individual motel units as part of an innovative, ecofriendly and affordable accommodation complex.
SiloStay, Little River, has eight single units each sleeping two people, an accessible/family unit and a managers unit which will be erected to complete this exciting project. Visionary and founder of this project, Stuart Wright-Stow and his design team, F3 Design, are passionate about environmental sustainability so have designed an energy unit which houses a gravity fed wood pellet boiler to heat the complex. This sits within its own custom designed silo with glazed panels so you can see the energy in the making. Each two storey unit is 8.7 metres high. The peak has a glazed lid allowing a glimpse of the night sky while relaxing in bed. Upstairs houses a queen sized bed and ensuite while downstairs has a kitchen and living area.
SiloStay, is an exciting project that opens avenues for further ventures. The vision and ingenuity of this design is its versatility of uses in areas which are not necessarily accommodation complexes. These individual units or the larger family complex can be used in a myriad of situations and locations. For example, these units can easily become inner city offi ces, batches for secluded hideaways, home and offi ce situations, sleep-outs, information centres, accommodation facilities for conference centres, or anything else that requires a compact vessel to accommodate the many needs of both the commercial and domestic sectors.
Along with the grain silo accommodation fit-out and configuration, F3 Design and Stuart have developed drawings for inner city office complexes. Where there is a vision, F3 Design will work with the client to create an exciting outcome to suit anyone’s needs.