Distinctive Designs

Designed by MAUD with interiors by at.space, the project called for a builder capable of delivering a complex design with precision. Homeowner and interior designer Alex McLeod of at.space, wanted her new family home to reflect happy childhood memories and to capture the sense of calm and intimacy she remembered from her grandparents’ mid-century courtyard…

What started as a modest renovation enquiry evolved into a full reconsideration of the site. The existing dwelling was ultimately deemed unviable, opening the opportunity for a complete redesign. The resultant legacy home responds confidently to its setting and speaks a timeless architectural language. Led by Jon McAlpine Architecture, alongside builder Kevin Garrity from Edinbridge…

Quantum’s portfolio of timeless, classic design delivers style and practical performance, with a carefully curated range of surfaces to enhance the spaces people live and work in. Director at Quantum, Larry Harrison says: “While we stock an extensive collection of products here in New Zealand, our real passion lies in a collaborative approach.” Quantum works…

Perched just back from Mount Maunganui’s iconic shoreline, this home stands with a quiet confidence. Its architecture is striking yet understated, a study in limestone tones and clean lines. The garden, therefore, needed to do something deceptively difficult: enhance the home’s presence without competing with it. The landscape had to settle the building into its…

The vision of Sticks and Stones Design came to life as a relaxed, resort-inspired retreat designed entirely around the lifestyle of its owners. And at the heart of the refined coastal home is a beautifully resolved kitchen where warm oak textures, sculptural and assertive Taj Mahal stone and cleverly concealed functionality combine. The renovation was…

Designed specifically for the way New Zealanders live today, the range reflects a shift toward cleaner aesthetics, higher performance and seamless integration into modern architectural spaces. As James Fisher, Chief Product Officer at Escea Fireplaces, explains: “We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how a wood fire performs and looks in modern New Zealand…

Nestled within the relaxed coastal landscape of Whangamatā, the Pipi Road Residence stands as a testament to meticulous interior design, blending durability with understated luxury. Although a new build, its emotional resonance is profound — a home that captures the spirit of a beloved family bach while offering a contemporary haven for generations. At its…

That is exactly where REVEGO, Blum’s innovative pocket door system, is making an impact. Designed to allow full-height cabinetry and entire zones to disappear behind sleek sliding fronts, REVEGO is redefining how modern interiors function. Unlike traditional cabinetry, REVEGO uses fully integrated pocket technology that allows doors to slide away into narrow side compartments, creating…

Life along the Pauanui Waterways unfolds at a slower register, shaped by water, weather and horizon. This home is perfectly tuned to that rhythm, articulated through a sequence of gabled forms in cedar, steel and board-formed concrete, softened by established planting. This interplay between structure and landscape establishes a calm, responsive dynamic at the water’s…

Vegetation cascades over rolling hills and spills towards the shoreline. Beyond, an exposed headland bears the full force of the salty easterly weather. It’s a site defined by both beauty and challenge, conditions that would come to shape a home designed equally around its surroundings and the family who call it their own. The brief…

The arrival sequence of a home sets the tone for everything that follows. It is the first tactile and visual interaction with a space; the point where architecture begins to communicate mood, restraint and permanence. For Te Arai Construction Concrete, that moment is treated as a sculptural experience, carefully composed through the use of burnished…

From the outset, the vision was clear: a place of escape and connection. Amid the dunes, the perfectly positioned home basks in sunlight, yet is sheltered from prevailing beachside conditions. The clients’ desire for a spacious, versatile residence with floors elevated much higher than the existing property places the ocean and dormant volcano Tuhua in…

The first thing you notice is the horizon that feels close enough to touch. An endless sweep of ocean framed in glass, where sky and sea blur into one uninterrupted view. There’s a moment, standing in the main living space, where the boundary between inside and out seems to disappear entirely. The ocean stretches wide,…

Instead of blending into the hillside, this Welcome Bay residence makes a confident architectural statement. Yet for all its visual presence, some of the home’s most impressive achievements are largely invisible. Behind the clean architectural lines sits a carefully engineered building envelope designed to deliver exceptional comfort, health and energy efficiency. Striking design and outstanding…

