Distinctive Designs

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,”…

Designed by Ben Brady of Linetype Architectural and brought to life by J&M Built, this project in Little River is a labour of love and ingenuity. The home’s design is all about blending in with the natural landscape while using sustainable, repurposed materials that add warmth and character. With a client who is both an…

This new build, located on the outskirts of Timaru’s CBD, has recently won a Supreme Regional award from House of the Year. Designed by Rushton Architects, the impressive build was brought to life by Henderson Building, a locally owned and operated Timaru building firm for over 30 years, were “extremely proud and humbled to win…

A home that feels like art Gregg Architectural Builders and Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors collaborated to create a home that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Focusing on Modern charm, timeless interiors and practical features, this collaboration proves that great design is all about the smallest of detail. “Homeowners, Karen and Gordon, wanted a…

Falloon Builders, a family-owned and operated multi-award-winning architectural building company, has recently completed and won a Gold, as well as a Regional Special award and was named in the Top 100 for House of the Year. Brendan Falloon, Director and Owner Operator of Falloon Builders says they were “so excited” about the recognition. “It was…

Founded in 2010 by Emma Morris, Eternodesign is an award-winning interior architecture studio known for creative and thoughtful design. With over 27 years of experience and background from Victoria University, Emma has brought a ‘less is more’ approach to each project, blending simplicity with functionality. Eternodesign works on a range of residential and commercial projects,…

Dimension Construction, started in 2018 by Nikhil Dayaram, has recently completed an impressive build in Halswell, which saw a energy efficient and eco-friendly approach throughout. This multilevel home has an inviting layout and some fascinating design elements nestled into a gentle hill section. Originally, Nikhil and his partner built this house to live in, but…

Comber and Comber Senior Designer Lacey Exton has recently won a Bathroom Distinction Award and a DNKBA Bathroom Design Gold Award for her work on a large lifestyle property in North Canterbury. Lacey says she was “quite surprised as there were some amazing entries from other designers. “It was very exciting, and nice to get…

Capitalising on the panoramic views of Wānaka, this dramatic build pushes the boundaries of design. For how the project showcases exceptional building and architectural design prowess, it is more than just a family home. This home is a case study in top grade construction and process, with unusual angular roof forms, interior wood paneling, and…

Reviving Heritage and Embracing Nature The historic building at 129 High, once home to the BNZ bank and Ace Video, is a landmark in Christchurch’s centre. After the 2011 earthquakes left it severely damaged and unfit for use, the team at Urbanfunction was tasked with breathing new life into this heritage structure. They transformed it…

Glass is a key feature in many modern homes. It offers a clean, stylish look while improving the flow of light and creating a strong connection to the outdoors. Advances in glass technology now make it easier than ever to use in practical and eye-catching ways. One popular option is installing floor-to-ceiling windows, which let…

Sitting on coveted Bay View Road, a stunning new build by Johnson Residential is turning heads. Johnson Residential is made up of a team of highly skilled builders who specialise in all aspects of residential construction. Their focus is creating premium-quality homes in the Nelson Tasman region – dream homes that clients can be truly…

A home tuned to the landscape  Situated in Fairhall, Marlborough, this multi-level property capitalises on views of the vineyard below with its covered decking to the south, double staircase, and large garage. This four bedroom home was planned to maximise the breathtaking vistas and accommodate a thoughtfully designed retaining wall that allowed for a 150sqm…

Crafted for Kiwi Living Shades Direct Nelson’s Clearspan Awnings are the perfect solution for Kiwis who want to enjoy their outdoor space year-round. Designed and built specifically for New Zealand’s temperamental weather, these awnings offer unparalleled protection from the sun and rain while transforming your backyard into a stylish retreat. Made with high-quality, 6.0mm thick…

Mahana Ridge Masterpiece Designed by Anderson Architecture and built by Ruby Bay Construction, this exquisite build on Mahana Ridge offers a cohesive blend of modern design and stunning Nelson Tasman landscapes. As you enter, over 400 sqm of exposed concrete leads you to the grand-scale house. Lush landscaping and native plantings frame the residence, creating…

A Breath of Fresh Air Designed by Redbox Architects, the 2024 NZIA award-winning Nelson Orthodontics clinic in Richmond, New Zealand, stands out for its expertise in creating confident smiles and its innovative design that prioritises patient experience, community connection, and environmental responsibility. Outgrowing their central Nelson location, Nelson Orthodontics sought to expand their reach to…

Making a Splash Swimming pools are a great way to cool off on a hot day, get some exercise, and relax. But before you take the plunge and install one in your backyard, there are a few things you need to consider. The first decision you need to make is what type of pool you…