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Proudly supporting House of the Year 2025
Congratulations to our Southern finalists
Welcome...
to the Master Builders House of the Year 2025 magazine for the Southern Region
Creating a home is about more than just materials, it’s about turning aspirations into reality. The annual Master Builders House of the Year competition celebrates how members’ dedication, expertise and effort bring homeowners’ dreams to life. This year, the judges were truly impressed by the high-quality craftsmanship in both new homes and renovations. We invite you to explore the homes in your area and be inspired by the exceptional skills on display. Maybe it’s time for you to start planning your own dream home with a Master Builders member.
Nigel Robertson, President Master Builders SOUTHLAND
H ouse of the Year REGIONAL MAP
AUCKLAND / NORTHLAND / COROMANDEL WAIKATO
BAY OF PLENTY & CENTRAL PLATEAU (Tauranga, Rotorua, Taup¯o, Whakata ne)
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND (Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu and East Coast, Hawke’s Bay)
WELLINGTON & WAIRARAPA
NELSON / MARLBOROUGH / WEST COAST CANTERBURY
MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY (Ashburton, South Canterbury)
SOUTHERN (Central Otago, Southland, Gore, Otago)
WRITERS
Fiona Barber, Nikki Burrell, Joanne Elwin
SUB EDITOR
Claire McCall
DESIGNERS
Linda Baehr, Lucy Casley
EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR
Shoba Pillai
PUBLISHER
Brydie Canham
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
Jo Seakins
ART DIRECTOR
Susanne Baldwin
EDITOR
Amanda Linnell
ADVERTISING SALES
Tanika Goodall, Tracey Bree, Chris Moo
SALES SUPPORT
Liv Rolston
RETOUCHING
Mark Grogan
MEDIA 09 308 9998 PO Box 47014, Ponsonby 1144 bmedia.co.nz
Master Builders House of the Year is published by specialist custom publisher B Media Ltd, on behalf of the Master Builders Association. Master Builders House of the Year is wholly owned and managed by Master Builders Association. Master Builders House of the Year is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher.
If you’d like an extra copy or your magazine is damaged, please call 09 308 9998 and we’ll send you one. Postage charges may apply.
View all the results on July 27 at houseoftheyear.co.nz
Master Builders House of the Year
Judging the competition
A panel of industry experts has put the homes featured in this magazine through a rigorous points-based judging process. The highest-scoring projects are awarded Gold and the best become Category winners . The three Category winners with the highest points and that meet the points threshold are named Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 million , Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million and Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year. Entries are judged on building
NATIONAL COMPETITION
Each year a maximum of 100 entries from the regional competitions receive Top 100 status and, out of those, we find the National Category winners. Lifestyle, Craftsmanship and Special Award winners are also named at the national level. The three best houses (a new build under $1 million, a new build over $1 million and a renovation) become the National Supreme winners, to be announced at a special awards gala on 22 November 2025.
excellence, but also on their lifestyle value, so you’ll see kitchen, Plumbing World Bathroom , outdoor living and APL Environmental and Sustainable lifestyle awards. Excellence in workmanship is recognised by the prized Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award . The Southern Region competition, one of seven regional House of the Year events, will be held on 26 July, 2025. All the results from the event can be viewed from 27 July at: houseoftheyear.co.nz
REGIONAL AWARDS
BRONZE
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 75 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 50 per cent above industry standard.
NATIONAL SUPREME WINNERS
There are three winners: two new builds crowned the best of the best, and the best renovation in the country.
MITRE 10 TRADE NATIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.
REGIONAL SUPREME WINNERS
Awarded to three Regional Supreme Award recipients from each regional event: House of the Year under $1 million, House of the Year over $1 million, and Renovation of the Year.
SAPPHIRE
Awarded to an entrant who has received three Regional Supreme Awards regardless of whether these homes are renovations or new builds.
NATIONAL CATEGORY AWARD
Awarded to the highest-scoring Gold Award winner from each category.
NATIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS
Awarded for attaining the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award and Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award.
MITRE 10 TRADE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.
PLATINUM AWARD
Recognises outstanding achievement in building excellence and is awarded to those who win five or more National Category titles.
REGIONAL CATEGORY WINNER
Awarded to the highest-scoring Gold Award winner from each category.
REGIONAL SPECIAL AWARD
Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.
TOP 100
Each year the highest-scoring top 100 houses go on to the National Competition.
NATIONAL SPECIAL AWARD
Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.
GOL
D
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 90 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 80 per cent above industry standard.
SILVER
Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 82.5 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 65 per cent above industry standard.
REGIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS
Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award, the Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award and the PDL by Schneider Electric Smart Home Award.
NATIONWIDE REGIONAL SPONSOR
NATIONWIDE REGIONAL SPONSOR
PDL BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
PDL BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
PDL is at the forefront of electric home design, providing inspiring electrical solutions from modern switches and power points to innovative, safe, smart and
PDL is at the forefront of electric home design, providing inspiring electrical solutions from modern switches and power points to innovative, safe, smart and sustainable home technology.
Thanks to our Sponsors
MASTER BUILDERS
For more than 35 years, House of the Year has celebrated the very best of residential building in New Zealand. Master Builders is very proud of this competition, and the beautiful homes you’ll see in the following pages will inspire, motivate and show that quality can be achieved, no matter the budget. We hope you enjoy taking a sneak peek into these amazing homes – all built by a Master Builder in your region. masterbuilder.org.nz
BUNNINGS TRADE
Bunnings Trade has been providing innovative building and hardware solutions for over 130 years. We believe in long-term partnerships based on trust and taking the time to understand our customers’ needs so we can build the right solution, every time. With a large dedicated trade team across New Zealand, supporting you in-store, on the phone and on the road, no matter where you are, we’re here to help. Bunnings Trade. Helping business is our trade. trade.bunnings.co.nz
MITRE 10 TRADE
Mitre 10 Trade has been a part of New Zealand’s construction industry since 1974. You can get the whole job done with Mitre 10. We supply and deliver your complete build, sort out any special orders, and help make the whole job go as smoothly as possible. Our 100 per cent locally owned network of 84 stores, broad product range and excellence in on-account customer service lets you get what you need, when you need it. Trade drive-thru’s are open seven days with extended hours and access to Mitre 10 Trade Hub is 24/7 for our trade customers. mitre10.co.nz/trade
RESENE
Resene has everything you need to get a superb finish on your decorating projects, commercial or residential, big or small, inside or out. Enjoy quality colours, paints, wood stains, wallpapers, accessories and practical and professional advice. We have NZ’s most extensive range of Eco Choice approved paints, including a growing range of plant-based paints, all made right here in New Zealand. Choose from thousands of Resene colours or let us create a custom colour for you. We’re proudly NZ owned and have been chosen as NZ’s Most Trusted Paint Brand since 2012. resene.co.nz
WINSTONE WALLBOARDS
We believe building a better NZ is a team effort. The incredible people in our industry construct the homes, schools and communities that make Aotearoa a great place to live. We know the building journey isn’t always easy. We’re here to help. Our new factory makes your life easier with fast and reliable delivery of products, backed up with all the technical expertise you want. For over 95 years, we’ve proudly made GIB® plasterboard right here in NZ — delivering quality products and systems that stand the test of time. gib.co.nz
ALTUS WINDOW SYSTEMS
Altus® Window Systems is a trusted leader in the design and manufacture of innovative window and door solutions. With decades of expertise in advanced thermal technology, our systems are perfectly suited to every New Zealand condition. Our exclusive nationwide fabricator network includes some of the most recognised names in the industry: Bradnam’s®, Fisher Windows®, Nebulite®, Nulook®, Rylock® and Vistalite®. Altus® Window Systems – bringing your vision to life. altuswindows.co.nz
APL WINDOW SOLUTIONS
APL Window Solutions is the largest window solutions organisation in New Zealand and has been proudly family owned and NZ-made for more than 50 years. We know 35-50 per cent of a home’s thermal performance comes from its windows and doors so our innovative window and door systems offer world-leading thermal performance that’s designed for our conditions and made right here, from start to finish. The future is here. Ready now. aplnz.co.nz/HOY
PLUMBING WORLD
Plumbing World is the largest 100 per cent NZ-owned national plumbing merchant and has been giving back to our incredible industry for over 60 years. Plumbing World has access to the world’s leading brands and the best Kiwi plumbers and builders in the industry. Our products not only look stunning, they are made to last and designed to perform. So come and see our team in black – they can advise you on the right home solutions with plenty of helpful insights.
plumbingworld.co.nz
MASTER BUILD 10-YEAR GUARANTEE
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading guarantee. Over the past decade we have protected more than 105,000 families and our range of products offers flexibility, including the ability to transfer cover to a new homeowner, should you sell. The best guarantee from the best builders.
masterbuilder.org.nz
2025
HOUSE OF THE YEAR
Plan for Success
With all the right steps in place, turning your residential dream into reality presents an exciting prospect and many rich rewards.
Planning is essential
Working with the right builder is key. An accomplished builder will guide you through the design, consenting, construction and approvals stages, then build your dream home. Make sure you choose a builder you want to work with, and who has completed similar projects to yours. Speak with their previous clients and, if you have doubts, wait until you find the right person. A Master Builder will streamline the process, as each has been vetted and receives ongoing support and industry training.
