Aotearoa artists, Kemi & Niko, alchemise an obsession with backcountry architecture with real appreciation of raw materials rich in history. Their collectable Mini Huts and original artworks (or Hutworks) are well sought after throughout the motu serving to connect backcountry lovers to their sense of place while using real materials that have a positive impact on the environment.



Based in the Waikato, Kemi Whitwell & Niko Leyden have a dedicated background in fine craft modelling with salvaged materials.Innovative crafting of waste materials over the past 10 years has led to large, community-engaged, public art projects; speaking at conferences and teaching workshops both locally and abroad, in Australia and Singapore. 






Inspired by hut builders of old, they have pioneered modern processing of large discarded tin cans to produce miniature corrugated iron for their iconic Mini Hut range. They are currently developing a new line of one-off Bigature huts to further utilise this material and explore the eccentricities of certain iconic huts.



Kemi & Niko, and their two daughters, live rurally on a multi-generational eco-lifestyle property. Any spare moments are used tending to the garden and regenerating bush that Niko’s grandparents started, while also building their bespoke tiny house on wheels from reclaimed materials.







Celebrating ten years
of Kemi Niko



︎

Watch video on Youtube

Features in Publications / Podcasts 


︎








Writing on What Huts Mean To Us






An Essay on our Art & Connection with Nature





Monocle Mag (UK) Podcast feature






Podcast Chat about our Art Practice & Urban Hut Club





Select Media & Reviews 


︎









Dwellbeings
for Ngā Manu







Bret McKenzie and Kemi & Niko talk  Urban Hut Club






Our First Ever
TV Appearance









Others Talk about Urban Hut Club on Radio New Zealand






Promo Video for Urban Hut Club








Short Video Interview about Miniature Hikes

Home    ︎︎︎     Our Story     ︎︎︎     Connect     ︎︎︎     Shop  ︎