Distinctive Designs

In keeping with its rugged alpine setting, this award-winning home mirrors the untamed beauty of Te Anau. Alternating concrete blocks, robust steel and soft timber claddings marry to create an extension of the land. Like rock faces and hilltops, the roofline juts and meanders, forming a horizontal silhouette that accentuates the project’s success and scale.…

Two years on, and the family that calls this Dunedin property home still pinch themselves as they drive down the road towards it. Dramatic ceiling heights and a bold, geometric exterior skeleton unite with intuitive, custom design elements and handcrafted details to form a forever home. The build’s journey begins with an ambitious client moodboard…

Matthew Packwood and his team at Packwood Construction were tasked with creating a first home that was not only functional but also rich in architectural character and full of charm. The build came with its fair share of challenges, including tight deadlines and frame supply issues. To stay on track, the team constructed their own…

Nestled amongst the greenery of the mountains in Queenstown is a home which embodies the essence of passive homes. Josh and Drew Atkins, who founded Compound Building back in 2017, say that they built this project titled ‘Moonlight Tui’ as an “exercise in designing and building a house that we believe to afford the inhabitants…

Sitting just outside of Queenstown, the award-winning Wings Over Water is a bold architectural statement that appears to float effortlessly within its natural surroundings. Designed by Kamermans Architects and constructed by Shore Construction, the sculptural, single-storey home unfolds beneath a dramatic butterfly roof, while its earthy palette connects seamlessly with the surrounding mountain ranges. Architect…

Designed and constructed to be practical, beautiful and wholly liveable, this exceptional five-bedroom, three-and-a- half-bathroom home exemplifies refined craftsmanship, meticulous detailing, and anintelligent approach to modern living. Strategically positioned on an elevated, north- facing site in Wanaka, the architecture seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, offering sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of Mt. Maude, Mt. Gold, and…

This stunning family retreat located near Wānaka was designed for an overseas-based couple seeking a long-term connection to Central Otago. The project was conceived by Blueview Developments, in conjunction with HausBau Construction, ETAL Architecture and the clients, Nicole and Rowan Foulds, who resided in Malta during the build. Developed almost entirely remotely, the project employed…

Set in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Wānaka, this project is a celebration of bold design, personal expression, and collaborative craftsmanship. Built by From The Ground Up Construction and designed by Threefold Architecture, this project is what happens when a team truly listens to the client and works in sync. The resulting home is a highly…

With postcard-worthy views and a flat site right on the edge of Lake Hayes, this home already had a lot going for it. But its owners saw potential for more, they wanted to update the original build, make it more functional, and bring it in line with the natural beauty of its Central Otago surroundings.…

Overlooking Albert Town and Lake Hāwea, a rare blank slate site with sumptuous montane views is used to its fullest potential. The clear, flat, one-acre section boasts a unique, assertive profile, yet showcases top-of-the-line architectural and design innovations. The building mass is wrapped around the existing gully, brimming with kānuka trees, a natural element that…

The Village is more than a project—it’s a vision for a new kind of living. Designed by Arête Architects, it seamlessly blends architectural elegance with sustainability and deep social connection, shaping a future where wellbeing and relationships take precedence. Situated on a typical suburban Queenstown block, The Village features two distinct yet harmonious dwellings tailored…

A thoughtful blend of craftsmanship and collaboration earned Falcon Build a Regional Gold Award in the 2024 House of the Year Awards. The project, a striking two-story coastal home designed as both a retirement retreat and family escape, was built for Margaret and her extended family, filled with subtle nods to the past that give…

When you’re a builder building your own home, the stakes are personal, and so is every detail. That was certainly the case for Brad from Turton Builders, who approached this project with both experience and intent. “As a builder’s own project, we were involved from the very beginning of this build, designing a scaled floor…

This Waihi Beach renovation is all about doing things properly and making a home that’s both beautiful and liveable. Built by the team at PRO Construction BOP and designed by LAD Architecture, the project transformed an older home that didn’t fully connect with its location, giving it a new lease on life. Now, it opens…