Communication is everything
Maintaining concise, consistent communication with a builder is vital. Set clear expectations around timing and budget and be honest about your needs and limits. This ensures both parties can flag any concerns.
Building requires bringing together diverse skills and resources. Ask builders about their relationships with trade partners – a Master Builder understands the importance of effective communication and relationships.
Contracts and legal advice
Get everything in writing and review your contract with a lawyer. Be realistic – if you receive a price that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Ensure your builder understands the market conditions and can discuss them with you. Most contracts have a clause for price fluctuations – discuss this with your builder and ensure you understand the risks. Be wary of fixed-price contracts as you may pay too much contingency. Conversely, too little contingency can create an even greater risk. Discuss a payment schedule with your builder to ensure you are not paying too much in advance and you have a fair allocation of risk.
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
While most builds go smoothly, it pays to have protection. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee provides the best protection on the market and a process for resolving any issues in your building journey. By following these steps you will have everything in place to make your dream home a reality.
Beautiful, practical and affordable. Every product in the LeVivi collection is purpose-designed to suit Kiwi lifestyles.
With its antiqued aesthetic, the Sansha wedding cabinet in dove grey is a modern take on the original Chinese version. $2690, from earlysettler.co.nz
Mix and Match
Derived from the Portuguese word for cup, the Copo stacking mug comes in a range of matte and muted colours and was designed at Città by Nikolai Sorensen and David Moreland.
Copo mugs, $29, from cittadesign.com
ON TAP
Elevate your home bar (or man cave) to the next level with the Williams Warn Kegerator. This stylish Hawke’s Bay invention can be plumbed in and then, with a starter pack, you’ll have everything you need to brew 12.5L of beer, cider or mead in less than a week. Cheers to that!
WW Kegerator XL with two taps, $1299, and BrewKeg 12.5 Starter Pack, $1131, from williamswarn.co.nz
Danish Delight
Internationally renowned lighting designer Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen designed the original Opal Pure Pendant in the 1950s. It has since been adapted by makers Warm Nordic, who have maintained its elegant shape and sophisticated brass details.
Opal Pure Pendant light, $995, from goodform.co.nz
LONG AND LEAN
Designed by Alain Van Havre, the Ethnicraft Blackbird Buffet is an eye-catching take on the traditional sideboard, thanks to its mix of solid European oak and graphic lines. Blackbird Buffet , $4895, from Mcw.nz
WHAT’S NEW
Hands Across The Table
When it comes to sharing food at a family dinner or handing around a platter of canpes at a party, opt for this elegant porcelain ‘Les Mains’ serving platter — designed to symbolise connection.
$109, from Maman.co.nz
Hang On
Looking for a way to add colour and individuality to a space with over-committing? The new breed of door, cupboard and drawer handles is the perfect solution. From custom blockcoloured resin handles to swirling opaque transulcent pigments, The Arc Department is worth a visit.
Carmen round handle, $190-$410 and Peta custom-coloured handles, $85-$175, from Thearcdepartment.com
SITTING PRETTY
This is a dining table you will never want to cover up. The Letsweave table, designed by artist and archidesigner Lyzadie, is handcrafted in rimu and kauri by Bespoke Timber, and inspired by Sheree Willman’s paintings.
Letsweave dining table, $20,900, made to order from Lyzadiedesignstudio.com
COOL CURVES
The Furrow sofa by designer Cameron Foggo, takes the traditional buttoned design of the Chesterfield and reinvents it with modern curves.
Available in a range of fabrics, from $9957, from dawsonandco.nz
Available in two sizes, $330 and $550, from Sarahlangdon.com
IN A SPIN
Pack up your favourite vinyl and take the party with you with the Crosley Voyager bluetooth turntable in a retro-hued sage.
$249, from Harveynorman.co.nz
GLASS ACT
Whether serving wine or water, these hand blown glasses add colour and texture to any table setting. The white stripes are hand pulled and melted onto the tumbler body before being mouth blown, meaning each glass is unique.
Striped glasses, $28 each, from folklorestore.co.nz
There’s no such thing as coloured steel. It’s all colour coated. That’s what makes it better.
Off-piste Passion
Todd Quirk foregoes (most) days on the mountain to indulge his love of creating beautiful furniture.
Counting the years he has spent making furniture in ‘summers’, Todd Quirk explains that winters were for skiing. It was the white stuff that brought him to Queenstown from his Taranaki hometown, via many years working abroad as a ski instructor. He now focusses on the training and examining of others because he has committed himself full time (unless it’s a powder day) to his business — Alan Perry Furniture. It’s indicative of the man’s lack of ego that he did not feel the need to change the name when buying the company from Alan 13 years ago. “Alan had built a solid reputation. Who knows who Todd Quirk is?” he laughs.
Todd, who learned to make furniture working for Alan over eight summers, says he spent his childhood helping in his engineer father’s workshop. “I have always enjoyed figuring out how things work. I am good with numbers, and I am a good problem solver. Furniture making utilises these skills.”
Alan Perry Furniture is well-known around the Otago/Southland region for its range of outdoor
furniture. Those beautifully crafted Cape Cod-style chairs you’ve relaxed into with a coffee or G&T?
Alan Perry. The tables and bench seats you’ve wined and dined around at Central Otago’s wineries, breweries and restaurants? Alan Perry. Todd says they have refined Alan’s original designs for these wooden chairs, tables and sofas, but only slightly because, why change a good thing?
Todd and his one employee are currently fulfilling an order to be shipped to Corsica following their customer’s experience with the furniture during a stay at Blanket Bay lodge.
Alongside this range of outdoor furniture, Todd has been making a name for himself through custom work for architects, interior designers and discerning homeowners. There is no ego involved here either. Todd doesn’t have a particular style and welcomes clients coming to him with thoughts and images on what they would like.
1. Strong and robust, the Alan Perry Cape Cod-style chairs sit comfortably in the region’s expansive landscape. 2. This outside table stands out for its clever mix of angles and wood.
3. Furnituremaker and owner of Alan Perry Furniture, Todd Quirk. 4. Built to last, this beautiful 10-seater walnut table is designed for good times and big gatherings.
“I enjoy the back-and-forth process of turning what they like aesthetically into a functional piece of furniture,” says Todd, whose input ensures that each piece is fit for purpose and hardwearing. “We like to think that the furniture we make will last a lifetime.”
Todd references a dining table made for someone whose inspiration was the shape of a favourite bathtub, which they scaled up to make a beautiful walnut table to fit the space.
The large communal table that takes pride of place at Queenstown’s slick European-style wine bar Toast & Oak, is Todd’s handy work. Owner Casady Cunat says she wanted to use someone local and Todd immediately understood what they were after, turning oak from 600-year-old homes in Austria into planks for the tabletop.
“Todd went above and beyond to ensure we got what we wanted,” says Casady. “Nothing was a problem, including numerous rounds of staining to get the colour just right once we had the table on site.”
Another impressive piece is a bench-cumtasting table for a foodwriter’s studio kitchen, which is made from planks of rimu extracted from the 115-year-old woolshed that the modern studio has been built within.
Knicks and holes and imperfections in the old wood are filled for practicality and become features of these unique pieces of furniture that tell stories of their past and take on the patina of their new lives. While Todd prefers to finish pieces with Java or Danish oil to protect the wood and for easy maintenance, if it’s something else you have in mind, he’s sure to find a way to make it work beautifully.
alanperryfurniture.co.nz
GOOD FOR WOODS
The subtle pattern in Resene Wallpaper Collection AS395160 adds interest to this neutral space, while allowing the wood finishes to remain the star of the show. Rejuvenate old timber with Resene Colorwood or stain with Resene Colorwood Whitewash for a lived-in look.
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
QUIET LUXURY
Textured wallpapers that mimic natural finishes — think linen, stone, raffia, raw plaster, even brick — are redefining walls with quiet luxury. These tactile surfaces bring depth, warmth and a refined, organic feel to interiors. It’s an effortless way to layer character and calm, aligning perfectly with the current shift towards serene, nature-inspired spaces.
Resene Fashion For Walls Wallpaper Collection 10376-48.
Brave New World
Painting the ceiling beige or the walls cream has its time and place, but now is the time to be bold and express your individuality, inspired by nature’s finest textures and colours.
DARK SOPHISTICATION
Resene’s Japan Black infuses interiors with a sophisticated depth reminiscent of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. When applied to timber surfaces it enhances the natural grain, while imparting a sleek, contemporary finish. This versatile hue adds drama and is ideal for feature walls, cabinetry or flooring.
Look for soft sage greens to bring a serene, sophisticated colour scheme to your home. These muted, earthy tones bridge classic and contemporary, pairing effortlessly with neutrals, timber or bold accents and provide a beautiful backdrop for indoor plants and foliage.
Left wall painted in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Concrete, right wall, desk, shelf and plant pot (on shelf, left) in Resene Ravine, large plant pot (on floor) in Resene Half Tasman, small plant pot (on stool) in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Concrete and stool in Resene Concrete. Floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash.
Plywood panels on back wall painted with two coats of Resene Japan Black Colour Enhance with Aquaclear Satin. Tongue-and-groove flooring finished in three coats of Resene Japan Black Colour Enhance with Qristal ClearFloor. Side wall and column in Resene Black Sand. Concrete pot finished in two coats of Resene Japan Black Colour Enhance mixed with Concrete Clear. Stool finished in Resene Walnut Colour Enhance. Coffee table stripped back and re-stained in two coats of Resene Japan Black Colour Enhance with Aquaclear Satin. Tray in Resene Black Sand, large wooden bowl finished in Resene Walnut Colour Enhance.
