House of the Year Southern Regional magazine 2023

22 GREAT HOMES FROM YOUR REGION

Made for New Zealand conditions

and a New Zealand way of life.

Nothing less than COLORSTEEL® - designed, tested and approved to stand up to New Zealand’s unique environments and become a part of them. Reflecting a connection to the natural world around us, while protecting us from it, at its most extreme. Discover the ideal solution for your project at colorsteel.co.nz

Architecture & Craftsmanship

At Resene Construction Systems, we are driven to create surfaces that make a living environment durable and look good. We also believe that when it comes to cladding and interiors, the tactile nature of plaster makes it an unrivalled product.

When combined and applied accurately, plaster is a shining example of durable cladding that also meets the needs of clients, architects and professional tradespeople.

We only promote tested and trusted products, solutions and best practice for each and every project we work on.

Visit our website to discover more about our exciting range of facade systems, bespoke interior finishes and construction products.

Cladding systems

+ Interior systems

+ Construction Products

Master Builder Integrity Homes

Cladding

Integra Lightweight Concrete

Plastering Professional

South Plastering and Painting

TM

PUBLISHER

Brydie Canham

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jo Seakins

ART DIRECTOR

Susanne Baldwin EDITOR

Emma Rawson

WRITERS

Fiona Barber, Mary Lovell-Smith, Geraldine Johns, Hayley Leibowitz, Catherine Milford, Fiona Ralph, Tracey Strange

SUB EDITING

Cassie Doherty, Claire McCall

DESIGNERS

Linda Baehr, Emily Somerville-Ryan

ADVERTISING SALES

Tracey Bree, Cat Jackson, Chris Moo, Jenny Craig EDITORIAL / SALES ASSISTANTS

Caitlynn Fomison, Caitlin Widdowson

RETOUCHING

Mark Grogan B MEDIA 09 308 9998 PO Box 47014, Ponsonby 1144 bmedia.co.nz

Registered Master Builders House of the Year is published by specialist custom publisher B Media Ltd, on behalf of the Registered Master Builders Association. Registered Master Builders House of the Year is wholly owned and managed by Registered Master Builders Association. Registered Master Builders House of the Year is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher.

Welcome

to the Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2023 magazine for the Southern Region

Building a house is about much more than timber, brick, steel and concrete. It’s about realising a dream. The annual Master Builders House of the Year competition is a chance to see how members’ planning, skills and hard yakka have transformed homeowners’ visions into reality. This year’s House of the Year judges were blown away by the standard of craftsmanship in both new builds and renovations. We hope you enjoy exploring the homes in your region and are inspired by the skills on display. Perhaps you’ll be starting planning your own dream project.

The results go live on July 23 at www.houseoftheyear.co.nz

Nigel Robertson, President Master Builders

SOUTHLAND BRANCH

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS Southern Region

2022 Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million

Trinity Construction

2022 Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Buildcraft

2022 Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year

Roger Gilchrist Building Services

Southern Region

AUCKLAND / NORTHLAND / COROMANDEL

WAIKATO

BAY OF PLENTY & CENTRAL PLATEAU (Tauranga, Rotorua, Taup¯o, Whakata ne)

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND & EAST COAST / HAWKE’S BAY (Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu and East Coast, Hawke’s Bay)

WELLINGTON & WAIRARAPA

NELSON / MARLBOROUGH / WEST COAST

CANTERBURY

MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY (Ashburton, South Canterbury)

SOUTHERN REGION (Central Otago, Southland, Gore, Otago)

Designing circularity into our business

APL is proud to sponsor the Sustainable and Environmental Excellence award in the 2023 Master Builders House of the Year competition.

Nearly half of the world’s total emissions are a consequence of the linear way we make, use and dispose of materials and products and less than 9% of the resources we use to build the world around us are cycled back for reuse. As industry leaders and innovators, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to address the rising need for large and sustainable change.

The future is here. Ready now. aplnz.co.nz/our-responsibility

For us, this starts at the design stage or as we like to think of it - the redesign stage. We’re committed to closing the loop on material flows, designing waste and pollution out of our system and regenerating our natural environments. Our future path is clear, creating a product for your home or building that has made zero impact on our beautiful country.

Registered Master Builders House of the Year Judging the competition

A panel of industry experts has put the homes featured in this magazine through a rigorous points-based judging process. The highest-scoring projects are awarded Gold and the best become Category winners The three Category winners with the highest points and who meet the points threshold are named Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 million , Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million or Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year. Entries are judged on building excellence, but also on their lifestyle value, so you’ll see kitchen, Plumbing World Bathroom, outdoor living and APL Environmental and Sustainable lifestyle awards. Excellence in workmanship is recognised by the prized Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award. The Southern competition, one of nine regional House of the Year events, is held on July 22. From July 23, you can view all of the results: www.houseoftheyear.co.nz

NATIONAL COMPETITION

Each year a maximum of 100 entries from the regional competitions receive Top 100 status and, out of those, we find the National Category winners. Lifestyle, Craftsmanship and Special Award winners are also named at the national level. The three best houses (a new build under $1 million, a new build over $1 million and a renovation) become the National Supreme winners, to be announced at an awards gala on Saturday, November 25.

NATIONAL SUPREME WINNERS

There are three winners: two new builds crowned the best of the best, and the best renovation in the country.

NATIONAL CATEGORY AWARD

Awarded to the highest scoring Gold Award winner from each category.

TOP 100

Each year the highest scoring top 100 houses go on to the National Competition.

Thanks to our sponsors

PINK BATTS NATIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD

Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.

NATIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS

Awarded for attaining the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Sustainable and Environmental Excellence Award and Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award.

PLATINUM AWARD Recognises

outstanding achievement in building excellence and is awarded to those who win five or more National Category titles.

NATIONAL SPECIAL AWARD

Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.

MASTER BUILDERS

For more than 30 years, House of the Year has celebrated the very best of residential building in New Zealand. Master Builders is very proud of this competition, and the beautiful homes you’ll see in the following pages will inspire, motivate and show that quality can be achieved, no matter what the budget. We hope you enjoy taking a sneak peek into these amazing homes – all built by a Master Builder in your region.

www.masterbuilder.org.nz

ALTUS WINDOW SYSTEMS

Altus Window Systems is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative window and door systems. We’re also thermal technology experts so whether your project is big or small, residential or commercial, we’ve got the solution. Our exclusive fabricator network has been providing window and door systems for more than 65 years.

You’ll know them by reputation: Bradnam’s™, Fisher Windows™, Nebulite™, Nulook™, Rylock™ and Vistalite™. Altus Window Systems, sharing your vision.

www.altus.co.nz

BUNNINGS TRADE

At Bunnings Trade, we’re here to help builders win at every stage. No matter how big or small the job is, our knowledgeable and dedicated Trade Team will help you get the job done with efficient service and support. With our wide range of trade quality brands and the latest in innovative building solutions under one roof, Bunnings Trade has your business covered. Search Bunnings Trade to find out how we can help your business.

www.trade.bunnings.co.nz

CARTERS BUILDING SUPPLIES

CARTERS believes in partnership. We know combined expertise and a focus on efficiency, pricing and supply mean a successful outcome. Shared success is key – when your business grows, so does ours. CARTERS nationwide chain of 50 building supply stores and nine manufacturing plants, long-established industry network and focus on the trade means we’re committed to you.