Crestview presents as a crisp, sculptural form against the green hillside. Designed by The Architecture People and brought to life by Wildwoods Construction, the home is a considered response to place, shaped as much by the contours beneath it as the clients’ specific vision. The Whatawhata home occupies a narrow buildable corridor where geotechnical requirements…

Homeowners Sam and Candice approached Slate looking for a team who could guide both the architecture and construction under one roof. Slate Studio’s design team says, “Sam and Candice came to us wanting more than just a builder. They were looking for a team. They had a clear vision for a modern pavilion-style family home,…

Minimalist finishes and a combination of cedar, concrete and many naturalgreys let the views take centre stage in this tranquil coastal home. The site, once home to a modest cottage, was always defined by its extraordinary outlook across harbour, offshore islands, and distant ranges, but unlocking its potential took a strong expert vision and engineering…

Making the most of site restrictions is usually where good architecture comes from. People think there is some grand inspiration when something a little bit strange crops up; but often it’s doing something that’s grounded in outcomes. My place is a slender tower, reaching high to the views and sun on a south-facing site that’s…

New Zealand Panels Group has expanded its Prime Stone benchtop range with the introduction of two new colours, responding to growing demand for surfaces that balance design appeal with improved material safety. The additions, Ohakune and Statuario Venato, bring the total Prime Stone collection to 26 designs.Both reflect the brand’s focus on refined aesthetics inspired…

PROFILE 1: AUBREY Overlooking Albert Town and Lake Hāwea, this expansive home is wrapped around a gully, brimming with kānuka trees, a natural element that Bryce says defines the home’s identity. Rosenfeld Kidson vertical cedar clads the home and serves as a soft accent inside that welcomes nature in. Hugh and the homeowner worked closely…

In the mid 1990s, Ambitec began investigating alternative wall finish systems capable ofworking with light rather than concealing it. Textured plaster finishes used in Europeprovided a reference point – finishes that embraced light rather than fought it, and celebratedimperfections rather than hiding them. Inspiration came from Venetian plaster in the chapels of Italy, the colourful…

Queenstown properties boast spectacular mountain and lake views, but this can mean conflicting landscape design needs: an outdoor space that balances openness with closeness. Jude’s recent Mill Vista project is one such case. “The site had beautiful views of Lake Hayes and The Remarkables, which I designed an open view towards, but then the internal…

Designed for her own family, the home explores how architecture can frame views, shape daily life, and provide a sense of protection in an exposed environment. Maja began with a clear vision: “Views from anywhere on the property – direct and look-through views.” The brief also called for “a spacious, fun, open-plan family home” and…

For owners Sarah and David Kidd, this peaceful, low-maintenance property has been thoughtfully updated and extended to accommodate their visiting daughters, grandchildren and friends. The new extension and layout are ideal for gatherings with a new swimming pool to soak in while enjoying the stunning mountain views. Director of Modbox Joe Daly says, “Sarah and…

The owners of this rural valley home swapped their busy lives in Dunedin for a calmer pace of life. Mike Kapua of Mike Kapua Builders developed a close relationship with the homeowners during the build. Mike says: “Richard and Fiona live a lifestyle deeply connected to the outdoors. Whether tending to their gardens, exploring walking…

In the West Meadows neighbourhood of Wanaka, a new house by Immersion Architecture brings a quietly confident presence to its prominent corner site. Named Terrace House, the project pairs robust construction with carefully framed views to create a contemporary alpine retreat designed for extended family living. Rather than relying on spectacle, the architecture celebrates material…

The Boulders residence is a summit in its own right, the pinnacle of site-responsive, sustainable architecture, of awe-inspiring ambition and ingenious biophilic design. It sits 480 metres above sea level on a challenging, steep slope between the mountain range and Lake Dunstan below. Completed in 2023, a lucky few have since had the pleasure of…

When designing a home for himself and his family, architectural designer and director of Prime Designs Luke Hammington drew inspiration from the natural surroundings. “We live an active lifestyle and wanted something that captured the mountains and scenery whilst still feeling private and cosy,” says Luke. “We are big entertainers so having multiple leisure spaces…