Resene Ravine
Resene Colorwood Whitewash
Resene Essentiell Wallpaper Collection 34613.
CALM OASIS
How delightfully cool and serene does this patio look? On hot summer days and balmy evenings, nothing beats a stylish alfresco space, whether it’s to relax or entertain.
Grooved wall painted in Resene Nebula, deck stained in Resene Woodsman Uluru, pergola in Resene Sea Fog, amphoras and tall planter in Resene Eighth Tea, medium planter in Resene Cloud and small planter in Resene Yucca.
STUNNING STRIPES
Soft, hand-painted stripes bring charming individuality to a space. Their subtle irregularity adds depth, texture and a crafted feel that is both fresh and nostalgic. Wall in Resene Alabaster with masked stripe in Resene Frozen and hand-painted stripe in Resene Quarter Frozen, floor in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, dresser in Resene Biscay with stripes in Resene Spindle, Resene Alabaster and Resene Kashmir Blue and bowl and vase in Resene Biscay.
Deep wine reds are a chic choice for creating a colour-drenched look. Walls painted in Resene
Resene Persian Red
WARM INVITATION
Painting the walls of a living room in a deep ruby red — like Resene Persian Red or Resene Aroha — is a bold move that delivers rich, dramatic impact. This saturated hue creates an immediate sense of warmth and intimacy, wrapping the space in a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels both luxurious and comforting. As a colour, ruby red is inviting and evocative it conjures old-world elegance and creative expression, while also working beautifully in contemporary spaces when paired with clean lines and modern furnishings. It enhances mood lighting, flatters candlelight and encourages conversation — making it ideal for social spaces.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop for colour and paint ideas and inspiration. Or, book a Resene Colour Consultation, in-store, virtual or at your home, www.resene.co.nz/colourconsult Colours are as close as the printing process allows. Always view Resene testpots or colour charts before making your final choices.
Persian Red and Resene Coral Tree and floor in Resene Rebel.
Resene Woodsman Uluru
Resene Alabaster
Resene Frozen
A reputation for quality
AJ Saville is an award-winning Queenstown-based building company. We take great pride in our quality workmanship, finishing and sustainable building practices.
Our dedicated team of tradespeople — including in-house project management, sub-contractors and suppliers — has been building amazing homes for more than 30 years.
We’re proud to be a member of Registered Master Builders.
Crafted CALM
Handmade pieces bring soul and serenity to a space in a celebration of imperfection, heritage and the quiet beauty of the human touch.
1. Walk in the Park Stadium Lamp ‘Beyond Objects’ 2024 by Sam Choi, $4750, from publicrecord.nz. 2. A Super Natural Breeze by Meg Gallagher, $4750, from kayustudio.co.nz. 3. Cam Barrett Ray Lamp Ivory, $225 , from cambarrett.art. 4. Skillets, from $239, from soloblacksmith.com. 5. Tui stool, $6000, from lyzadiedesignstudio.com. 6. Mountain mugs, from $45 , from clayandball.co.nz. 7. Rick Rudd teapot, poa , from rickrudd.com. 8. Pacific Bird 1 by Tui Hobson, poa , from tuihobson.com. 9. Passage Vessel Ver.3 by Jane Burn, $850, from publicrecord.nz
Felted wool door stop, $89, from threaddesign.co.nz
Wool Hoop 40 lamp shade, $574, from lof.nz
Magnus woollen floor cushion cover, $195, from cittadesign.com
Ranfurly Kelp wool throw, $399, from weavehome.co.nz
A Touch of Warmth
Rich in texture, environmentallyfriendly and made to last, wool is the ultimate elegance at home.
Kea two-seater sofa in forest-green felt wool, $5100, from corcovado.co.nz
Sheepskin ball cushions, from $59, from homelabstore.co.nz
Walker and Bing x Dilana Rugs ‘Baha’ hand-tufted rug, $3588 , from walkerandbing.com
The Everyday bag, $299, from honestwolf.co.nz
Lambskin slippers, $129, from francesnation.co.nz
Felted merino hot water bottle cover, $79, from francesnation.co.nz
Fairway Retreat
Crafted to complement its setting, this striking new build was designed for a family with three golf-mad adult sons. Naturally, life revolves around the fairways — and this thoughtfully designed retreat maximises its spectacular location.
The 400sqm home is a refined take on the modern alpine lodge. A trio of timber-and-schistclad pavilions creates three distinct zones: a central living area, a bedroom wing for guests and the boys, and a main suite pavilion that also houses the
GIBBSTON VALLEY
garage. The separation allows for privacy, connection and ease of movement.
From the garage, a boot room provides a practical transition space before stepping inside. Lofty timber ceilings and substantial hardwood trusses bring texture and grandeur to the openplan living area, which flows seamlessly to outdoor living areas which are defined and protected from the elements through louvres and deep eaves. North-facing mountain views and light flood the
living spaces, while detailed cedar cladding, polished plaster walls and oak panelling add warmth and sophistication. A generous kitchen is matched by ample entertaining space, while secondary lounges and breakout areas cater to the rhythms of daily life and visiting guests. A true lifestyle property, this home reflects the region’s alpine charm while meeting the demands of an active, family-focussed household with flair. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
BEN LOMOND
Simply Sublime
Boxes never looked so beautiful. Two elongated rectangular forms that step down a rocky slope west of Queenstown, have become part of the alpine landscape. From this six-bedroom house, the owners can take in uninterrupted vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains cocooning it. The home, clad in schist, coloured steel and cedar, is as unfussy as it is luxurious. In terms of layout, the top box is devoted to communal spaces that open through custom German-made sliding
The home, clad in schist, coloured steel and cedar, is as unfussy as it is luxurious.
doors to an upper deck that runs the length of the home. The lower rectangle has the bedrooms, each with an ensuite and entire glazed walls. The main bedroom also has an office and walk-in wardrobe, while a bunk room provides plenty of space for children. It’s the consummate holiday bolthole. In keeping with the clients’ desire for a simple timber palette, oak panelling carries throughout the interior. A feature fireplace and intricate timber built-in features and ceilings are
further evidence that, although this house is all about laidback luxe, it required scrupulous craftsmanship. Lights, temperature, locks, security and more are controlled through an automation system and from a phone app. You’ll also find sensors for temperature, CO 2 , humidity and motion. By using an open-source server, the owners can easily reconfigure automation to suit their lifestyle and aren’t dependent on third parties. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Bennie Builders
QUEENSTOWN
M 021 152 8067 • E james@benniebuilders.co.nz W benniebuilders.co.nz
MILLBROOK
Master Stroke
With its bold form, expansive scale and exceptional detailing, this 816sqm home brings a sense of quiet grandeur to its exclusive golf-resort setting. Designed to echo the scale and rhythm of nearby lodge-style dwellings, the architecture balances strength and softness — from the multi-gable rooflines and schist cladding to the warm, timber-lined interiors.
Inside, the home opens into a procession of high-volume living spaces, grounded by stone,
The architecture balances strength and softness — from the multi-gable rooflines and schist cladding to the warm, timber-lined interiors.
wood and light. A central lounge is anchored by a double-sided fireplace, while the kitchen connects to dining and outdoor entertaining areas. Raked ceilings and clerestory windows in the living area enhance light and volume, while refined finishes echo the landscape. Generous glazing throughout the home captures ever-changing light and long views across the golf course to the surrounding peaks, reinforcing the sense of openness and connection to environment. Five-plus bedrooms
and multiple bathrooms offer comfort for guests and family members alike.
Outdoors, every detail has been considered, from the covered terrace with fireplace to the landscaped grounds and pool. A smart home system controls entry, blinds, lighting, audio and security with ease. This is a home shaped by thoughtful design, masterful execution and an intuitive understanding of place.
Levels of Excellence QUEENSTOWN
On a steep site above Lake Wakatipu is a grand home that seems to step effortlessly down and around its land, belying the level of skill required to craft it. This was a mammoth, complex build — three levels, six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and four living rooms in a 822sqm floorplan. The result of the construction team’s prowess is a striking residence built in concrete and steel and clad in aluminium and locally sourced schist, with triple-glazed aluminium joinery.
Indoors, warm herringbone oak adorns floors and ceilings. These and schist feature walls reflect the raw beauty of the Queenstown environment.
For all its expertly engineered connection to the land, this house is all about looking the other way. From almost every room, residents can appreciate dramatic views of lake and mountains. Cantilevered decks and sheltered spots ensure the vistas can also be enjoyed with fresh mountain air.
Indoors, warm herringbone oak adorns floors and ceilings. These and schist feature walls reflect the raw beauty of the Queenstown environment. The kitchen has premium European appliances
and benchtops of natural quartzite imported from Brazil. Each guest bedroom has a luxurious fully tiled ensuite with high-end fixtures and three of these contain freestanding baths.