WINSTONE WALLBOARDS

At Winstone Wallboards we are passionate about providing quality GIB® products, systems and expert technical support to help make it a little easier, quicker and simpler for our customers to create great interior living environments both now and for generations to come. GIB® plasterboard, locally made for over 95 years and counting.

www.carters.co.nz www.gib.co.nz

REGIONAL AWARDS

REGIONAL SUPREME WINNERS

Awarded to three Regional Supreme Award recipients from each regional event: House of the Year under $1 million, House of the Year over $1 million, and Renovation of the Year.

PINK BATTS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score out of the points available in the Workmanship section of the judging criteria.

REGIONAL CATEGORY WINNER

Awarded to the highest scoring Gold Award winner from each category.

GOLD

Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 90 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 80 per cent above industry standard.

SILVER

Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 82.5 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 65 per cent above industry standard.

BRONZE

Awarded to builders whose entries achieve 75 per cent of the points available and are judged to be at least 50 per cent above industry standard.

SAPPHIRE

Awarded to an entrant who has received three Regional Supreme Awards regardless of whether these homes are renovations or new builds.

REGIONAL SPECIAL AWARD

Bestowed by the judges when a house is worthy of special recognition.

REGIONAL LIFESTYLE AWARDS

Awarded to the entrant who attains the highest score in each Lifestyle category, including the APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award and Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award. New in 2023 is the PDL by Schneider Electric Smart Home Award. This award recognises houses containing home automation systems to control elements such as lighting, energy metering and heating.

NATIONWIDE REGIONAL SPONSOR

PDL BY SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

PDL is at the forefront of electric home design, providing inspiring electrical solutions from modern switches and power points to innovative safe, smart and sustainable home technology.

COMFORTECH BUILDING PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS™

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s only manufacturer of glass-wool insulation, Pink® Batts® understands what it takes to build a healthy home here. We have been working alongside builders and industry stakeholders for more than 60 years and are proud to have warmed a multitude of New Zealand homes and hearts. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, dry, warm, safe and efficient home and we are committed to acheiving this it for the next 60 years.

www.pinkbatts.co.nz

PLUMBING WORLD

Plumbing World is the largest 100% NZ-owned national plumbing merchant and has been giving back to our amazing industry for almost 60 years.

Plumbing World has access to the world’s leading brands and the best Kiwi plumbers and builders in the industry. The products we showcase look amazing, and are made to last and designed to perform. So come and see our team in black — they can advise you on the right home solutions and are totally there for you.

www.plumbingworld.co.nz

RESENE

Resene has all the quality paints, stains, colour, wallpaper, curtains, accessories and professional advice you need to get a superb finish on your decorating projects, inside or out. Choose from thousands of Resene colours or let Resene create one for you. Resene has been proudly 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated since 1946, and has been named the Most Trusted Paint since 2012.

APL WINDOW SOLUTIONS

APL Window Solutions is the largest window solutions organisation in New Zealand and has been proudly family owned and NZ-made for more than 50 years. We know 35-50 per cent of a home’s thermal performance comes from its windows and doors so our innovative window and door systems offer worldleading thermal performance that’s designed for our conditions and made right here, from start to finish. The future is here. Ready now.

MASTER BUILD 10-YEAR GUARANTEE

The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is New Zealand’s leading guarantee. Over the past decade we have protected more than 105,000 families and our range of products offers flexibility, including the ability to transfer cover to a new homeowner, should you sell. The best guarantee from the best builders.

www.masterbuilder.org.nz

TIPS

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

It is no secret that Kiwis love their houses and building your own home is a dream for many of us. Building (or renovating) is a big deal and can feel daunting – good planning, preparation and communication are the key ingredients to a rewarding and successful building experience.

Planning is essential

Working with the right builder is key. An accomplished builder will guide you through the design, consenting, construction and approvals stages, then build your dream home. Make sure you choose a builder you want to work with, and who has completed similar projects to yours. Speak with their previous clients and, if you have doubts, wait until you find the right person. A Master Builder will streamline the process, as each has been vetted and receives ongoing support and industry training.

Communication is everything

Maintaining concise, consistent communication with a builder is vital. Set clear expectations around timing and budget and be honest about your needs and limits. This ensures both parties can flag any concerns. Building requires bringing together diverse skills and resources. Ask builders about their relationships with trade partners – a Master Builder understands the importance of effective communication and relationships.

Contracts and legal advice

Get everything in writing and review your contract with a lawyer. Be realistic – if you receive a price that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Ensure your builder understands the market conditions and can discuss them with you. Most contracts have a clause for price fluctuations – discuss this with your builder and ensure you understand the risks. Be wary of fixed-price contracts as you may pay too much contingency. Conversely, too little contingency can create an even greater risk. Discuss a payment schedule with your builder to ensure you are not paying too much in advance and you have a fair allocation of risk.

Master Build 10-Year Guarantee

While most builds go smoothly, it pays to have protection. The Master Build 10-year Guarantee provides the best protection on the market and a process for resolving any issues in your building journey.

By following these steps you will have everything in place to make your dream home a reality.

Masterwood Joinery prides itself on the design and manufacture of high quality residential and commercial joinery.

Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes, fireplaces are all made with care and precision. Beautiful on the outside, intelligent on the inside. Custom made to suit your requirements. Masterwood Joinery is well-known for creating dream kitchens throughout Central Otago, Southern Lakes District, Otago and Southland.

We are famous for our luxurious high-end kitchens, however we can also bring the wow factor to kitchens of all budgets.

Over the years we have won many awards such as Supreme Kitchen Design and Manufacture New Zealand (NKBA), the prestigious international excellence in Kitchen Design London (SBID) and the most recent being NKBA 2022 Southern Chapter Recognition.

Let us create a new masterpiece for you.

P 03 445 0313

E sales@masterwood.co.nz

www.masterwood.co.nz

For more helpful advice and to find a Master Builder, visit masterbuilder.org.nz

With all the right steps in place, turning your residential dream into reality presents an exciting prospect and many rich rewards.

HOUSE OF THE YEAR

To see all our award-winning homes, visit houseoftheyear.co.nz

NEW HOME OVER $4 MILLION

RESENE NEW HOME $2 MILLION–$4 MILLION

NEW HOME $1.5 MILLION–$2 MILLION

CARTERS NEW HOME $1 MILLION–$1.5 MILLION

ALTUS WINDOW SYSTEMS NEW HOME $750,000–$1 MILLION

NEW HOME $500,000–$750,000

VOLUME/GROUP HOUSING NEW HOME UP TO $500,000

GIB SHOW HOME

BUILDER’S OWN HOME

together COME

For Ed Cruikshank, furniture is all about connections. There are connection points, for instance, in the dovetail joints in the Tāhuna Queenstown designer’s walnut bar stools, where two pieces of timber intertwine in a beautiful seamless union. But equally as important as the craftsmanship is the conversation and memories made by the people sitting on the chairs, coming together over a meal or a cup of tea.

“The reason I’m passionate about my work is furniture is about getting people together. Whether that’s sitting in a couple of beautiful club chairs, enjoying a drink in front of the fire, or a family sitting around a dining table,” says Ed. “Furniture connects people to the earth and each other.”

