Warmth, style, and precision

Buildcraft has been recognised with the prestigious Regional Gold Award in the 2024 House of the Year competition for their exceptional three-bedroom, 190 sqm home in Lake Wānaka. This stunning build embodies refined living, combining quality materials, intricate craftsmanship, and timeless features to create a modern home that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings.

From the moment you arrive, the home’s bold architecture, designed by Ahha Architects, captures your attention. The exterior features a timbered gable that commands the landscape, while the angled plaster entrance to the garage adds a touch of depth and intrigue. “The Hawkdun Place project showcases Ahha’s dedication to sustainable architecture by using raw, natural, and renewable materials. We layered this with a distinctive design and planning that creates moments of pause, wonder, and contemplation of the natural beauty surrounding the Wānaka landscape,” says Jimmi of Ahha Architects.

Stepping inside, guests are welcomed into a beautiful living room that features impressive floor-to-ceiling timber louvres, raked ceilings, polished concrete floors, and a striking fireplace. Large windows frame breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, creating a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor spaces. These design choices emphasise the home’s natural surroundings, bringing the beauty of Lake Wānaka right into the heart of the living area.

At the heart of this modern marvel is a cutting-edge heating and cooling system installed by Welco. The Mitsubishi multiroom unit integrates hydronic underfloor heating and concealed ducted cooling, ensuring year-round comfort for the residents. During the winter months, the hydronic underfloor heating system provides even heat distribution, creating a cosy and energy-efficient environment. Welco’s streamlined approach to this project minimised the system’s visual impact while maximising comfort and efficiency. In summer, the concealed ducted cooling system offers a discreet solution for maintaining a cool and comfortable interior. Importantly, the system is powered by a single outdoor unit, reducing energy usage and preserving the home’s clean, modern aesthetic.

The kitchen, a cosy and sun-soaked space, is marked by its diagonal walls of glass, creating an outdoor room that flows into sheltered decking. Inside, the kitchen island is a standout feature. Wrapped in curvy timber cladding, it has a recess that accommodates bar stools, providing a comfortable spot for casual gatherings. The adjacent dining area features built-in timber furniture that complements the cabinetry and the ceiling. The clever use of plaster on both the interior and exterior walls adds a European touch, enhancing the home’s refined yet relaxed vibe.

The main bedroom was designed to provide a peaceful retreat from the rest of the home. This spacious room features a thoughtfully designed walk-in robe, offering plenty of storage while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The adjoining ensuite is a luxurious escape, complete with modern fixtures, a spacious walk-in shower, and a carefully curated colour palette that complements the natural tones of the home. The family bathroom is equally impressive, with a luxurious standalone bath that serves as its centrepiece. The bathroom also features high-quality fixtures and fittings, polished surfaces, and large mirrors that enhance the sense of space and light.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this build is how it encourages a connection to the outdoors. The bold, timbered gable is the home’s defining architectural feature, commanding attention and setting the tone for the rest of the design. The warmth and texture of the spotted gum timber cladding offsets the gable’s sharp lines and substantial presence. This natural material lends the structure an earthy aesthetic, complementing the rugged beauty of the Wānaka region. The use of spotted gum timber throughout the exterior is both practical and visually stunning. This premium material, known for its durability and rich grain, plays a vital role in unifying the design. Hurford’s and Timbers NZ supplied the ceiling panelling, vertical battens, decking, and cladding, all crafted from this versatile wood. The timber’s golden-brown tones and natural grain patterns add depth and warmth, ensuring the home feels inviting and organic.

The vertical battens, installed along the front of the home, add visual interest to the build’s clean lines while providing functional benefits such as shading and privacy. The angled features, such as the gable and plaster entrance, required exceptional skill to execute, highlighting Buildcraft’s ability to translate complex architectural concepts into reality.

One of the standout features of the exterior is the outdoor living area under the roofline between the kitchen and living spaces. This decked space offers shelter from the elements, making it usable year-round for dining, entertaining, or simply enjoying the spectacular views.

The sheltered deck also features an outdoor fireplace, enhancing its functionality and creating a cosy atmosphere for cooler evenings. The attention to detail in this home is evident throughout, from the precise carpentry work seen in the doors, timber-framed windows, and ceilings to the intricate timber louvres. Buildcraft’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship is clear in every element, demonstrating their commitment to creating a home that feels as good as it looks.

Contact Details:

Buildcraft
027 549 4609
build@buildcraft.co.nz
www.buildcraft.co.nz