There’s much more to this opulent lake house, too. You’ll find a sauna, home gym and large spa that faces the lake. A lift ensures the home remains accessible and future-proofed for decades to come.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
CHRISTCHURCH QUEENSTOWN
Summitbuild Construction QUEENSTOWN
M 027 495 8757 • E joseph@summitbuild.co.nz W summitbuild.co.nz
Grid of Possibilities QUEENSTOWN
This alpine house, designed by Keshaw McArthur, stands apart with its unconventional nine-square grid floorplan — a layout that does more than just organise space, it creates a rhythm, a symmetry and a deep sense of flexibility. Each square functions as a room which can be opened or closed with pocket sliders, allowing the home to expand and contract when needed. Open the sliders and two living rooms flow into the kitchen and dining zone to become one expansive pavilion. Slide them shut and a more
Externally, the home makes a geometric statement, anchored by in-situ concrete that rises from the rugged terrain.
intimate arrangement takes shape.
One of these living rooms could become a bedroom to join three others in each corner of the floorplan.
The first floor of the home, encapsulated by the roofline, includes an additional bedroom with a distinctive round window offering views of the mountains and night sky. The main bedroom flows into a bespoke ensuite, featuring carefully crafted teak accents. This third bathroom continues the use of concrete found throughout the entire home.
Externally, the home makes a geometric statement, anchored by in-situ concrete that rises from the rugged terrain. The material palette is a blend of earthy and industrial — with cedar and concrete complemented by a pyramidal corrugate roof designed to shed snow and rain. Sustainability and smart systems are embedded. An automation network controls lighting, heating, blinds, audio and security, offering insights into energy usage. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
M 027 544 4154 • T 03 443 9323 E justin@cdlbuilding.co.nz • W cdlbuilding.co.nz
KELVIN HEIGHTS
Covered Yards
It took more than a decade of thought and planning for this raw, edgy home to emerge from the drawing board. The steep rocky, triangleshaped site offered rich rewards in the form of breathtaking lake views, so design and execution were paramount.
There’s no doubt the multi-level 450sqm home has captured these vistas and more. You’ll find five bedrooms, one in a self-contained guest studio, multiple outdoor living areas and richhued timber walls, floors, doors and ceilings
For the builder, constructing an architect’s family home on “what is best described as an architect’s site” took exceptional precision.
For the builder, constructing an architect’s family home on “what is best described as an architect’s site” took exceptional precision and was a real privilege. Each of the three levels has its own personality, while rustic timbers and a courtyard formed around schist boulders and steel web forge grating pique the interest, drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s agricultural heritage. Continuity and cohesion come courtesy of recycled Australian timber cladding, soffits and rainscreens, and a roof plane mimics the contours of the landscape.
No doubt, this is a home of great beauty, but it also excels in myriad other ways. It’s warm, healthy, energy efficient and highly automated. Locally manufactured prefabricated wall and roof panels were utilised to improve efficiency. Passive design principals were adhered to, and the house features include an air-to-water heat pump with costs offset by solar panels, carefully orientated windows with triple glazing, and a mechanical ventilation system. These add up to a home that will stand the test of time. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
M 021 172 9595 • E joe@velvinbuilding.co.nz
W velvinbuilding.co.nz
Velvin Building QUEENSTOWN
WA NAKA
Architectural Adventure
Angles, overhangs and unexpected moments define this two-storey holiday home designed as a year-round escape for an extended family. Clad in warm-toned larch, both inside and out, alongside schist features, the 214sqm house blends effortlessly into its alpine environment, while making a confident architectural statement.
From the street, the home’s bold geometry sets the tone — its shifting forms and deep reveals offer shelter, privacy and visual rhythm. Step inside and the layout unfolds in a series of inviting spaces:
“We
There are quiet corners too, perfect for reading, relaxing or simply soaking up the view.
three generously sized bedrooms, three bathrooms and a flowing open-plan living area that encourages connection and easy entertaining. There are quiet corners too, perfect for reading, relaxing or simply soaking up the view.
Timber-lined walls and ceilings give the interior a natural, cabin-like feel, softening the striking angles and lending a grounded, enduring quality. Carefully placed glazing ensures every room captures spectacular views over Wānaka and the surrounding landscape.
Purpose-built for family holidays, the home features a bunk room, window seats and informal lounge zones. Underfloor heating and heat-pump radiators keep things cosy in winter, while smart automation allows the owners to manage heating and security remotely.
Designed for ease of use but rich in detail, this is a retreat made for gathering and creating lasting memories.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Archi Build W Ā NAKA
M 027 601 9958 • E tom@archibuild.co.nz
W archibuild.co.nz
Vineyard Views
With its weathered-steel cladding and warm cedar accents, this 230sqm vineyard home blends confidently into the rugged Gibbston landscape, its modernist lines distinct, while paying homage to the surrounding environment.
The home is cleverly positioned to harness both the view and the sun. Rather than hiding firewood out of sight, a recess in the exterior wall of the garage keeps a generous supply of fuel for the home’s two fires close to hand — a thoughtful touch that supports the region’s wood-fired lifestyle. This feature also works to soften the structure on arrival, as you follow the path leading to the front door and in to an entrance, which has plenty of space to remove boots and coats.
The interior materials palette continues the exterior story, with richly grained flooring, darktoned panels and minimalist lines offering contrast and warmth. The seamless connection between interior and exterior is achieved through disappearing doors and sliding walls.
The T-shaped plan creates distinct zones for living and retreat. Guest and children’s bedrooms – including a bespoke bunkroom – are tucked to the south, while the main suite sits to the north, offering privacy and views. With its intelligent design, crafted materials and comfort-focussed details, this home impresses from start to finish, and is a true reflection of Central Otago living. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
The brief was for a future-proofed family retreat with a strong Danish aesthetic, made to suit the Central Otago landscape. The result is a sophisticated 259sqm residence where light and shadow are architectural features in their own right. Blonded timber linings (in keeping with the Scandi look) and soft finishes lend warmth to the minimalist palette, while slender slatted screens bring dappled light and layered privacy to decks and windows. Exterior vertical-timber fins
WA ¯ NAKA
Exterior vertical-timber fins animate the black façade, casting shadows as the sun shifts through the day.
animate the black façade, casting changing shadows as the sun shifts through the day. Inside, the home opens to voluminous living spaces with clean lines and expansive glazing. A strong sense of calm prevails across the three bedrooms and two living rooms, where understated materials demand absolute precision. With no decorative trims or cover pieces to disguise errors, the detailing had to be perfect — a true test of craftsmanship.
The flat-roofed form – deceptively simple in appearance – required extensive engineering to achieve, while deep eaves and sliding sails add to the functionality of the outdoor spaces, making the home liveable in all seasons.
Low-slung against its mountainous backdrop, this is a home that celebrates its dual heritage – teaming Northern European restraint and Southern Alpine presence.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
W
NAKA
M 021 289 8442 • E info@dunlopbuilders.co.nz
W dunlopbuilders.co.nz
Dunlop Builders
QUEENSTOWN
Hole in One
Whether it’s a soak in the spa after a day on the slopes or a coffee on the eastern terrace before a morning round of golf, this 322sqm Millbrook home provides. Three bedrooms run off a gallerystyle hall, with bedroom doors opposing French doors along the northern wall of the gallery. Light from, and access to, the outdoors is achieved while maintaining privacy in each room, which are impressively all ensuite. An expansive main suite is tucked completely away at the end of the gallery.
Stepping into the living, kitchen and dining pavilion from the other end of the gallery, everything is bright and uplifting with raked ceilings expanding the space vertically and oversized glazing drawing in the landscape. In
contrast, an internal media room — cocooned in darker tones and lit from above by a generous skylight — adds another dimension to the design. Outside entertaining is encouraged by a full outdoor kitchen under a covered loggia. The spa has been positioned for easy access from any bedroom, while a gym in the garage makes staying fit for alpine pursuits a breeze. With robust finishes such as schist and cedar and the use of insitu concrete adding a striking architectural element, this home grounds itself in its environment, while offering every contemporary luxury. It’s a home that honours its place and elevates everyday living (whether active or relaxed) through every season For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Robust finishes such as schist and cedar, and the use of insitu concrete, add a striking architectural element.
WANAKA
Quietly Confident
There’s something deeply satisfying about the way this home rises to meet its Wānaka landscape — at once modest and bold. A statement in steel, schist and cedar, the roofline sets the tone, leaning into a striking mid-century silhouette that anchors the 337sqm home with timeless presence.
Step inside and the mood shifts. A darkened foyer forms a moment of pause before the home opens dramatically into a pavilion-style living space. High-set windows stretch around the
High-set windows stretch around the perimeter, capturing the ever-changing mountain views and bathing the interior in natural light.
perimeter, capturing the ever-changing mountain views and bathing the interior in natural light. A raw-steel fireplace grounds the living area. This is a home designed to connect. Inside flows easily to out, with a vast 70sqm outdoor living zone made versatile by automated louvres overhead. Come rain or shine, the space is ready to host. Elsewhere, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom layout delivers separation, without disconnection. The plan is practical, yet the details — curated
colour, thoughtful joinery, balanced proportions — elevate every space. External materials ensure longevity and fit naturally within the rural setting. Internally, the rhythm of timber, concrete and dark finishes complement the modernist tone, while allowing mountain light to do the heavy lifting in the show of contrast. This home doesn’t shout for attention — it earns it, slowly and with confidence, revealing itself as you move through. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Buildcraft
W Ā NAKA
M 027 549 4609 • E hamish@buildcraft.co.nz
W buildcraft.co.nz
... be it big or small, we have the expertiese to grow your vision into functional well
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
MELANIE CRAIG NEW ZEALAND
Heartland Steel creates custom steel solutions for residential builds — from modern homes to lifestyle sheds — with the strength and precision we’re known for in the farming and commercial sectors.