He has been creating conversation-starting furniture pieces through his business Cruikshank Furniture since 2002. Before a love of skiing prompted Ed and his wife Tonya to move to the Queenstown Basin more than 20 years ago, he started his career as a fine-cabinet maker in the UK. He then studied industrial design before landing a dream gig at British furniture and design company LINLEY, founded by King Charles’ cousin, the second Earl of Snowdon David Linley. At LINLEY, Ed designed and project-managed the creation of pieces for a who’s who of nobility and celebrity but since moving to New Zealand, many of his furniture designs have taken on a sleek modernist style. They all show traces of his time at LINLEY, however.

“I aim to design things that I hope will be enjoyed by people for a long time. I’ve learnt through my work and historical research that the furniture that stands the test of time — whether from the 1700s or a mid-century design — is often beautifully made and has classical proportions. This kind of timeless craftsmanship is what I’m striving for.”

Many of his pieces are bespoke one-off commissions, but Ed’s Iconic Collection is a range of ready-to-order furniture from his most popular designs, such as the Elvie Club Chair, a modern take on art deco style. While

historical references are prevalent in his work, some of his designs are inspired by the snowy climate of his new home in Central Otago. One is the Koru Chair, a half-chaise lined with possum fur that wraps its owner in a cosy embrace.

“The idea came from holidaying with friends in a very cold cottage. We were chatting over a drink, and our friends’ little girl walked into the centre of the room, wrapped herself up in a possum-fur blanket and fell asleep in front of the fire.”

Braille inscriptions are a signature of Ed’s work, with messages often piercing parts of the piece. He once engraved a client’s favourite poem in braille on a steel desk. Meaningful touches like these make his furniture both functional and artistic.

Ed has recently made the leap into the art world with a series of framed artworks marked with braille.

“It’s funny, a lot of people tell me that my furniture is art, but as soon as something is hung on the wall, there’s no question, people immediately accept it as art,” says Ed.

“My art is about getting people to be more inquisitive and to make more efforts to connect with others. A blind person couldn’t read this braille because it’s flat and in a different scale to conventional braille, and the idea is to get people to work harder to seek out the meaning and to connect and communicate with one another.”

When choosing furniture or art for a renovated or new-build home, Ed says to consider what’s meaningful to you and your family early in the building process.

“The earlier you can think about furniture or interior design, the more likely you’ll create a home that feels authentic and appropriate. I think the best result is when you start from the inside of the home and work outwards instead of designing a shell of a house and then filling it with things.

“My work is about creating pieces that matter to you and are comfortable for how you live — because furniture is something you will touch and feel every day.” www.edcruikshank.com

Designer and artist Ed Cruikshank isn’t just creating furniture in his Queenstown Basin studio, he’s also making memories.

1. Furniture designer Ed Cruikshank has lived in Queenstown for more than 20 years. 2. The Koru Chair from the Iconic Collection is wrapped in possum fur. 3. Ed’s braille artwork Beginning invites viewers to seek out further meaning. 4. The Elvie Club Chair is a popular design. 5. The Dovetail Bar Stool showcases Ed’s craftsmanship.

Bench smart

Featuring a textile that has its origins in 18th-century Kyoto, the classic Scandi style of the Anza bench from Slow Store is the epitome of the Japandi look.

STYLE file

Explore the new arrivals in store and look ahead to the design direction for the year to come.

R attan revival

Airy, earthy, beachy — nothing tells a room to ‘relax’ quite like rattan furniture. This nostalgic trend nods to the chilled vibes of the 1970s and adds a touch of Balinese-style boho.

New wave

Warning, glamorous curves ahead. This Hubsch Wave trolley will be a talking point at your next drinks with its 1970s-inspired terrazzo top and groovy rack.

SWITCH IT UP

Give your room a glow up with statement lighting. The Switch floor lamp by New Zealand designer Tim Webber shows how a simple design can be magnificent. Switch floor lamp, $1925, from Tim Webber

Bowled over

Look out for coloured glass in earth tones in stores right now. Matthew Hall’s Handkerchief bowl celebrates the fluidity and sculptural aspects of the medium.

Easy living

Comfort is king in design right now as our homes become our sanctuaries. Armless sofas like the Ethnicraft Studio sofa by designer Jacques Deneef are calling for you to cuddle up. Ethnicraft

from McKenzie & Willis

Handkerchief bowl by Matthew Hall, $199, from Collecte

Hubsch Wave trolley, $759, from Good Thing

BohoBoho rattan and wood desk and chair, $1359, from Urban Sales

Fraser rattan bookcase, $119, from Kmart

Anza bench by Please Wait to be Seated, $4695, from Slow Store

Studio sofa, $2995,

Sparkling joy

Get your shine on. One way to add visual depth to your home is with sheen and gloss. The Willow velvet chair and Bolly side table from Early Settler will catch the light and make your room sparkle.

TWO OF A KIND

Talk about warm fuzzies! For every CommonKind felt blanket purchased, another will be gifted to a New Zealand child in need.

Staple blanket,

, from CommonKind

Check mate

Nothing is as cosy as checks in warm tones. This duvet cover in a combo of biscuit colours is a case in point, and it’s equally at home in retro and contemporary decor. It’s made from pre-washed French flax linen that will become softer over time, and it also comes in its own drawstring bag.

Society of Wanderers Biscuit Check duvet cover, from $389, from Moi on George

ON THE SIDE

Sculptural side tables are one of the top trending furniture pieces this year. They’re not only a handy place to put your cup of tea, but they are also an easy way to create interest in a small room.

COTTAGE INDUSTRY

Country-inspired designs are having a moment. Serve up dinner with a dollop of whimsy with this linen tablecloth from The Sunday Store.

New flame

This barbecue with a big serving of azure-toned style is a red-hot must-have for summer. It has four stainless-steel burners, a roasting rack, hood, integrated flame thrower ignition and more extras than you can shake a skewer at.

$169

Maestro in Blue barbecue, $1049, from Masport

Olive green linen tablecloth by Bonnie & Neil, $299, from The Sunday Society

Hexy accent table, , from Freedom Furniture

Willow velvet armchair, $479, and Bolly side table, $299, both from Early Settler

HOMEGROWN talent

Add some local colour to your home with these eye-catching pieces designed or made in New Zealand by talented artisans.

1. Oneroa table, $459, from Ico Traders. 2. Floral cushion cover, $70 , from Flox. 3. Arch Vanity chair, $2290 , from Snelling Studio. 4. Buller Ruru table lamp, $197, from 100 Percent New Zealand. 5. Brooklyn eight-drawer lowboy, $5586 , from Woodwrights. 6. Table lamp by Amelia Fagence, $700 , from Public Record. 7. Tio chair, $POA , from Goldsworthy. 8. Dimple tumblers, $30 each , from R Ceramics. 9. Outdoor ottomans, $700-780 , from Mr & Mrs Ward. 10. Hibiscus bowl by Painted Pacific Pottery, $51, from Creative & Brave. 11. Ceramic cicada by Jeremy Gardiner, $99, from The Poi Room.

A reputation for quality

AJ Saville is an award-winning Queenstown-based building company. We take great pride in our quality workmanship, finishing and sustainable building practices.

