A hole in one

This gabled cedar, concrete and steel residence built by Inhouse Construction enjoys a unique position bordering a golf course, nature reserve and the Manawatū River.

The site of this builder’s own home for Ben Cousins and his golf loving family was ideal. “We were lucky to secure a double section backing onto the riverbank reserve, right beside the golf course. As a golfing family, it couldn’t be a better fit and the reserve gives the kids room to explore. Hughes and Baker Surveyors were onsite at the start to ensure a smooth consent process for the property.

Ben and his wife Shinade had been planning the build for few years, with a wish list that included vaulted ceilings, plenty of light, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and a mix of robust yet warm materials.

Tim Geard architectural designer and director at Precinct Architecture and interior designer Nicola Ross have worked with Ben on multiple projects. “They’re both incredible to work with. Tim’s designs are clever and cohesive, while Nic’s interiors tie everything together with texture, detail, and style,” says Ben.

“This was the fourth family residence we have designed for Ben and Shinade, which meant there was already a strong foundation of trust and creative alignment. They provided a handful of reference images to convey their aesthetic preferences but largely entrusted me with the conceptual direction,” says Tim.

Ben’s brief was fluid, to adapt to the evolving needs of his growing family with architecture that engages with the surrounding landscape to create a sense of retreat and openness.

The main residence features four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a double garage, and a media room complete with a golf simulator. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is complemented by a spacious scullery.

The internal courtyard is sheltered from the elements and equipped with an outdoor kitchen.

The outdoor fireplace from Heatrite is a cosy feature for entertaining in cooler weather.

Ben entertains often and wanted the house to feel dramatic but still practical day to day. That influenced how the kitchen was designed as the hub of the home, with vaulted ceilings giving it presence and the material palette reflecting his love of stone, steel and timber,” says Nicola.

The pool house provides luxurious guest accommodation and includes three double bedrooms, an open plan living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom and a laundry.

Several bespoke design features were incorporated to reflect the client’s lifestyle and elevate the spatial experience. A step-down media room was designed to accommodate a golf simulator, creating a separate recreational zone acoustically separated from the main living areas.

At the entrance, a pond with floating stepping-stone pavers was introduced an idea inspired by Ben’s travels in Bali.

“The architectural response was carefully oriented to maximise views and privacy,” says Tim. “The private zones including bedrooms, media room and bar were positioned to overlook the reserve, while the communal areas such as the living, dining, outdoor entertaining space, and pool were arranged around the central courtyard.”

Sustainability was integral to the project. Particular focus was placed on thermal performance, passive ventilation and long-life materials that reduce embodied carbon and future maintenance. The Particular focus was placed on thermal performance and passive ventilation. Altherm Window Systems supplied thermally broken aluminium joinery for energy efficiency.

Nicola’s background in joinery is a core strength. On this project, Nicola drew detailed joinery plans for the kitchen, vanities and wardrobes. While Avant Garde Interiors designed and crafted the stunning spiral staircase.

The ceilings are vaulted and were part of the architectural design. “My role was to work with the scale of those vaulted ceilings so the kitchen felt grounded within the volume. The height allowed us to use strong, dramatic materials without the space feeling heavy,” says Nicola.

The lighting was designed to highlight the architecture and materials while also creating atmosphere.

Ben’s approach to building is deeply detail oriented. Whether it’s concealed joinery, custom finishes, or integrated architectural features, craftsmanship plays a central role. This project was no exception, with several components such as the floating entrance pavers, herringbone soffits and a bespoke spiral stair case requiring precision and a high level of execution.

“We had a tight crew of four builders onsite with support from a strong network of subcontractors. The project came together over just over a year,” says Ben.

Functional task lighting was layered with feature lighting that draws attention to the stone and joinery, fitted by Dean Smith-Pilling Electrical. “Nicola’s design input has a huge impact on how the spaces feel and function,” says Ben. “Over the years, Nicola, Ben and I have built a strong collaborative team, one that brings a distinct point of difference to the typical builds you see in the Manawatū. It’s that shared vision and attention to detail that really sets our work apart.”

“Ben would set out his vision and I would translate that into joinery details, layouts, and material selections,” says Nicola. “The palette is very true to the way Ben builds. Wide-plank timber flooring grounds the home, stone anchors the kitchen, and steel details add strength.”

“Ben loves that the house is a direct reflection of his style. It is bold, material-driven, and dramatic, but still practical to live in every day,” says Nicola. “The interiors support his vision without competing with it, and the flow feels seamless from one space to the next.”

Ben, Shinade and their family are enjoying their new home. “The house feels modern yet welcoming, spacious, light-filled, and perfectly suited to our family’s lifestyle. It’s a home that works for the kids, celebrates our love of golf, and connects us to the outdoors,” says Ben.

Contact details:

Inhouse Construction
027 308 8102
b.cousins07@gmail.com
www.inhouseconstruction.co.nz