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| admin@heartlande.net
heartlandsteel.co.nz
Vision of Precision
Views and performance were paramount to the success of this home, and it shows. The spectacular lake and alpine vistas have been expertly captured in this four-bedroom sanctuary. The 385sqm split-level house is pivoted on the site, and has subtle cantilevers and bespoke windows to maximise the 270-degree outlook.
From the street, the house appears settled into its section, yet twists the architectural language of the neighbourhood. The black ceiling, which matches the sloping external soffit, draws the eye out to the views. The entry below leads to a foyer with a steel-battened screen beside the steel, oak and glass stairs, which open into a nearly six-metre high ceiling. You’ll also find a double garage, a concrete-
walled workshop and sound-proofed rumpus room/ fourth bedroom on this level. At the mid-floor stair landing is the laundry, concealed behind a Venetian plaster door. Continue up and you’re in the split-level space named the ‘Great Room’. As a result of the high ceiling, the room is filled with light and invites enjoyment of the view from almost every window and a lakeside balcony. A recessed north deck provides privacy and afternoon shelter.
The home is quiet thanks to more than double code insulation, an airtight layer, triple-glazed windows and extensive sound insulation, along with 13mm plasterboard walls. Considered design and craftsmanship adds up to this enviable home. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
The house appears settled into its section, yet twists the architectural language of the neighbourhood.
DCD
QUEENSTOWN
T 03 442 4402 • E admin@dcd.co.nz
W dcd.co.nz
TO
027 433 1984 hubdesign.nz
ALEXANDRA
Resplendent on the Riviera
How do you do justice to a wedge-shaped site with 180-degree sea views? Exactly what the owners of this house did — with the help of trusted local builders. This 366sqm weatherboard home comprises two linked pavilions that open fan-like to views of Taramea Bay and the Aparima Estuary.
Thoughtful, clever architecture, including use of coast-hardy materials, provides beautiful outdoor places in which to drink in the views. Out front a sheltered deck with an outdoor fire invites year-round relaxation, but there are plenty of other tucked-away nooks. One is a spa deck out the back; another is a central courtyard with louvre roof – an oasis at the heart of the home. The main bedroom also has its own deck, as well as
a dressing room and ensuite. This cosy threebedroom, two-bathroom home with multiple living spaces is where modern luxury and meticulous crafting meet a magnificent setting. The sophisticated kitchen is equipped with premium appliances. With a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry and a triple garage, there’s no shortage of storage. The bathrooms feature the latest fixtures and finishes, while a powder room is handy for visitors. On top of all this, this property has a raft of sustainable and energy-efficient features, including responsibly sourced timber and high-performance insulation. It’s comprehensively top-notch.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
RIVERTON
This cosy three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with multiple living spaces is where modern luxury and meticulous crafting meet a magnificent setting.
james@bjcarter.co.nz, george@bjcarter.co.nz W bjcarter.co.nz
Perfectly positioned beneath the dramatic peaks of The Remarkables, this luxury holiday home is all about making the most of its alpine outlook — in every direction and every season.
Cedar cladding and extensive landscaping help the home blend into its setting, while a considered layout ensures the views are never out of sight.
Living areas stretch across the rear of the home, opening to a wraparound deck and not one, but two north-facing loggias. One adjoins the open-plan living space, complete with a large woodburning fire and sheltered seating; the other opens off the main suite — ideal for soaking up the sun in peace and privacy. Even when the Central Otago weather turns, comfort reigns.
A sunroom offers a spot to bask in the light and a statement double-sided fireplace in the main lounge can be enjoyed from both inside and out. At the kitchen end of the living zone, an outdoor dining area is protected from wind on three sides and ensures easy entertaining.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home is generously proportioned, with finishes that reflect a relaxed mountain style. And the finishing touch?
A putting green — ready for a bit of practise before heading to the nearby Jack’s Point fairways. With its bold presence and considered comforts, this home delivers on every front — a true celebration of location and lifestyle.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Cedar cladding and extensive landscaping help the home blend into its natural setting.
G J Gardner
QUEENSTOWN
M 027 530 7017 • T 03 442 8840
E stephen.hardy@gjgardner.co.nz
W gjgardner.co.nz
NAKA
Modernist in Mood
There’s a quiet confidence to this architecturally designed 194sqm home, which presents as a series of horizontal volumes finished in boardand-batten cladding and pale plaster. Built to make the most of its elevated site, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house opens to panoramic views of the lake, surrounding peaks and the valley beyond. These natural vistas are framed by wide picture windows, while a covered outdoor terrace provides a sheltered spot for enjoying summer
WA
The generous kitchen, anchored by a fluted island, has streamlined cabinetry and integrated appliances.
evenings, dining alfresco or simply watching the seasons shift.
Inside, the living is spacious and sunlit, with timber flooring, built-in features and a cohesive palette of warm neutrals and natural textures offering both softness and structure. The generous kitchen, anchored by a fluted island, has streamlined cabinetry and integrated appliances. Built for year-round comfort, the home includes a log burner and a zoned heat-pump system that
BEN GODDARD
027 900 0768
ben@clplastering.co.nz clplastering.co.nz
allows each room to be individually controlled. High-spec finishes and considered craftsmanship lend a polished feel, with custom joinery, thoughtful detailing and precision-built elements that speak to the care behind the build.
From first impression to finishing touch, this is a home that gets the fundamentals right — liveability, warmth, and a strong connection to the natural surroundings.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
W
NAKA
M 027 233 7229 • E jack@jgibsonbuilders.co.nz
W jgibsonbuilders.co.nz
Stuck for design inspiration? Try our roof visualiser. COLORSTEEL.CO.NZ
Gibson Builders
Special Delivery
In this 176sqm house, the environment is reflected and embraced. When you live in a special place such as Central Otago, you don’t need a home that competes with what nature has delivered. That’s not to say this three-bedroom property is without character or visual appeal. Far from it. Traditional alpine architecture has been reimagined and given a contemporary edge. The result is in tune with its surrounds, but with deluxe and designer touches in exactly the right places. A coloured steel exterior, painted in Lichen, settles the two wings — one with a pitched roof, the other flat — into the landscape, then eases into the cedar at the entrance.
The interior, lined in oriented strand board, is equally stylish and thoughtful. So well positioned
are windows and other glazing that stepping inside is like stepping outside. Finishes, too, echo the colours of the land — polished concrete floors, walnut-toned joinery and earthy handmade tiles.
The clever layout divides the main bedroom from the rest of the house. You’ll find an ensuite, dressing room and its own deck with the ultimate in outdoor decadence — a bath. In the other wing are two luxe bedrooms — one with an ensuite, the other accessing a separate bathroom, and the open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone with sunken lounge and mezzanine floor. For the people who live here, this home is an invitation to pause and reconnect with the beauty on their doorstep.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
WA NAKA
Traditional alpine architecture has been reimagined and given a contemporary edge.
Light, Flow and Luxury
With a fluid layout, premium materials and effortless indoor-outdoor flow, this 182sqm home balances architectural finesse with everyday liveability. The open-plan design creates a lightfilled, airy atmosphere, with full-height windows and expansive sliders that frame mountain views and connect the living spaces to a covered deck, patio and central courtyard.
The kitchen anchors the layout, with high-end appliances and clean-lined cabinetry flowing into a generous dining and living zone, where acoustic ceiling panels are a counterpoint to the sleek polish of concrete floors. A feature fireplace adds texture and warmth, while raked ceilings enhance light and volume.
The main suite is a private retreat, complete with a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a tiled ensuite. Two additional bedrooms share a sleek bathroom. Natural materials, crisp lines and a calm neutral palette turn the lens on comfort and refinement.
Designed for modern living, this home is a single-level expression of form meeting function, where covered and open-air outdoor spaces extend the living and maximise natural ventilation and light. Built with meticulous care and attention to detail, it is a contemporary response to its alpine surrounds — a home that celebrates its location, but also turns the focus inwards. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
WANAKA
Whale House
Inspired by the elegance of a diving whale’s tail, this 300sqm architectural build flows effortlessly between form and function. Twin curved cedar panels embrace the home’s fluid exterior, giving way to a design that’s equally responsive on the inside. At its centre is a sheltered internal courtyard — a thoughtful solution for the prevailing Wānaka wind. While a large deck wraps around the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas to the north and west, the courtyard ensures alfresco dining is still possible on days when the breeze would otherwise keep the doors shut. This clever pivot point allows the home to function in all seasons. Inside, stone, timber and light meet in sculptural harmony. The ocean-
inspired kitchen is both dramatic and calming, with curved forms on the island and natural textures continuing the theme. The main suite is similarly luxurious, offering modern elegance and retreat-like quality.
Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and multiple living zones, cater effortlessly to family life, entertaining and overnight guests. Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximises light, while exterior overhangs and integrated outdoor elements ensure the landscape is ever present.
This home blends artful touches with practical solutions — a place where thoughtful architecture elevates everyday living.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Small Miracle
Complex in construction but calm by design, this 65sqm holiday home cleverly makes the most of a compact, sloping site in an established native setting. Built as an additional dwelling for the owners’ growing children and visiting friends, the retreat shares its section with another home and garage, yet feels wholly self-contained.