Our dedicated team of tradespeople — including in-house project management, sub-contractors and suppliers — has been building amazing homes for more than 30 years.

We’re proud to be a member of Registered Master Builders.

Plasterboard, locally made for over 95 years.

gib.co.nz

BACK TO

nature

There have been many studies over the years about the mood-enhancing benefits of being in nature. Psychologist Erich Fromm coined the term ‘biophilic response’ back in the 1970s to explain the idea that humans need to feel connected to nature in order to feel a sense of contentment, and it’s a principle that has influenced the design world ever since. With growing awareness of mental health and wellness since the pandemic, it’s not surprising that nature-inspired biophilic design is making a strong return in interior design and architecture. Natural materials such as wood, stone, clay and wool are being used to create calming spaces. On a colour level, warm whites and sandy beiges, close to those found in nature, are replacing cool-toned artificial whites that featured in architecture from the early 2000s. Team these new neutrals with feature walls, furnishings and accent linen in earth-toned rusts, walnut browns, ochres, deep ocean blues and canopy greens to create soothing colour palettes. Add further texture with house plants, furniture and decor that celebrate the beautiful imperfections of nature, such as the coarse texture of rock, the knots and wood grain of timber and the rough fibre of wool.

Back wall stained in Resene Colorwood Ironbark overcoated with Resene Aquaclear and flooring in Resene Quarter Spanish White.

Field dining table, $6740, from Cittá

Elly planter, $19.99, from The Plant Project

Hallie chair, $359, from Freedom

Como linen cushion, $99, from Crisp Home + Wear

Madam Stoltz jug, $65, from Kayu Studio

Stone coaster set, $69, from Thread Design

Wooden chess set, $289, from Paper Plane Store

Roxburgh throw, $307, from The Sunday Society

Felix Stump side table, $469, from Kayu Studio

Asuka #2 rug by Akira Isogawa, $6960, from Designer Rugs

Sheepskin bean bag, $1499, from Moi on George

Create calming spaces by bringing the outdoors inside using earth tones and natural materials.

Mercator walnut table lamp, $99.68, from Bunnings

PLAY time

Embrace your inner child with this youthful take on the maximalism trend.

After a few years of pandemic disruption, the interior design world just wants to have fun. The lockdowns resulted in many of us working from home and quickly becoming sick of the sight of four white walls. Afterwards, a design trend featuring colourful spaces emerged, engendering a sense of joy and wonder. Even if you still work from home, spaces can adopt this ‘work less play more’ style with a few decor changes. Think candy-coloured feature walls, neon homewares, graphic patterns, mixed materials and curved furniture. Social spaces such as living rooms are a good place to start with this trend, or pack your bedroom with personality. If you’re layering patterns, choose prints from the same colour family and mix up the scale to bring the look together.

Flowerpot VP2 pendant by Verner Panton, $1240, from Cult

Flower shaped pillar candle,$7, from Kmart

Balloon money bank, $199, from Peggy

Back wall in Resene Snowdrift, shape on wall in Resene Hawkes Blue and flooring in Resene Half Milk Punch and Resene Tuft Bush. Couch from Bauhaus.

Alex Fulton Design’s art studio and office features a bold painted mural that celebrates creativity.

Polspotten side table, $730, from Smith & Caughey’s

Candle stack, $99, from Infinite Definite

H-Horse rocking horse by Kartell, $POA, from Backhouse

Twilight crystal candle holder, $115, from Fenton & Fenton

Pambula cushion, $139, from Weave

Everybody grinder by Dusen Dusen, $89, from Bolt of Cloth

Pukka armchair by Yabu Pushelberg, $POA, from Ligne Roset

Beside the seaside

For rooms like bedrooms where relaxation is key, you can’t go past grey-toned coastal blues like Resene Forecast, Resene Breathless and Resene Duck Egg Blue. These trending hues are also worth considering for outdoor areas as an alternative to white weatherboards..

Top half of wall in Resene Breathless and lower half in Resene Duck Egg Blue. Flooring in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, bedside table and bench in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, planter in Resene Teal Blue. Bedlinen from Small Acorns.

Style to the max

Take a modern approach to maximalism with vibrant designs from the Resene Wallpaper Collection. For this more-is-more look, pair jazzy prints with bold-coloured furniture and patterned cushions or curtains. If space allows, try a mural from the Resene Wallpaper Collection to amp up the drama.

TACTILE BEAUTY

Textured walls that mimic the rough imperfections of natural limestone, mudbrick or adobe will create softness and depth in your home. Create this look with textured Resene wallpapers, Resene Sandtex Mediterranean or by blending two paint colours using Resene FX Paint Effects medium.

Back wall painted with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean finish textured paint tinted to Resene Concrete. Flooring in Resene

Colorwood

Whitewash and console table in Resene Half Tasman.

COMFORT zone

The latest colour and decorating trends put wellbeing centre stage. From calming colours to botanical wallpapers, add layers of happiness to your home with Resene.

The past few years have been challenging, but one upshot of the difficulties of the pandemic is a growing awareness of wellness and mental health. Lockdowns highlighted how much our homes can affect the way we feel and as a result the latest design trends have moved away from the stark minimalism that dominated the early 2000s. Designs that bring vitality through colour, texture and patterns are trending and Resene paints and wallpapers are with you all the way.

A new leaf

Much like a walk in nature can soothe the soul, bringing the outdoors inside is a way to uplift an interior. From plush palms to feathery ferns, there are many nature-inspired designs in the Resene Wallpaper Collection that will add a touch of greenery to your home. Resene Wallpaper Collection 291406 is a Japandi-style bamboo design which pairs well with green-based whites such as Resene Rice Cake and flooring or shelving stained with Resene Touch Wood.

291406

Resene CollectionWallpaper 38738-1

Resene Concrete

Resene

Resene Duck Egg Blue

Resene Wallpaper Collection 38738-3

Resene Wallpaper Collection

GET CREATIVE

Travel is as much about the journey as it is the destination, and the same can apply to decorating. Expressing your artistic side through Resene paints or wood stains can be as enjoyable and relaxing as the room you are creating.

New neutrals

Move over grey. Warm whites are leading the way in neutral interiors. These creamy tones add a touch of comforting luxury, especially when paired with shiny accents in Resene FX Pearl Shimmer or Resene FX Metallic paints.

Wall in Resene Half Blanc, flooring in Resene Eighth Blanc, plinth in Resene Eighth Blanc and Resene Double Blanc, DIY artwork in Resene Eighth Blanc and Resene FX Pearl Shimmer. Coffee table from Soren Liv, chair and rug from Danske Møbler, lamp from Lightingplus.

This watercolour wall was created by blending Resene Colorwood wood stains in Resene Skywater, Resene Riverstone, Resene Silvered Grey and Resene Whitewash. Rattan cabinet in Resene New Denim Blue. Couch from Nood, cushions from Farmers.

GO WITH THE GRAIN

For a modern home exterior that complements the landscape, consider timber cladding stained with Resene Woodsman. Resene Woodsman protects timber from the elements while also showcasing its natural beauty by allowing the wood grain to show through.

Walls in Resene Beethoven, flooring and bench in Resene Thorndon Cream. Mattress and artwork from Father Rabbit. Bolster cushion from Sunday Store.