Blending rugged materials with refined, handcrafted details, Te Mira is a home that feels both grounded and luxurious. The 485m² residence sits on an elevated 1592sqm site within the exclusive Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown, a setting that is rich in regional history, immediately establishing its sense of place. From this vantage point, the home captures…

Set on Christchurch’s rural-urban fringe, the design embraces all the benefits of country living in a suburban location with organic curves, open living spaces and quiet nooks. The property is positioned for natural light in a new footprint that replaces the site’s original house; inheriting a legacy of mature trees and a tennis court for…

In New Zealand’s rich design landscape, Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects has earned a reputation for crafting outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful. Based in Christchurch and Queenstown, the studio is best known for its standout residential landscape design, which blends spatial clarity, robust planting palettes, and deep respect for site context. Whether dealing…

The history of this hillside home spans around 25 years when D.J. Hewitt Builders originally built the property for the previous owners. Two and a half decades later the current owners wanted to bring the kitchen up to date. “What started as a kitchen renovation became a full home renovation,” says Daryl Hewitt of D.J.…

The owners of this light-filled house had a very clear vision from the start. Nick Cowdy of Cowdy Real Estate and Prue Johnstone of Johnstone Callaghan Architects drew inspiration for their family home from a love of mid-century design. “The Christchurch Style was at the forefront of the brief,” says architect Prue. “It was a…

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this sustainable design was crafted for a young couple, their two small children and two dogs. The architecture realises their vision for a calm, low-maintenance and functional home to support the daily rhythm of family life. Hailey Sinke, senior architectural designer at Performance Architecture, drew inspiration from the local Marshlands…

Built to replace an earthquake damaged property the homeowners had lived in for many years, this new design maximises the site with increased light, privacy and connection to outdoor spaces. Daniel Webb, architectural designer and director of Threefold Architecture says: “The homeowners’ lifestyle is relaxed and centred around the kitchen and living areas and a…

By integrating thoughtful planning, refined materials and sustainable design, this grand 333 square-metre residence embodies a sophisticated, functional family home. “The clients are long-time admirers of Art Deco architecture who wanted a home that reflected their love of design, travel and creative living,” says Architect Barry Connor of Barry Connor Design. “Their lifestyle called for…

Plumbline has unveiled a design collaboration withone of Australia’s most celebrated designvisionaries, Greg Natale. The Milazzo collection marksGreg’s first foray into bathroom ware — a naturalextension of his unmistakable aesthetic and his ongoinginfluence across the world of interiors. Known for his daring use of colour, pattern andmateriality, Greg brings his signature aesthetic to thebathroom in…

The homeowners of this striking beach house are busy professionals with two teenaged boys and a beach-loving dog. This coastal lifestyle is an essential ingredient of life for the family who enjoy all the benefits of beach access from their new home. The modern architectural form of this beachside residence features crisp white walls, clean…

Defined by careful detailing, natural materials, and a quiet sense of mood, Casa de Playa de Verano sets a new standard for everyday kitchens. Built by Jafa Construction and designed by Jenny Holmes of Designmarked Kitchens, the space draws on Mediterranean influences without leaning into pastiche, instead translating the relaxed character of a Spanish coastal…

Every material, every line, every surface of this Mount Maunganui has been carefully considered. The result? A home that is as tactile as it is visually compelling. Visitors are led along stone pathways flanked by lush plantings to a striking semiframeless glass pivot door, the perfect counterpoint to rich Travertine stone. The home’s exterior is…

his kitchen is positioned in the heart of a new dwelling built for the owners of boutique building company Langsford and Ogle Homes and their two young children. Real estate agent Mel Langsford and her husband Mitch, have built and renovated five of their own properties and bring a high level of experience and discernment…

This builder’s own home for Jack Hoult and his young family was architecturally designed by Alice Gironella, director of Rubixarc. Jack and his family live an active, coastal lifestyle and love spending time on the beach and in the surf. “This dynamic way of living directly influenced the home’s open plan design, which emphasises seamless…