A recessed front door marks a subtle entry. Inside, the space opens vertically to reveal a striking double-height living area, where a tall woodburner adds warmth and drama. A mezzanine-style loft, reached by a ladder, offers a tucked-away sleeping zone, while the main bedroom is a few steps down, with a sash window framing the view.
Ply-lined walls bring softness and cohesion throughout, their uniformity broken only by clever joinery and inset lighting. The relaxed palette and natural textures lend a peaceful air.
The efficient footprint is further optimised by a thoughtful layout. A built-in bench seat, bunk-style second bedroom and minimalist galley kitchen offer comfort and functionality, while slender skylights let in daylight.
Externally, corrugated-steel cladding curves gently around the structure, mirroring the topography and giving the building its distinctive, pod-like form. The result is a small but considered sanctuary, perfectly placed for escape.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
WA NAKA
Testpots from top left in Resene Half Gin Fizz, Resene Beethoven, Resene Tequila Sunrise, Resene Twine, Resene Illuminate and Resene Anglaise. Middle testpot in Resene Brown Sugar. resene.co.nz
A palette to warm the soul
Inside, the space opens vertically to reveal a striking double-height living area.
CURIO BAY
Here’s a heavenly coastal retreat in the scenic southeast corner of the country. With decks and glazing that face sun and sea, this is a sanctuary with light, warmth and astonishing views of a long arc of white-sand beach. There’s also a separate one-bedroom self-contained unit for guests or visiting family and friends. This, along with the two other bedrooms and the living space, enjoy the million-dollar vistas from inside and from the northeast-facing decking. Bliss.
NIGEL MOLLOY JOINERY
With decks and glazing that face sun and sea, this is a sanctuary with light, warmth and astonishing views of a long arc of white-sand beach.
To the house itself: a schist feature wall beckons visitors into the entrance, which in turn leads to the open-plan communal space with raking ceiling, glazed doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s the glorious heart of the 220sqm home, off which everything else flows. Monopitch ceilings and high-level windows not only invite in natural light, they also engender a sense of airiness and volume. The two bathrooms, one a main-bedroom ensuite, have floor-to-ceiling tiles in natural tones.
dean bleasel
027 698 7111 / dean@dbp.co.nz dbp.co.nz
The house is clad in plaster with schist detail, so it eases nicely into its environs. It’s also practical. Take the double garage with an internal access that leads to the laundry and then to the kitchen’s walk-in pantry, for instance. Groceries can be brought straight from the car to storage. Once they’ve been put away, it’s a few steps to the open-plan space where the residents can sit in comfort and enjoy nature’s coastal splendour. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Jennian Homes Southland INVERCARGILL
T 03 422 1287 • E Southland@jennian.co.nz W jennian.co.nz
AAC/EPS Panel Cladding systems
Exterior Plaster and Paint
AAC Flooring and Fencing
Retrofit Solutions
Bespoke Interior Finishes Your Exterior Plastering Specialists
CONTACT: Corey Tamou
Ph: 0276 303 203
Em: corey@tamoucontracting.co.nz www.tamou.co.nz
LBP# 132358
Blueprint for Bliss
Judging by its tasteful exterior of cedar shiplap and coloured steel, you expect the inside of this Invercargill home to be just as appealing. It doesn’t disappoint. The interior is a blueprint for how to do contemporary moody-hued style, with splashes of colour in just the right places.
Step inside and head down the hall of the 209sqm house — configured as twin monopitch pavilions staggered on the site and connected by a link — and the eye is immediately drawn to light, bright open-plan living spaces and outdoor zones beyond. To the left are communal spaces: lounge, kitchen and dining-living areas that flow to decking and patios. This wing also has a separate laundry and double garage. Across the hall in the other
pavilion are four bedrooms, one the main suite with ensuite and office, plus a family bathroom, powder room and handy storeroom.
This is a modern classic, designed to allow the owners to work from home and to accommodate returning family. Bold natural tones, including slate-grey, provide contrast with paler neutrals, while in the bathrooms, glossy russet and green tiles deliver richness. Careful window placement reinforces connection to the surrounding environment. It should come as no surprise that owners of a house-design studio live here. It’s clear, their skills have been matched by their builders’ craftsmanship and attention to detail. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
by
NIGEL MOLLOY JOINERY
Our
Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading and longest standing building guarantee.
Building a house or undertaking a major renovation is probably the biggest investment of your lifetime –the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee helps protect it.
While the vast majority of building projects will run smoothly, sometimes things do go wrong. The Guarantee provides protection when these issues arise.
Regardless of what happens in the future, Master Builders will be there to help you for the next 10 years – it’s the best protection on the market.
It adds value to your property, and can help you finance your build, as most banks require it. It costs less than 1% of the total build cost to protect your biggest investment.
The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee provides cover for loss of deposit and non-completion during the build. It also provides cover for structural defects, workmanship, and materials after the build is completed. The role of the Guarantee is to support you to get your home finished if your builder cannot or will not complete it.
Our Guarantee provides much greater protection than both the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Building Act. Maybe most importantly, these Acts provide no financial support if your builder goes out of business.
Over the past decade we have protected more than 105,000 families. This represents $46 billion worth of property. When you choose a Master Builder, you are choosing quality. The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading and longest standing building guarantee. It has been designed and developed in New Zealand for New Zealand homes and is only available from a Master Builder.
96% of customers say having a Master Build 10-Year Guarantee brought them peace of mind.*
How does the Guarantee work?
A Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is a guarantee that includes insolvency protection. It is not an insurance policy.
With an insurance product, the relationship is traditionally between the consumer and the insurer. With a Master Build 10-Year Guarantee there are three parties involved – the consumer, their builder, and Master Build Services. In general, a guarantee or warranty provides assurance that something will be fixed if it goes wrong, whereas insurance provides an offer of compensation for loss. The vast majority of claims under the Guarantee are settled with the builder returning to site to address the issues. This is always our first course of action.
You are covered for:
Loss of Deposit and NonCompletion
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While you’re still building our Guarantee protects your deposit and covers you for non-completion and remedial work (you can choose to opt out of this cover).
Your project is covered for defects in workmanship and materials for two years after your building work is completed.
You’re protected for any structural defects including weathertightness issues (rot and fungal decay) for 10 years from the date your Guarantee is accepted.
If your home is unable to be lived in after it has been completed as a result of the damage in your claim, you will be covered for costs and expenses relating to removal, storage and alternative accommodation to a maximum value of $10,000.
The Guarantee does not cover contractual disputes. Master Builders provides a free disputes resolution service to help resolve these issues.
*Customer survey, June 2024
KAMANA RISE
Twin Peaks
With a striking dark exterior and a pair of clean, gabled rooflines, this 180sqm home blends charm with modern simplicity. Clad in a mix of materials, including natural stone and crisp black finishes reflective of the rural vernacular, it offers instant street appeal in a scenic setting.
Step inside and the mood shifts: white walls, warm timber tones and generous glazing create a sense of calm and openness.
The layout comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an airy open-plan living area designed for ease of flow and family connection. Sliding doors link to the outdoors, and a series of roof windows draws extra daylight deep into the kitchen and dining zone.
The kitchen is light, practical (there’s space for a double-door fridge) and well positioned, with bench space that opens to the living areas and enjoys sightlines to the deck. A generous bay window seat is a definite highlight — it takes full advantage of the home’s bucolic outlook, offering a snug space to unwind with a book or coffee in hand. Extra practical features give the house even more liveability – a fully insulated garage is more than just storage, it can flex as a gym, games room or extra lounge space.
Designed to make everyday living effortless, this home brings together light, comfort and easy functionality in a well-scaled alpine retreat. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
over quantity. The result is a warm, lowmaintenance home that treads lightly on the planet. Triple-glazed PVC windows, insulated slab and double-layer insulation in walls and ceilings all contribute to exceptional energy performance, supported by a ducted heat pump and a ventilation system. Solar prewiring and an EV charger provide future-ready features.
At just 82sqm (plus double garage), this delightful home is proof that clever design and considered choices can deliver comfort, performance and style in a compact footprint. Purpose-built for a young couple taking their first step onto the property ladder, the two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is efficient in every sense.
With the help of the build team from the earliest design stages, the focus was always on quality
Aesthetically, the home doesn’t compromise. Engineered timber flooring in the living areas adds natural warmth, while New Zealand wool carpet softens the bedrooms. The kitchen is a standout feature — with duck-egg blue peninsula cabinetry, engineered-stone benchtops and premium appliances — forming the social hub of the open-plan living space, which is enhanced by a raked ceiling and a contemporary colour palette. Every square metre of this compact home has been designed to deliver smart, sustainable living, without excess. It is a model of how to get it right. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
We offer more than a per square metre rate. A lot of factors affect the pricing of your construction project, including foundations, local government rules, geographic areas, types of finishes and the style of house, to name a few. We break your building components down into a schedule and then measure and use our database of costings to calculate a final price. In some instances we can also shop around for prices. With a QS estimate document in hand, you can commit to working drawings with confidence, or tender your job knowing everyone is pricing the same project and allowing the same standard of finish and products in your build.
• Create convex curves with a 250mm minimum radius and concave curves with a 450mm minimum radius.