Warm but calm

Earth colours such as burnt oranges and rust tones are trending right now, but these high-energy colours are sometimes not suited for areas designed for relaxation. For a softer alternative, try a warm apricot such as Resene Beethoven or a dusty blush like Resene Awaken.

Resene Colorwood Skywater

Resene Colorwood Silvered Grey

Resene Half Blanc

Weatherboards in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Smokey Ash and decking in Resene Woodsman Tiri. Side table in Resene Touchstone and large planter in Resene Ironsand. Bean bags from Cittá.

A4 drawdown paint swatches in Resene Thorndon Cream, Resene Beethoven and Resene Caffeine and testpots in Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Beethoven. Bud vase in Resene Caffeine. Terracotta tile from Maximum, fabric from Designers Guild, carpet from Bremworth, Sampania tile from Italian Stone.

If you’ve got big dreams about building a new home, we’ve got the plans to get you there.

Aspiration is a wonderful quality to have, we know that you’ve been dreaming of that new home feel, the warmth, the modern fixtures, room for the whole family, and let’s not forget that dream

kitchen. With Latitude Homes by your side we can combine your aspirations with our years of building experience, and quality workmanship to make those house dreams a reality.

/ Southland

STREET

smart

Make an entrance with these front-of-house ideas for exterior colours, doors and, inside the home, hallways and mudrooms.

So often our homes are designed with a ‘business at the front, party at the back’ philosophy, with social spaces such as decks and patios at the back of the house, leaving the street-facing spaces feeling a little lifeless. This is one of the reasons exterior and front-of-house renovations are currently trending on social media platforms like Pinterest as homeowners look for ways to inject personality into their entrances and exteriors. Small changes that will take less than a day but will make a world of difference are adding a new doormat and painting your door a colourful hue. If you want to go big, there are now more options for weatherboard and house exterior colours in warm neutrals, soothing greens and blues and timber cladding stained in modern blacks and — the latest hues — earthy browns. Inside the home, the areas near the entrance can be a magnet for clutter so organisation is key. Create welcoming mudrooms and halls with hooks for hanging coats and bags; console tables; storage cubbies; and benches so you can sit to tie your shoelaces. Bring in further comforting touches by adding colour to the walls or ceiling (yes, the ceiling!) and texture through rugs and wall hangings.

Devon Jackson outdoor bench, $1698, from McKenzie & Willis

Mutto Coil coat rack, $325, from Bauhaus

Coir plaid doormat, $49.99, from Shut the Front Door

Artificial plant, $16, from The Warehouse

Artek Kiila coat stand, $790, from Cittá

Eco Shopper, $125, from Paper Plane Store

TSB Living ottoman, $112.50, from The Warehouse

Nylex watering can, $12.98, from Bunnings

Speckle hanging pot, $160, from Slow Store

Garda table lamp, $259, from Mr Ralph

Bertie basket, $59.95, from Freedom

This two-tone hallway wall was created with Resene FC Paint Effects medium mixed with Resene Biscotti and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream.

Create classic coastal style with a front door in Resene Blue Night, weatherboards in Resene Half Periglacial Blue and decking in Resene Woodsman Driftwood.

Art and soul

From the city to the ocean, the views are all there for the taking. But there’s more to cast your eyes upon within this seaside delight.

This Dunedin home is a piece of art itself. Between the architectural flourishes and pops of colour (including on the ceiling and floors), there’s a lot to admire.

On paper, the three-storey address has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two spacious living areas. But add to that the following: a storage room complete with bespoke racking, plus a separate arts and crafts room. There’s an indoor pool as well. The structure of the 415sqm home is concrete, poured in situ. The exterior, including the

soffits, is clad in standing seam Eurotray with a flushmounted entry door and garage door.

Steel beams support the home’s many cantilevered sections. Concrete and bespoke steelwork also feature in the internal finishing: leading off the entry lobby there’s a lift, finished with handmade mesh metal doors, and a curved metal staircase that was craned in before the hot roof was completed.

This climate-controlled smart home is also decked out with tech, with entertainment and lighting activated by the touch of a smartphone.

For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

SPEARGRASS FLAT

Not schist a pretty face

On the site of Queenstown’s original schist quarry is this luxury three- bedroom home that uses the stone once hewed from its land to stunning effect. The house, with strong, angular elements that emulate the nearby peaks, is clad in schist and steel. Outcrops of stone feature in the landscaping. The 650sqm property does more than justice to the special site above Shotover River with views of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

Proud supplier to John Gavin Construction

ensuite

Once inside you find glazing at every turn inviting the landscape indoors. Even the main bedroom ensuite has floor-to-ceiling views. It is, however, just an entree to the feast to come. There’s an entertainer’s kitchen complete with scullery, wine cellar, media room, north-facing timber decks, barbecue area, five-car garage, and ensuites attached to each of the bedrooms. Everything has been meticulously planned and executed.

The home is warm year round thanks to thermally broken aluminium windows with low-e Argon filled double glazing, hydronic in-floor heating and ducted air conditioning. Sustainability measures such as drip irrigation fed by rainwater storage are also part of the master plan. The two-wing design lets the owners open and close parts of the house as required. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

John Gavin Construction

QUEENSTOWN

M 027 602 5927 • E johngavinconstruction@xtra.co.nz

W www.johngavinconstruction.co.nz

Glazing at every turn invites the landscape inside — even the mainbedroom

has views.

Holiday central

The brief was for an Australian family’s holiday home. The guidelines for the Millbrook Resort site called for a design grounded in the rural traditions of Central Otago. The outcome: a 293sqm house comprising a single-level stone ‘cottage’ and connected two-storey timber ‘barn’. The house, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, measures up everywhere else, too. The owners now have a base from which to enjoy mountain vistas and all the activities the region offers. The simple yet sophisticated home is clad in schist and rusticated cedar weatherboards that wrap inside the front doors, creating a warm, moody entry. Here, in the barn part of

the house, are the bedrooms, all with ensuites. Dormer windows, in keeping with the region’s vernacular, provide views and funnel in light. High-performing glazing keeps the warmth inside

Steel doors in the link announce entry to the cottage, where you’ll find living spaces with textured walls, concrete floors and a schist fireplace. The centrepiece kitchen has an island with fluted panelling, a bull-nose marble benchtop and reclaimed hardwood framing.

Outside, the owners can enjoy more of the scenery from beside the fireplace or while soaking in the spa pool. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Dormer

M

www.firmanjoinery.co.nz

LAKE HAYES

The art of fine living

Just when you think you’ve seen everything in terms of luxury and architectural flourishes, this 260sqm house serves up more. The views are spectacular, inside and out. Clad in black aluminium and with a cantilevered overhang and glass balustrade, this three-bedroom property overlooking Lake Hayes is both bold and elegant. You could argue, however, that the best is yet to come. Step inside and you’re greeted by the centrepiece of the

Certified Steel Fabricators

Ph. 03 442 3036

www.queenstownengineering.co.nz

120 Glenda Drive, Frankton

‘Delivering beyond expectation’

home — a custom-made steel staircase with solid oak treads that’s as much art as a means to connect floors.

Downstairs are two guest bedrooms with tiled ensuites, an office and double garage. Take the stairs encased by the beautiful metallic ribbon, and you’ll come to the living spaces and kitchen with polished concrete floors and full-height glass framing views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

This level also has the luxe main bedroom suite, a powder room and, spilling from the living zone, a covered alfresco area with an outdoor fireplace. It’s a tranquil spot in which to dine and relax while immersed in the scenery.

