The art of great houses

Arthouse Architects has built a distinguished reputation as a boutique architectural studio that merges creativity, functionality, and context-driven design. With offices in Nelson, Christchurch, and Blenheim, they deliver high-quality work across residential, commercial, and educational sectors, all centred on who will use the space.

Sustainability and context drive much of the practice’s work. The award-winning Ryan House in Blenheim, completed in 2018, exemplifies this ethos. Spanning 420 square metres on a rural site, its tripart gabled form uses bagged brick, standing-seam cladding, and timber joinery to break down its mass while aligning with sun and wind patterns for passive climate control. The project was recognised with the NZIA Nelson Marlborough Architecture Award in 2019.

The Vineyard House, also completed in 2018, demonstrates a similar commitment to environmental design. Dark-stained cedar and precast concrete define the exterior, while rooflines and eaves are oriented for solar efficiency and natural ventilation. It went on to win a regional NZIA Housing Award in 2020 and was featured internationally as one of Archilovers’ Best Projects in 2023.

Arthouse’s more recent work continues this trajectory. Anakiwa House, completed in 2023, steps down a hilltop site overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound, with undulating forms that maximise the views while
responding to the local climate. It was awarded an NZIA Nelson Marlborough Housing Award in 2024.

The Rarangi Beach House followed in 2025 with another regional award; judges praised its bold angular form, solar power integration, and landscaping that creates a seamless transition between architecture and coastal environment. These projects highlight Arthouse’s ability to combine creativity, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity into lasting architectural outcomes.

The firm’s record of recognition extends beyond housing. Awards across small projects, alterations, and education — including regional Master Builders’ accolades and multiple NZIA wins — reinforce their reputation for consistently high-quality work. Yet what truly defines Arthouse is its collaborative process. Clients are actively involved from early sketches through to completion, ensuring the final design is not only architecturally refined but also deeply personal.

Choosing Arthouse Architects means partnering with a studio committed to thoughtful, bespoke solutions. Their boutique scale, combined with a strong award history and a portfolio of striking, sustainable projects, ensures every commission is handled with care. The result is architecture that endures, enhances daily life, and reflects both its environment and the people who inhabit it

Contact details:

Arthouse Architects
03 338 9350
enquiry@artarc.co.nz
www.arthousearchitects.co.nz