• Two layers of 6.5mm GIB® can be used to align with straight wall sections lined with 13mm GIB® plasterboard.
• Rondo® Flexible Tracks available, for quick and accurate formation of curved wall frames.
300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru 19 William Lewis Drive, Sockburn, Christchurch
Across Otago and Southland, Master Built buildings are all around us – they are the places where we live our lives. Living is better when it happens in a quality, fit for purpose building. Find a Master Builder Member today to make your living better.
BROAD BAY
A Perfect Illustration
If a picture is worth 1000 words, then this house needs a book. Framed views of Otago Harbour can be enjoyed from all the living areas and two of the three bedrooms in the elevated north-facing home. Adding to the allure is timber decking spanning from the living space end of the open-plan communal zone to the two sea-facing bedrooms. The owners, with a young family, can enjoy grandstand views with their morning coffee or alfresco meals. It’s picture perfect. Expansive glazing ushers in light and warmth along with the vistas. The interior is a study in white with pale timber-look flooring. In the kitchen, texture in the form of white splashback tiles provides interest. Three pendant lights hover above the sleek island.
by MOSGIEL KITCHENS
You’ll also find a separate lounge, which can be separated from the rest of the communal spaces with twin barn-style sliding doors. For chilly Dunedin winters, there’s a log fire in this cosy room, and the house has a ducted heat system.
On the other side of the property, you’ll find the third bedroom, separate laundry, storage, double garage and the main bedroom ensuite accessed through a walk-in wardrobe.
Although it enjoys a prime position above the bay, this 200sqm home doesn’t dominate its surrounds. The unfussy, single-level form and dark vertical weatherboards allow the house to become a low-key yet lovely addition to its neighbourhood. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
JACK’S POINT
Remarkable Showcase
Queenstown has some impressive new peaks beneath The Remarkables, but they have nothing to do with geology. They belong to the roofline of a newly built show home that asserts its strong form yet eases into its landscape thanks to natural materials such as charred and brushed band-sawn cedar and schist. The 245sqm four-bedroom executive property was designed to showcase the impressive array of materials, smart features, top-drawer workmanship and a design that
Skylights illuminate the space and sliders open to a north-facing deck with another fireplace. Welcome to entertaining central.
maximises the mountain views. It does all that, plus some. The entrance leads to a light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with a grooved raking ceiling and schist fireplace surround. Skylights illuminate the space and sliders open to a north-facing deck with another fireplace. Welcome to entertaining central. For days when alfresco dining and relaxing is out of the question, there’s a cosy, moody-hued media room with more dark-stained cedar and
weathered steel. Among the four bedrooms, but situated away from them, is a main-suite sanctuary with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Both the latter and the family bathroom are fully tiled and have luxury fittings. Keeping toasty is never an issue thanks to an insulated slab foundation, under-tile heating, heat-pump ducted heating, quality insulation and thermally efficient windows and glass. Smart technology is maximised throughout. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Fowler Homes
QUEENSTOWN
M 027 324 7666 • E jason@fowlerhomes.co.nz
W fowlerhomes.co.nz
CHARRED TIMBER
KELVIN HEIGHTS
High on Life
Set in the hills of Queenstown, this architectural residence, a statement in stone, plaster, metal and glass, is grounded in craftsmanship and layered with luxury. A stone wall perimeter gives way to an exposed aggregate motor court and the home’s private front elevation. Through a glass pivot door, a cedar-lined entry and European oak flooring set an elegant tone. The expansive living area is an instant showstopper, with panoramic Lake Wakatipu views framed by oversized sliders and
The kitchen, with a splashback of long, horizontal windows, is beautifully finished with oak cabinetry.
anchored by a suspended fireplace. The kitchen, with a splashback of long, horizontal windows, is beautifully finished with oak cabinetry, a bespoke bar and a butler’s pantry. This zone opens to the outdoor living, where the patio enjoys the shelter of automated louvres overhead and there’s an open fire, swimming pool and spa.
Bedrooms are zoned — to the east, the main suite boasts a luxe walk-in wardrobe and marble-lined ensuite. To the west, two bedrooms
share a wet room-style bathroom, while a fourth bedroom features its own ensuite.
Smart, sustainable design underpins the luxury. From the layout to the lighting, every detail is intentional. A dedicated office, functional laundry, and carefully landscaped grounds round out the offering. For those seeking lakefront lifestyle with a design-led edge, this 344sqm home sets an elegant new standard. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
resene.co.nz
Brownie Construction
QUEENSTOWN
M 027 603 4810 E enquiries@brownieconstruction.co.nz W brownieconstruction.co.nz
Proud supplier to Brownie Construction
Golden hour
Middle testpot in Resene Gold Coast. Testpots from top left in Resene Chenin, Resene Hot Toddy, Resene Cafe Royale, Resene Bone, Resene Just Right and Resene Calico.
KELVIN HEIGHTS
View Finder
This transformation has reimagined the entire upper level of a dated home, creating a light-filled retreat that celebrates its stunning location on Lake Wakatipu. The reconfiguration is subtle yet striking — enhancing flow, clarity and those breathtaking views. Clerestory glazing draws the lake right inside, offering an immersive sense of being perched directly above the water. This shift in perspective gives the whole space an airy, elevated feeling — matched by a raked ceiling that heightens the sense of volume and openness.
The original angular kitchen has been replaced with sleek, linear forms that stretch confidently along one wall, finished in elegant tones and materials. The island bench is both functional and
Designing timeless interiors
sculptural, with one end cantilevered to provide casual dining, while a more formal dining zone is found beside the main sitting area. A previously quirky triangular fire surround and curved hearth have been replaced by a streamlined feature wall opposite the kitchen, offering balance and cohesion to the layout. Throughout, the renovation is clean and clever, breathing new life into every inch of space. Exterior landscape was equally important and designed to complement the modern aesthetic of the home, with carefully planned outdoor spaces.
This is a study in restraint and refinement, where every change has been made in service of the view. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
We’re proud to support architecturally designed new-builds, including our recent work on this stunning Toitoi Residential project in Queenstown.
From floaty curtains to veiling blinds, our consultants bring tailored advice and a wide selection of samples to homes across New Zealand. Book your free in-home consultation to bring your vision to life with our local expert.
ARTHURS
POINT
Valuable Addition
With this renovation, good has become gorgeous. The house has become bigger, lighter, warmer, healthier, kinder to the planet and, undoubtedly, visually richer. Additions include a 60sqm extension with a new main-bedroom suite and games room, and a fireplace and skylights in the existing lounge. A bedroom was sacrificed to expand the laundry and scullery and create an office, but with the extension it remains a fivebedroom home. A 342sqm floorplan translates to plenty of room for everyone.
The new main bedroom is utterly luxurious — blue walls, feature wallpaper with a gold pattern, a glittering light fitting and mustard-gold curtains that flank windows and a door that opens to a patio
cadzowdesign.co.nz
and spa pool. The attached walk-in dressing room leads to an opulent ensuite with navy tiles and gold-hued fixtures and fittings. The games room is just as stylish. A black ceiling and timber feature wall and floorboards adeptly walk the line between low-key and luxe.
The client wanted a quiet and environmentally sound home too, so structural insulation panels (SIPs) were used. These are airtight, enhance indoor air quality, cut construction waste and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a good look, too. The new wing is clad in dark horizontal weatherboard and contrasts nicely with neutral cladding trimmed with schist.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN
Right On Cue
When your property is in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, it makes perfect sense to take renovation cues from the raw beauty. This 163sqm apartment has been skilfully remodelled to harmonise with its moody surrounds, including Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. It also draws inspiration from the region’s architectural vernacular — timber, schist and steel. These glorious hues and textures outside are echoed inside, lending natural warmth and interest to the spaces.
This project also involved a repositioned kitchen with scullery, and the addition of a steam-free infrared sauna and mudroom. Spilling from the open-plan communal space is the balcony with
new membrane, tiles on deck jacks, and an outdoor kitchen and fire. It’s clear the renovated three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment makes the most of its space, but also that the level of craftsmanship here is every bit as good as the premium materials and design. Comfort, health, safety and soundproofing measures were also part of the renovation equation and include everything from high-performance insulation to acoustic flooring underlay. Warmth comes courtesy of quiet multi-room heat pumps; the insulation and thermally broken aluminium joinery enhance energy efficiency. Is there a better place from which to soak in the splendour on the doorstep? For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
In Top Form QUEENSTOWN
The renovation and extension of this penthouse deserved pinnacle-of-perfection craftsmanship, and that’s what was delivered. The 380sqm apartment now enjoys a masterpiece interior — as well as views of the forest, mountains and Lake Wakatipu from both the interior and terrace.
It’s seamless — a stellar example of how to do lavish yet laidback — but it took a good deal of skill to get to this point. In fact, a complete strip-out involving demolition of all internal wall framing,
Judging by the results, the effort, expense and meticulous workmanship have all been worth it.
plumbing and electrics was required before the main living area could be extended onto the terrace. Judging by the results, the effort, expense and meticulous workmanship have all been worth it.
