Distinctive Designs

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,…

This stunning yet modest Marlborough Sounds bach, built by Bolitho Building, was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while maximising breathtaking views. The quaint 84m² retreat demonstrates thoughtful planning, precise engineering, and expert craftsmanship. Approaching the property is an experience in itself. The driveway winds through dense native bush, building anticipation as glimpses of…

This project showcases Black Vista Projects’ ability to take on challenging building sites. Having built a peaceful retreat, the team have been able to create a space where their clients can easily escape their busy lifestyles. Looking over Tasman Bay, the goal of this project was to create the ultimate peaceful retreat. Consisting of three…

Bayview Construction has once again proven its expertise in craftsmanship with a remarkable home that has earned both National Top 100 and Regional Gold awards in the 2024 House of the Year competition. This award-winning home, designed by Bespoke Architecture, was to be a contrast to the owners’ Auckland villa, with expansive living spaces that…

Perched above Frankton Arm with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu, a dilapidated A-frame house has undergone a remarkable transformation. Thanks to Velvin Building and Habitat Design Co., this property earned the National Supreme Renovation of the Year in the 2024 House of the Year Awards. This home seamlessly blends its rustic origins with modern comforts,…

With a design informed by its beachy setting, this home proves that thoughtful functionality can make a small footprint feel expansive. Just a few hundred metres from the seaside sits a home that feels far lighter and more spacious than its compact site would suggest. Informed by its beachy location and the surrounding properties, clever…

In the midst of Wanaka’s breathtaking natural splendour, this unique spot cannot be overstated. The elegant bamboo and Eurotray cladding are features of this low-maintenance forever home, with the indoor and outdoor areas seamlessly integrating, appropriate for the climate of Central Otago. R&K Yule Builders, based just out of Wānaka in Albert Town, led this…

Because it offers a functional yet truly unique aesthetic in your home and maximises your space with custom solutions, bespoke joinery provides a world of advantages. Experts in residential and commercial joinery, Nasko Factory has been a premier provider of bespoke joinery services for over twelve years. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes…

This home redefines modern living with a seamless and unforgettable blend of functionality, elegance, and personal style. Situated in the St Kilda development near Cambridge, this home basks in its semi-rural setting and surrounding wetlands with effortless indoor-outdoor flow courtesy of several transitional living spaces. Smart design choices and energy saving features keep running costs…

Based in Wanaka, MA Building has recently completed another passive build, showcasing that sustainability and top-tier design do indeed go hand in hand. Mark Anderson, managing director of MA Building, says that “after starting to think about how we build our houses and adding some aspects of passive house building to my own home, it’s…

Located amidst an existing row of mature oak trees, this elegant yet understated Wanaka holiday home places a premium on privacy and practicality in its design. With its vertical black stained cedar exterior facing the street, this residence opens up smoothly as you proceed towards the entertaining areas. There, you’ll find large floor-to-ceiling windows that…

Established in 2018, LMA Timber has quickly become New Zealand’s leading supplier of recycled, reclaimed, and sustainably sourced Australian hardwood, importing about 24 tonnes of timber into the country every week. Post-pandemic, the company has gone from strength to strength, opening four new showrooms nationwide: Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, and now Wanaka. These multi-purpose spaces offer…

With the stunning landscape of Central Otago as its backdrop, this home is a standout example of craftsmanship and innovative design. Built by Lakes Building Co, the home has been celebrated with a House of the Year Regional Gold Award. The home’s T-shaped design features vertical timber cladding, giving it a clean, modern look that…

Founded in November 2013, Infinite Energy began as a one-person operation with a bold mission: to make solar energy more desirable and accessible for New Zealand homeowners. In its early years, the company faced unique challenges. Today, Infinite Energy is a thriving operation with an in-house team of experienced specialists, supported by a strong local…

Southern Lakes Flooring Design is the first franchise located in the South Island to join the Flooring Design Group, which has been providing impeccable service to New Zealand customers for 25 years. Opening a showroom in Cromwell and Queenstown within the past two years, this locally owned and operated business hit the ground running. Providing…

During a renovation, a successful project often relies on the effective collaboration of diverse experts. Ben Taylor, Building Project Manager at Connor Jones Group, shares his insights on this project, which not only transformed the structure but also added value to their client’s property. The goal was clear from the start: to create a modern,…

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…

Delighting in the sunny green Southland countryside lies this airy three-bedroom paster-clad home, standing proud as a clear example of design and building prowess. The lush rural setting informs its spacious layout with wide glazed sliding doors on the home’s north side framing picturesque panoramic views. These wide sliders, which ground the home in its…

Established in 2004, Viblock is a privately owned company operating out of two facilities in the South Island of New Zealand. Specialising in the manufacturing and supply of architectural masonry blocks, pavers, and retaining walls, Viblock has grown significantly over the years. Today, the company can produce up to 28 standard house loads of bricks…

Building on legacy M O Brown Builders Ltd, an award-winning Christchurch building company led by third-generation builder Mike Brown, recently completed a remarkable architectural project in

The Textured Bach by Nic Owen Architects illustrates a perfect blend of artistry and architecture. For a family seeking a permanent sea change after years of holidaying in rented baches, this home offers both functionality and artistic expression. The home’s name, Textured Bach, highlights the central role that texture plays while also nodding to the…

Tucked away on Knowles Street in the quiet neighbourhood of St Albans sits a labour of love conceptualised by Andrea, a seasoned Director at Foley Group Landscape Design, and Andrew, who oversees DesignMade, a resource centre for Montreux Furniture. Integral to the home’s realisation was Richard Fantham, Company Director and Project Manager at Radius Building,…

Fibreglass pools are highly sought after for their durability, ease of maintenance, and efficient installation process. NOVAspace Pools has positioned itself as a leader in this space, providing customers with tailored solutions and expert guidance through every step of their pool journey. What truly sets NOVAspace Pools apart is the level of personal attention each…

Marian College’s new campus in Christchurch is anything but a typical school building. Designed by Sheppard & Rout, this unique project turned an old industrial warehouse into a modern, welcoming space for learning. Working within an existing structure brought both challenges and opportunities. Since its founding in 1982 by David Sheppard and the late Jonty…

After the Christchurch earthquakes, Lachie McPhail from MCLA Construction and his partner, Annabelle, discovered their home had suffered widespread damage. They took the opportunity to rebuild and fully maximise the site’s potential. Collaborating with PRau Architects, they designed and built a home that unashamedly prioritises light and space, creating a welcoming yet simple modern environment.…

The Redcliffs Medical Centre and Pharmacy, designed by Johnstone Callaghan Architects and built by Steve Brown Builders, is a thoughtfully crafted community-centred facility, winning a regional NZIA award for its striking architectural design. The project stands as an example of responsive architecture, where the design was intricately shaped by the site, community needs, and environmental…

The Gardiners Road project marks a significant milestone for J&M Built, being the company’s first foray into creating a spec home. Led by managing directors Jamie Ellis and Matt Radburnd, the team embraced the opportunity to build a residence that combines architectural sophistication with wide-ranging appeal. “This is the type of house we enjoy building,”…