Standing tall and proudly is a recently completed build by Oswald Homes. The project, named ‘Hilltop’, was chosen due to its “amazing panoramic views,” says Greg Oswald from Oswald Homes. “We are focused on quality over quantity, and it really shows on this project,” Greg adds. “This was a difficult site with a steep driveway,…

Featuring unique angled cedar, negative detailing, Stellaria bricks, and travertine stone, every element of this 309-square-metre Mount Maunganui home was custom-designed and crafted with excellence. It’s the product of assiduous labour and an unwavering attention to detail. Jamie Fairbairn of Fairbairn Builders tells Distinctive Designs that it was a technically challenging build from the very…

With a shared passion for building homes that truly matter, builder Shaun Higgins from Higgs Building Co. and architectural designer Brooke Cholmondeley-Smith from Tawa Architecture came together with a vision, creating Ebode Homes. Together, they have combined hands-on experience and design-led thinking to transform the way New Zealand homes are built, creating spaces that are…

The Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau’s 2024 Supreme House of the Year is a modernist marvel. Its commanding coastal presence was achieved by a team of meticulous, forward-thinking industry experts at the top of their game. Continuous Western Red cedar flows both inside and out, drawing the eye to wide statement windows that bask…

Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Kaimai Ranges in Matamata, The Ashley Residence is a timeless example of custom residential design done right. Built by Linecrest Homes and designed by the team at The Architecture People, this striking rural home is as much a reflection of its environment as it is of the people…

Nestled within the leafy serenity of a Mediterranean-style home built in 2004, sits a kitchen renovation project that gracefully bridges timeless architecture with contemporary functionality. What began as a simple kitchen upgrade soon evolved into a full-scale renovation when it became clear that the existing layout couldn’t meet the homeowners’ ambitious vision. At the heart…

Having no brief for this home, owner and architect Jeremy Brick from Studio Brick Architects entered this project alongside his partner, knowing they wanted something of a smaller size that catered to the basic needs of their young family. “We strategically made it as small as we felt comfortable with so we could focus on…

Sitting proudly on Rossendale Road, this large family residence, built by O’Connell Builders Ltd, is a showcase of craftsmanship, material expression, and architectural presence. Designed in partnership with Design Workshop Architecture, the brief called for a modern yet grounded home that embraced the spirit of Central Otago architecture—natural textures, strong lines, and a warm, inviting…

Jennian Homes Canterbury has unveiled its latest display home in Rangiora, a striking four-bedroom residence demonstrating modern architectural design. “This home represents the style of architectural designs our company excels in creating for our clients,” says Dwayne Prendergast, general manager of Jennian Homes Canterbury. “The home showcases the quality products we use in all our…

Minimalist and simple designs are timeless, and while they may be trending now, they have proven to be here to stay, making Scandinavian architecture a design philosophy to lean on. Known for its simplicity, Scandinavian design prioritises clean lines, practical layouts, natural textures and tones, and a balance between form and function. Brought to New…

Looking over Taylors Mistake is a recently completed build which exudes warmth and challenging design. For Dylan Paterson, from DP Built, who completed this build, he says it exemplifies the precision and care they bring to every project. “We thrive on unique and challenging designs that push the boundaries of what has been done before.”…

With sweeping coastal and rural views from every room, this hilltop home is a love letter to the Pegasus Bay and the city of Christchurch below, made possible by DJ Hewitt Builders. This home’s origin story is one of serendipity. The homeowners often walked the Clifton area, collecting pine cones along the way. When these…

An architectural ghost. A home with no street address, no nearby amenities, no other visible evidence of a built environment. A home virtually undetectable from land or air that emits no light pollution. It’s a retreat as remote as they come, so secluded that one can only reach it with its precise geographic coordinates: 43°58’08.1″S…

Pearched high above Sumner Beach, Tuawera Retreat is a masterful blend of past and present. Renovated by Chaplin Crooks Architects with interiors by Alexandra Blair Interior Design, the project has earned a place on the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Canterbury Architecture Awards 2025 shortlist. The retreat sits on a steep, bush-lined…