Thanks to insulated blocks, this home is strong and well suited to an alpine climate – warm in winter and cool in summer. Solar panels also make it energy efficient. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Yardley Building

QUEENSTOWN

M 027 233 1446

E info@yblbuilding.nz

W www.yblbuilding.nz

Like a metallic ribbon, the custommade staircase is as much art as a means to connect floors.

Precious stones

Located in Wānaka’s West Meadows neighbourhood, this gem of a house is home to a couple who appreciate its superb craftsmanship. Built into the hillside, the two-level home includes a downstairs double garage, making the most of the footprint. The elevated position provides uninterrupted lake, mountain and town views.

The versatile design includes outdoor entertainment areas in the front and back — providing flexibility depending on wind and weather. There are even lake views straight through the house from the locally made Stoked hot tub located on the private rear deck. There’s lovely flow throughout this four-bedroom home and the

open-plan kitchen, living and dining area adds to the spacious feeling.

With a 320sqm footprint and striking facade of vertical shiplap cedar, plaster and stacked schist, the house sits above a beautiful terraced garden. The Central Otago landscape is reflected indoors with a neutral palette and more timber and schist. A wooden staircase connects the two levels, and the owners have future-proofed by making provision for a lift. With every detail flawlessly finished, this home offers both a relaxing retreat and stunning showstopper, perfect for entertaining family and friends. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

JACK’S POINT

Thrills and skills

This holiday house and eventual retirement home is inspired by simple Nordic cabins, but the architecture and craftsmanship on display here are anything but basic. Top-notch carpentry and materials are pillars of the project. Pods arranged in a T-shape are wrapped in vertical timber cladding with steel-eyebrow eaves and corner windows with concealed blinds. A separate garage pod has externally accessed mezzanine storage.

Internal finishing is a showcase for the builders’ skills. It’s obvious in the walls of negative-jointed meranti marine plywood with battens, bespoke wooden bunks, furniture and cabinetry. The timber is punctuated with pops of colour throughout the three-bedroom home. You’ll notice terracotta and blue porcelain tiles in the two bathrooms and pounamu-hued granite benchtops in the splashback in the kitchen, and in bathroom and laundry benches.

It’s a showcase for the builders’ skills — in the timber walls, bespoke bunks, furniture and cabinetry.

In the living space and bedrooms, earthy-toned carpets and fabrics add natural touches that are also luxurious. Framed views of the moody mountain-scape are everywhere — even in bathrooms where windows are positioned up high for privacy.

Landscaping that’s perfectly in tune with the Central Otago environment settles the house into its site. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Lakes Building Co

QUEENSTOWN

M 021 543 169 • E stu@lakesbuilding.co.nz

W www.lakesbuilding.co.nz

| CROMWELL | QUEENSTOWN | WANAKA /southernlakesitm

Beauty and the base

Some things are worth the wait. After many years of living in houses already on the land they farmed, the semi-retired clients finally have the home they dreamed of. The 345sqm, four-bedroom beauty hasn’t been built solely for them, however. This grand property with distinct wings has been designed as a base for generations of their family. With its long wedge-like forms, and exterior clad with coloured steel, vertical timber and stacked stone, it is a beautiful home base.

There’s an awful lot of house here — two living spaces, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a media room, office, separate laundry, drying/storage room and double

garage. Thanks to smart design and skilful crafting, however, part of the house can be shut off when only the owners are in residence. When family or friends arrive, soft close cavity sliding doors open it up again.

The moody hues of the Central Otago landscape the house occupies are reflected in the interior. An oakveneer kitchen and scullery are the hub; timber and slate-grey tones reinforce the natural vibe.

Several outdoor living zones flow from inside, one of which is covered and has a barbecue — all-year alfresco dining is a given. This is next-generation living. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

With its steel, timber and stacked-stone exterior, it is a beautiful home base.

CARTERS

$1 MILLION–$1.5 MILLION

David Reid Homes Wanaka & Central Otago

W Ā NAKA

M 027 271 5006 • E chris.leith@davidreidhomes.co.nz

W www.davidreidhomes.co.nz

OTAGO FRAMELESS GLASS

DEAN MURRAY PAINTING

Talent pool

Mountain ranges are constant companions to those lucky enough to live in and around Cromwell, but this impressive 293sqm home also has a strong relationship to water. The four-bedroom house lounges across a site within cooee of Lake Dunstan and has an in-ground swimming pool. They’re game-changers in the middle of a searing Central Otago summer.

With so much going for it in terms of the great outdoors, you’d think the interior might pale into insignificance, but that’s far from the case here. Craftsmanship and special details abound, starting with the exterior entrance clad with cedar gables and a wall of Wānaka schist.

Inside, the lobby echoes the exterior with more timber and stone. To the left is the living pavilion with cathedral ceilings, clerestory window and designer kitchen with pantry. This is also the gateway to the loggia that looks out to the pool and across to hills in the distance. Turn right and you’ll come across the bedrooms, including the main suite with raking ceiling, walk-in robe and ensuite.

The builders’ attention to detail is evident wherever you look — in the snug, study, garage, attic, feature walls and even in the recess window that frames a tree. A log burner, heat-pump system and solar panels keep things toasty. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Designed

Given the position, you’d think the interior might pale into insignificance, but that’s far from the case.

$1 MILLION–$1.5 MILLION

Wanaka NZ • 027 2983 080

www.essarchitecture.com

RF Builders Ltd

All Your Building Needs

Rocket Frame Bulders T/A Stroud Homes

QUEENSTOWN LAKES

M 027 512 3191 • E bob.frame@stroudhomes.co.nz

Kinetic Electrical Wanaka

P 021 1696 922

E sam.orbell@kinetic-electric.co.nz

www.kinetic-electric.co.nz

ALEXANDRA | CROMWELL | QUEENSTOWN | WANAKA /southernlakesitm

WĀNAKA

A mountain of choice

First impressions do count, and here’s a perfect illustration. Cross the concrete slab-stepped threshold and behold the big bold door before you. Look up and see the cascade of lights mirrored above. It’s a perfect mixture of light and dark; a balance of glass panels with coloured steel and cedar that throws a Wānaka welcome. With a north-facing aspect and mountain views, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home makes a great

Christie Brothers Building

statement in its new community setting. The main bedroom commands the upstairs space with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

A grand entrance foyer and double-height ceiling adds an extra dimension to the new two-storey dwelling, which has striking street appeal. Comprising 237sqm, it’s big enough to accommodate two living rooms and a double garage as well.

Three outdoor living areas mean you can chase the sun whatever the time of day.

This is a home of contrast — in colour and detail — where there’s still room to add your own personal touch.

And adventure is at your door, with the Mt Iron walking track a hop, skip and jump away, as is Lake Wānaka and Clutha River.

For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

M 027 530 7188 (Brad) and 027 430 7167 (Matt)

E info@christiebrothersbuilding.co.nz

W www.christiebrothersbuilding.co.nz

021 871 106 // steve@allelements.co.nz www.allelements.co.nz

This is a home of contrast in colour and detail where there’s still room for personal touches.

