Distinctive Designs

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…

From Tradition to Innovation Established in 2012 by Pam and Jason Gardiner, Jason Gardiner Builders has quickly risen to become a highly respected and award-winning building company in the Nelson region. With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of excellence, Jason Gardiner Builders specialises in new builds and renovations, tackling any…

A new era of farmhouse design Reinventors of New Zealand’s design landscape, First Light Studio, based in Wellington, has recently been announced as the 2024 NZIA Nelson/Marlborough Architecture award winner in housing. The home design that won them the award, labelled ‘Two Gabels’, is located in Wakefield and is a simple and elegant farmhouse intended…

Your Vision, Their Expertise This 1970s Summerhill stone brick home recently underwent a remarkable transformation, blending contemporary design with the nostalgic charm of its origins. This extensive renovation project was not merely about updating the house but reimagining its potential while preserving its unique roots. Stepping inside, the extent of the transformation is clear. Walls…

Bolitho’s Personal Project Tim Bolitho, the man behind the successful construction company Bolitho Building, has recently completed a personal project that is as much a testament to his company’s capabilities as it is to his own design vision. The home, a collaborative effort with his wife, Bryony, is a striking example of the company’s signature…

Crafting Legacy Homes in Nelson Basham Building isn’t your average builder. This Nelson-based company specialises in turning the “too hard” into exceptional homes. A champion of Passive House standards, Basham Building is the only certified Passive House tradesman in Nelson. Their passion lies in creating lasting legacies, meticulously built from foundation to finish, with a…

Making Marlborough From humble beginnings in 2009, APH Design & Build has blossomed into a thriving operation that has played a significant role in shaping the Marlborough community. The family-run business delivers top-quality homes to the Marlborough region with expert craftsmanship and advice, affordable pricing and local suppliers. Over the years, APH has built a…

Parsonson Architects, based in Wellington, has just recently been crowned the NZIA’s Nelson/Marlborough Architecture Award winner for 2024 for their build ‘The Lookout’. Establishing the company in 1987, current director Gerald Parsonson says, “We are delighted to have recognition from our peers for this unique project. The house delicately rests on a pair of sturdy…

Crystal Waters offers a luxurious getaway in Queenstown, New Zealand, perfect for those seeking a private and relaxing escape. Designed to capitalise on the stunning views of Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range. This architectural success was born from a simple brief: create intimate spaces to maximise the jaw-dropping views for visitors from all…

Overlooking the dynamic in Port Chalmers, Ocean View is an exemplary residence constructed by Connor Jones Group in collaboration with architectural partner Parker Warburton Team Architects for owners Tom and Lara Connor. This project, named Ocean View by Connor Jones Group, stands as a paragon of modern architecture, seamlessly integrating into its stunning natural surroundings.…

Located on Seymour Street in Gore, this split-level house embodies a fusion of entertainment and optimised vistas, strategically positioned on a sloping section overlooking the majestic Mataura River and the undulating hills that embrace it. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Central Otago Pavilion style, the architectural design revolves around a central, north-facing kwila entertainment zone,…

In the vibrant heart of Dunedin’s Octagon, the iconic Forsyth Barr House has been dramatically revitalized, a project masterminded by McAuliffe Stevens Architects and recognized as the NZIA’s Southern Region Winner for 2024. Craig McAuliffe, Principal and Director of McAuliffe Stevens Architecture, reflects, “Their current fit-out was old and tired, and a decision was made…

Nestled atop a rocky outcrop, this stunning architectural gem is one of only two homes in its exceptional location, offering breathtaking panoramic views from The Remarkables to Coronet Peak, surrounded by the vibrant landscape of the basin. Dramatic stone features soar toward the sky, exuding grandeur that matches the bold character of its residents. This…

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a space for culinary creation, family gatherings, and lively conversations. For those wanting a kitchen that reflects their personality and lifestyle, luxury bespoke kitchens offer the ultimate expression of personalised design. Unlike mass-produced kitchens, bespoke options are meticulously crafted to fit seamlessly into your space. Every…

Imagine a house nestled amidst a working farm, offering the tranquillity of rural life alongside the convenience of nearby Wanaka township. This is Hillend Station House, designed by Condon Scott Architects to capture the breathtaking alpine vistas that surround it. Capturing the Landscape The architects strategically placed windows throughout the house to frame these panoramic…