When Shane Collins and her husband Richard Loe decided to build their dream home, they were looking for something a little bit different. Having both Shane and Richard come from farming families, and this being their first time they have built a home, they wanted to make sure it really reflected some of their experiences…

Nestled within a serene, leafy enclave of one of Christchurch’s most sought-after residential precincts, this distinctive 1980s brick bungalow – originally designed by Trengrove and Blunt architects – stands as a hallmark of its time. With its symmetrical two-bedroom layout echoed along the street, the home presented a strong architectural foundation, yet one calling for…

In Christchurch’s coastal suburb of Redcliffs, a narrow flood-prone site has been transformed into a carefully designed family home on Beachville Road. Designed by Archco Architecture and expertly built by Artwork Homes, the home replaces a previously earthquake-damaged structure, now transformed into a thoughtfully restored, two-storey dwelling. The elevated form meets strict zoning regulations head-on,…

For Armstrong Interiors, Fendalton House was an opportunity to turn a beautifully designed architectural build into a true reflection of its owners. “Our clients wanted to turn the architecturally designed house into a home that was completely their own,” says interior designer Lucy Chappell. With a strong foundation of black and white tones throughout the…

As the city’s urban density intensifies, countless new townhouses have emerged in post-quake Christchurch. Yet building these homes to meet modern lifestyle needs can mean compromising on architectural character. These clay brick three-bedroom apartments from Angus Mckellar Builders are ahead of the curve, offering both bold street appeal and a well-considered floor plan that is…

Lighting sets the scene for any interior. So, if you can combine ancient wisdom with contemporary technology, chances are you’re going to end up with something special, and this is exactly the case with ADesignStudio’s Crackle Wall Light – a case study in the art and craft of bespoke, artistic illumination. The award-winning lighting design…

On the edge of Tasman’s stunning Waimea Inlet sits Bronte House, a demonstration of refined, modern architecture perfectly blended with the natural landscape. Designed by the acclaimed Redbox Architects and built by the award-winning Foothold Developments, this extraordinary property presents a rare opportunity to own an architectural masterpiece. The residence, completed in 2022, comprises two…

Re-create nature in your bathroom, with hot tips on what’s trending in bathroomware right now. The experts at Oakleys Plumbing Supplies tell us what their customers can’t get enough of. The evolution of bathroom design is more than just aesthetics. It includes technological advancements, sustainability and water saving considerations, a reflection of shifting societal values…

Sitting atop the hillside with panoramic views over Tasman Bay, this award-winning home by Mecca Built showcases contemporary family living at its finest. Winning gold in the 2024 Master Builder House of the Year awards and ranking in the top eight in New Zealand for the Builder’s Own Home category, this project is a showcase…

Designed and built by BLAC Design & Build, this recent project on a lifestyle block with stunning views of the mountains and sea has bailed the brief for a cosy, aesthetic house that puts energy efficiency and functionality first. The clients wanted a home that maximised space, “and we achieved this through the use of…

A charming bach in the Queen Charlotte Sounds has been given a thoughtful and stylish transformation, thanks to the expertise of Avril Heard-Woollcombe, the owner of Karibu Interior Design. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Avril has built a reputation for her ability to cater to the unique needs of her clients.…

Modernised yet keeping with the large character homes of Nelson’s sought-after Dress Circle, this 1920s renovation by Jason Gardiner Builders is unapologetically grand. When this property was first purchased, its new owners were in two minds: renovate or build anew. They eventually opted to transform the existing property into a beautiful, historic character home. Though…

Given the brief “refined entertainers dream,” the team at Daniel Smith Builders have created a haven that maximises natural light for the homeowners to unwind in after a busy day. The external roof line’s varied pitches create an interesting and distinctive shape, and as you progress inside, the interior’s unique mix of spaces keeps you…

Being given the challenge of revitalising a kitchen, Cooper Webley Joinery have done more than just that. Craig Hooper and his team have designed and renovated a space that has won both national and regional awards – “Best Use of Creative Lighting” award and “Best Region Award Nelson/Marlborough from the 2024 National Master Joiner Awards,…