Christie Brothers Building WĀNAKA

JACK’S POINT

Remarkable welcome

This extraordinary four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is meticulously designed to showcase the stunning Central Otago landscape. The architecture is a true marvel, with elegant north-facing gable pavilions orientated to welcome the sun’s warm rays and honour the rugged beauty of the surroundings.

Covering an impressive 321sqm and set gracefully on a gentle slope, the house is a testament to exceptional

craftsmanship and a thoughtful blend of materials. The exterior features vertical shiplap cedar cladding, complemented by tray profile Colorsteel. The U-shaped form and courtyard create a sense of dimension that works in harmony with the awe-inspiring vistas of The Remarkables.

Inside, you’ll discover a considered layout and refined interior features such as cathedral ceilings in the living

wing, crafted from cedar. The sleek black kitchen, complete with a hidden scullery, exudes sophistication. Windows extend into the ceiling, framing the views, and glass sliders seamlessly blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. With its blend of natural elements, architectural forms and evocative colour, this house feels right at home in this magnificent setting. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Toitoi Residential QUEENSTOWN

M 027 632 4244 • E matt@toitoiresidential.co.nz W www.toitoiresidential.co.nz

The house is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a thoughtful blend of materials.

Ahead of the curve

The moment you set eyes on this 315sqm home, you know bespoke features lie at its essence. The architecture is inspired by the gentle waves of Lake Wānaka with a grand facade and curved roofline that hovers above a balcony that runs the length of the house. Timber is used to dramatic effect here, with vertical cedar on and under, as well as lining the skylights in the outdoor zone.

There’s more in the upper-level cladding and screen where the sweep terminates. It’s an enviable place from which to enjoy the vistas of the lake and mountains. Bagged schist, used on the lower exterior, carries into the lobby where there’s another curve in the timber.

You’ll find four generous bedrooms, including the main-bedroom suite with mountain and lake views, walk-in closet and luxurious ensuite. Each of the three bathrooms feature designer tiles in deep, natural hues.

The kitchen, in the open-plan dining and living space, provides even more wow factor, with gleaming gold-veined marble in the island and splashback, which pops thanks to the matte-dark grey cabinetry. This leads straight out to the showstopper west-facing covered deck, making it a dramatic alfresco dining spot. A double garage has room for all your toys in this winter wonderland. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

We offer more than a per square metre rate. A lot of factors affect the pricing of your construction project, including foundations, local government rules, geographic areas, types of finishes and the style of house, to name a few. We break your building components down into a schedule and then measure and use our database of costings to calculate a final price. In some instances we can also shop around for prices. With a QS estimate document in hand, you can commit to working drawings with confidence, or tender your job knowing everyone is pricing the same project and allowing the same standard of finish and products in your build.

RELM are proud to support Master Builders House of the Year

Supreme WOOD PRODUCTS

Jonathan and Venus founded “Supreme Wood Products” in 2016 to bring high quality Siberian Larch for the best price to the New Zealand market. The business model is essentially to buy direct, without a middleman, and to deliver from the container-to-door. Now, we own part of a mill in Russia so we can monitor the quality directly and ensure the best quality timber is supplied continuously and efficiently.

Rode through tough times

We had to learn the hard way that the business practices in Russia are not the same as in New Zealand, and the Russian suppliers did not always share our enthusiasm for a high quality product. One key issue is that if the timber is not dried correctly then it will lead to major movement, cracking and splitting.

So we decided to set out and find suppliers who share our passion for a

top quality professional attitude and attention to detail. The relationships we have formed with such suppliers is what has led to us having a good consistent supply of high quality timber.

Best Siberian Larch in New Zealand

Along with sourcing the best Siberian Larch and the largest trees we also adopted a thermal modification technology to give the timber stability. Our Siberian Larch is put through a double kilning process and raised temperature for 72 hours so that it will withstand the New Zealand climate better, and reduce movement, cupping and splitting dramatically.

While this does not change the look of the timber it improves the strength and durability.

Different from other modified timbers in the market, you do not

need to pay an extortionate price for our Siberian Larch. In fact, it is priced lower than all major timber suppliers.

From logs, edged boards and treatment, we are now in full control of the process. In our opinion and experience, our Siberian Larch is the best quality and price in New Zealand.

With so much at stake, so many choices, decisions, legislation… it makes sense to start with us.

Feeling alpine

There’s a touch of the Nordic in this architectural home just a stone’s throw from the shores of the lake. Pale timber and walls teamed with light, airy spaces say alpine. A timber exterior trimmed with dark metal insists that this is a home with street appeal and wow-factor.

The moment you step inside, you can’t help but notice the glass ushering in light — its in the clerestory windows,

and sliders that connect to decks as well as interior rooms. It’s practical, clever, beautiful and invites in the dramatic landscape on the doorstep. The two offset gable wings in the four-bedroom, three-bathroom house form almost a V-shape that was designed around an established walnut tree, symbolising establishing roots and a connection to nature. Both wings, plus a living room in between, enjoy easy access, and there are plenty of other places to bask.

In the northern wing, you’ll find the kitchen with a large marble gold-veined island and matte-black cabinetry. This zone merges into dining and family spaces and here the Nordic influence is clear — in late-winter hues and natural elements such as timber floors and ceilings. It’s an ode to the alpine region. This wing is also home to two bedrooms and a bathroom with artisan tiles. Head south and you’ll find two more bedrooms with artfully designed ensuites. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

W Ā NAKA

Guardian angles

If clever shapes, unobtrusive design and low-maintenance sustainable materials are on your list of must-haves, inspiration is at hand. This three-bedroom house with pale timber and dark metal cladding looks part of its environment, rather than distracting from it, and will weather whatever the climate throws at it.

In terms of interior design, this is a home with hidden nooks and beautiful finishes. Within the 252sqm footprint, interesting angles have been used to create private territories for the owners’ teenage daughters. Their rooms are within steps of a shared, flexible lounge space and an internal courtyard that provides light and shelter

from even the strongest Wānaka wind. This is just one of the standouts in the modern, well-curated interior.

Timber has been used throughout — in the kitchen bench, shelving and cabinetry, and in the feature wall that offsets the black fireplace and wood storage. Other stylish accents include green finger tiles in the kitchen, painted tongue-and-groove walls in the girls’ bedrooms and bathroom wallpaper.

The family who lives here will also be toasty, thanks to low-e glass, thermally broken joinery, a ridged air barrier, concrete floors with underfloor heating and more.

Our innovative design team with our unique qualities that can be seen in our clients homes throughout New Zealand for over 18 years.

Working with you to express your inner design edge. Designing your home with personality and style.

Making your home perfect for you. •

We will rock you

What do you do with a Central Otago section full of rocks and schist tors? If you’re the owners of this one, you work with the outcrops as much as possible, and try to weave your new home in and around what nature has delivered. You also insist that the 189sqm hillside retreat frames and highlights the special features, hence a glass corner shower that gets up close and personal with the rock.

It was quite the assignment for Hunter & Craig, responsible for the design and construction of the house with two bedrooms and a studio. Tight resource consent requirements dictated the house should not be seen from public spaces and that the natural skyline be preserved.

This necessitated significant rock excavation to create a platform for the cedar and metal-clad home, which is just 100mm from vertical rock faces in some places.