Where to start in the two-level, five-bedroom, four-bathroom sanctuary? Design features include bespoke joinery, timber wall panelling and floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles. On the lower level are living areas that ease out to the terrace with a louvre roof, spa pool and access to an outdoor
kitchen. You’ll also find three bedrooms with ensuites, media room, laundry, powder room and a steam sauna crafted from hemlock timber. Take the stairs to find the main bedroom with ensuite, powder room and dressing room with make-up station. Another room up here can be an extra bedroom or office. A state-of-the-art smart system seamlessly integrates technology, from lock entry to temperature, security and the louvre roof. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
Howe Construction
QUEENSTOWN
M 021 141 2089 • E info@howeconstructionltd.co.nz W howeconstructionltd.co.nz
Beauty in the Frame
Starting with an original decrepit, cold home and creating a lavish and light-filled retreat took smart design and a highly skilled team. Out went the exterior cladding of red brick, macrocarpa weatherboard and single-glazed aluminium joinery. In came fluted concrete split-face blocks, shou sugi ban timber and European spruce triple-glazed joinery. Bathroom laminates were swapped for glamorous tiles, Venetian plaster and feature wallpaper.
The original house layout was largely retained, with the rimu framing repurposed to line the stairs and ground-level hallway. High performance measures included a recycling programme, renewable materials, insulation more than double
code, an airtight envelope, a heat recovery and ventilation system, triple-glazed windows, LED lighting, integrated toe-kick radiator and hot water system, and EV charging. To usher in sunshine and capture the million-dollar views, glazing was meticulously planned. The kitchen is smart in dove grey with green tiles, but pared back so the scenery remains the hero. Fluted-glass high wall windows accentuate the three-metre ceiling, along with grooved vertical panelling and concealed doors. Re-framing the breathtaking views, while retaining the feel of a mid-century build, is an exceptional outcome for this four bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom, high-performance home.
For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz
FERNHILL
To usher in sunshine and capture the milliondollar views, glazing was meticulously planned.
QUEENSTOWN T 03 442 4402 • E admin@dcd.co.nz W dcd.co.nz
Take the Plunge
Feature murals in wet areas can trace their roots back to ancient times, but with sponge-able wallpaper it’s easy to achieve today. Look for a vinyl with a good wash-ability rating.
A FINE FINISH
The brushed versions of metals such as brass and bronze give a traditional look a modern-day update, while keeping the warmth of the original material. The extra win for tapware is that the matte texture doesn’t show up marks and is easier to keep clean.
VANITY VAMP
Elemental materials and artisan finishes in a bathroom instantly lift the level of luxe. Even a small story in metal or stone will do. Terra 380 round vessel basin, $1600, from plumbline.co.nz
EVERYDAY
ELEGANCE
Modern bathrooms embrace clean lines, neutral palettes and refined materials that cleverly transform a functional space to one of timeless sophistication.
One for All
Dekton sinks integrated with the vanity top get the job done seamlessly plus, as an ultra-compact porcelain, it’s stain, heat and scratch resistant, too. Simplicity vanity/ basin, from $2810, from cosentino.com
Felton Tate basin mixer in brushed bronze, $790, from plumbingworld.co.nz
Felton Tate wall-mounted spout in brushed bronze, $490, from plumbingworld.co.nz
TURN IT ON
The Zazzeri Spot wall-mounted showerhead puts the focus on luxe for your morning routine. Available in stainless steel, gunmetal, black and white gold. From $1525, from plumbingworld.co.nz
Loulou table mirror, $340, from everyday-needs.com
Towel rail with shelf, $180, from ironmoa.co.nz
WARM-IT-UP ACCESSORIES
Elevate the everyday by putting together a cohesive palette of bathroom bits and bobs that are both useful and beautiful. Natural timbers and the,earthy shades of the moment are a good starting point.
Pomponette bottle, $95, from tonicroom.co.nz
SPICE THINGS UP
These Limoncello & Turmeric floral terry bath towels are the perfect way to layer colour and texture to a bathroom. $140, from bedthreads.co.nz
IN FOR A DUCK
Cute isn’t just for kids. A quality, playful bath-time accessory makes showering more fun. Duck bath brush by Iris Hantverk, $65, from madegood.co.nz
SITTING PRETTY
Imagine soaking in this gloriously large circular tub, with views that stretch out through picture windows on both sides. This bathroom is designed to connect with its stunning lakeside location, with raw elements such as organic grey tiling and textured concrete-tile flooring, while rich-hued timber walls and the ceiling, crafted from sustainable local beech, give off Swedish sauna vibes. Rustic timber beams are a nod to the house’s overall inspiration — New Zealand’s agricultural history. For more on this home, turn to page 32.
UNIQUE SPEAK
Today’s kitchens say a lot more than they used to — change up the conversation with sculptural shapes, natural patterning and a product palette that talks your talk.
St Tropez barstool, $985, from mcw.nz
KitchenAid Artisan tilt-head stand mixer KSM195, $1150, from thehomestore.co.nz
Hard Hitter
Make like Michelangelo and create a masterpiece in stone. Choose from natural granite, marble, limestone, quartzite and onyx then have it fabricated into a personalised piece for your home. cdkstone.co.nz
Let your bar stools work as a piece of art as well as a place to sit. Look for interesting textures and shapes for a chic, contemporary vibe.
Spread it Around
The hottest-hued appliance to have right now is a KitchenAid mixer in Butter the company’s 2025 Colour of the Year. It’s not just any yellow, mind. It’s a carefully created concoction of sunshine and soft, well, butter, designed to evoke “comforting memories”.
STYLE ON TAP
The LG 508L quad door fridge freezer with ice and water dispenser, transforms the mundane into a multipurpose resource for fresh produce and the coolest of drinks. $3749, from harveynorman.co.nz
Heartland Laminex Design Styles, poa, from laminex.co.nz
COOL STOOL
FARMHOUSE FLAIR
Country, with a dash of contemporary, is the aesthetic answer for homeowners who want to capture home-baked comfort with the style of the moment. Timber, tile, ceramics and washed colours are your farmhouse friends.
Oak Full Moon serving boards, from $125, from Manukastudio.co.nz
Traditional mixer tap with porcelain levers, $645, from belfastsinks.co.nz
Halo serving bowl, $139, from cittadesign.com
Double butler sink, $2600, from earlysettler.co.nz
Go with the Slow
Nothing says comfort in winter or any season really like a slow-cooked hotpot or a baked dessert. One way to channel the farmhouse feel is to invest in cookware that can handle the heat of a range. Fortunately, castiron casseroles, skillets and Dutch ovens now come in a beautiful array of pale to punchy colours, so you can pick a delicious shade that suits the palette of your kitchen.
, from crumble.co.nz
ALPINE FINE
Team a mountain lodge with a touch of modernity and you get an aesthetic that is gloriously exemplified in this Gibbston Valley kitchen. Beneath cathedral ceilings, it’s an object of refined beauty with a painterly stone splashback in warm shades that runs the width of the open-plan living room and a marble bench where it’s easy to imagine pulling up for après-ski conviviality. A slimline pendant is sleek, but turned-wood supports on the island tie back to the traditional. For more on this home, turn to page 22.
Provincial Farm Touch kitchen from Kaboodle features hickory-maple tops, grey-green Kaleo cabinetry and matt black mushroom doorknob and cup handles. Available from Bunnings.
Classic Dutch, $519
Grow Your Own
From apartment balconies to rolling rural gardens, here’s how to connect with nature and enrich your day-to-day life.
After overcoming serious health issues, Jodie Dorsch turned her backyard into a lush, chemical-free haven and set about inspiring people to grow their own edible organic gardens. Through her online platform, Derived from Nature, the edible garden designer and educator inspires people all over the globe to use natural and sustainable methods — no matter their space or experience. Here she shares her top tips for planning and planting a thriving vegetable garden.
Plan in Layers
Think of your garden like a mini ecosystem. Instead of planting in flat rows, use height and layers — tall plants such as tomatoes or corn at the back, mid-sized crops in the middle, and low-growing herbs and greens at the front. This creates natural shade, reduces water evaporation and mimics how plants grow in the wild.
Embrace Dense Planting
Forget the wide spacing instructions on seed packets. Nature doesn’t leave bare soil — and neither should you. Plant closely to suppress weeds, retain moisture and maximise harvests.
With the right companion plants, you’ll reduce competition and increase productivity.
Focus on Companion Planting
Certain plants grow better together. For example, basil helps tomatoes thrive, and marigolds deter soil pests. The Derived from Nature method includes dozens of companion pairings that naturally boost growth, flavour and resilience.
Prioritise Biodiversity over Perfection
A successful garden isn’t one where everything is perfectly spaced or uniform. It’s one that’s buzzing with bees, rich in variety, and built for resilience. Mix vegetables with herbs and flowers to attract pollinators and predatory insects that help control pests organically.
Build a Plan, then Observe and Adapt
Start with a layout, consider your sun, wind and seasonal shifts — but always leave room to adjust. Your garden is a living system. Regularly observe what’s working (and what’s not), and tweak your plan as you go. That’s where the real magic happens.
Visit derivedfromnature.co.nz to find out more including how to buy Jodie’s e-book: Grow a Thriving Organic Vegetable Garden
PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Jodie Dorsch in her flourishing backyard vegetable garden and, above, her Derived from Nature cool season planting plan, designed for a 1.2m x 3m garden bed.
Everyday Opulence by Michael Mansvelt, from Bateman Books.
Barebones walnut garden scissors in large, $79, from madegood.co.nz
Stoneleigh & Robertson ribbed cement drum, $199, from mitre10.co.nz