The floorplan has two sections, each with a bedroom and a bathroom, connected by a long hallway/gallery running between outcrops. Given the build was so tricky, planning and communication with sub-contractors and the owners were crucial. The clients, whose previous home was also built by the firm, had a fixed budget and tight timeline — not that it shows. In a region full of homes with movie-star good looks, this is a genuine rock star. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

The wild blue yonder

The owners of this Dunedin home had been living in a house on the lower part of their elevated peninsula section, so knew exactly what they wanted.

Their new home, in vertical macrocarpa shiplap and azure-coloured weatherboards to reflect its coastal position, had to settle into the south-west corner of the site. From here they could enjoy views of the garden from every room of the house and every part of the deck.

www.peakroofing.co.nz

Tony Adams 027 488 1415 tony@peakroofing.co.nz

BROAD BAY

And what a garden it is: think meandering gravel paths, native plants, flowers and drystone volcanic rock walls. So important was this wonderland, that the house layout was determined by the location of trees, and a deck outside one bedroom was built around a native lancewood. The 141sqm wedge-shape monopitch-roof design also enjoys carefully planned views over the trees to the blue of the Otago harbour.

The layout was determined by the location of trees, and a deck was built around a native lancewood.

The three-bedroom house offers further clues about the clients’ appreciation of nature and natural materials.

Features such as cut-outs, like the one at the entry, and stepped windows put the spotlight on the great outdoors.

Inside more of the vivid blue is contrasted with timber — in the floorboards, architraves, joinery, skirting, doors, trims and furniture. It’s a natural-born winner. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

M 021 075 5905 • E paul@caldwellandhighsted.co.nz

W www.caldwellandhighsted.co.nz

Caldwell and Highsted DUNEDIN

my day

A narrow section, detailed client brief and tight budget were no match for the team behind this Wānaka build. From the very beginning, Bayview Construction was up for the challenge, and delivered the striking lake house on time and on budget, despite lockdown-driven material shortages and price hikes.

The four-bedroom 237sqm home, clad in dark, grooved fibre cement cladding, sits beautifully along its site and takes in wide lake and mountain views: one of the must-haves on the clients’ list. Another was multiple-use living areas and soundproofing, as the owners often work from home. Two living rooms, one upstairs and one

down, tick that box. The home also had to be thermally efficient in the freezing Central Otago winters, and offer a guest room and bathroom on the ground floor for elderly parents to stay. Tick and tick.

For all of its practical benefits the house is also utterly lovely. Neutral decor is understated, classy and lets the views do the talking. Wide windows and sliders invite the sun and landscape inside; an upstairs sun room allows the owners to enjoy the great outdoors, while protecting them from the elements. When it’s fine and sunny, there’s also a downstairs patio directly off the open-plan space . For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Delight in the details

In this twin-gabled house, every picture window tells a story. All the glazing in the kitchen, dining and living space frames views of rolling green hills and the big Wānaka sky. It’s one of the many pluses of the house, which is a modest 209sqm in size, but has a layout and details that have been carefully thought out and expertly executed. Clad in vertical shiplap and grooved panels, the four-

bedroom house is arranged in an H-shape. The bedrooms, including a main suite with ensuite, family bathroom and double garage are arranged in a line in the longer wing, while the shorter, wider pavilion is devoted to open-plan living, and includes a scullery off the kitchen.

Connecting the two is a link with the entry, storage and a powder room. Spilling out from the back of this and winding round to the living room is a sprawling deck. At the end of the flat garden is a raised patio with a built-in fireplace. It’s entertaining central back here.

More details set the house apart: there’s custom-made joinery in the kitchen and laundry; a 3m stud in the garage, so overhead truss space can be used for storage; and a welcoming boardwalk-style entry. Bathrooms are simple and elegant with large tiles in slate grey. Thick walls and insulation ensure the house is warm. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

IC B uilders

W Ā NAKA

M 027 859 4653 • E drew.ison@icbuilders.co.nz

W www.icbuilders.co.nz

W ĀNAKA

Flight of fancy

Inspiration for this 170sqm house came from above. It wasn’t exactly intervention of the divine kind, but the results certainly are. The architectural design and build of the three-bedroom home is all about emulating the world from the point of view of a tūī on the wing — soft curves, colours, organic lines and complementing textures. As soon as you set eyes on the house, you know you’re in

for something special. Cladding of dark panels and shiplap, a green door and an arc of timber over one corner set the scene. This is a house grounded in the land.

Inside, forest green makes a statement in the kitchen; floating shelves are designed to emulate tree branches. A granite-toned countertop contrasts the green wall, while black nickel-plated pendants add a touch of luxe.

In the main bathroom, an aged brass designer wall light is a beautiful contrast to the moody tones. A custom glass print featuring forest leaves ties together the elements and highlights the nature inspired theme.

Bedrooms are sunny and airy, and the main suite has a pastel-green painted design behind the bed, emulating the tūī’s plumage. Every part of this lovely home feels like a journey through a forest — from a tūī’s point of view. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

H ome Factor

W Ā NAKA AND AUCKLAND

M 021 217 8270

E info@homefactor.co.nz

W www.homefactor.co.nz

Middle testpot in Resene Cabaret.

Testpots from top left: Resene Ballerina, Resene Ghost, Resene Siesta, Resene De Janeiro, Resene Blackberry and Resene Colour Me Pink.

Have the protection of New Zealand’s leading Guarantee

The Master Build 10-year Guarantee provides homeowners with the best peace of mind that exists in the market. Whether you are building a house or doing a significant renovation –it makes sense to protect your investment.

While the vast majority of building projects go through smoothly, we all recognise that sometimes things can go wrong. The Guarantee provides a process to get a resolution during an emotional and stressful time.

The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee is one of the only products in New Zealand to provide cover if your builder is no longer in business. It is increasingly being requested by name by homeowners and most mortgage lenders. And at less than 1% of the build cost, it makes good sense.

The Master Build 10-year Guarantee provides the most comprehensive cover in the market, including cover for loss of deposit and non-completion. It also provides cover for structural defects, workmanship, and materials. The role of the Guarantee is to support you to get your home finished if your builder cannot or will not complete it.

Our Guarantee provides much greater protection than both the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Building Act. Maybe most importantly, these Acts provide no financial support if your builder goes out of business.

Last year we asked nearly 1,500 customers what they thought of the Guarantee and 83% stated their Master Build Guarantee brought them peace of mind, and 71% would recommend it to someone they knew.

When you choose a Master Builder, you are choosing quality. The Master Build 10 Year Guarantee is a key part of the quality mark. It can only be offered by a Master Builder, because we have undertaken rigorous financial and quality checks.

The Master Build 10 Year Guarantee has protected more than 216,000 homes over the past 30 years

How does a guarantee work?

A Master Build Guarantee is a warranty product and includes insolvency protection. It is not an insurance policy.

With an insurance product, the relationship is traditionally between the consumer and the insurer. With a 10-Year Master Build Guarantee there are three parties involved –the consumer, their builder, and Master Build Services. In general, a guarantee or warranty provides assurance that something will be fixed if it goes wrong, whereas insurance provides an offer of compensation for loss. The vast majority of claims under the Guarantee are settled with the builder returning to site to address the issues. This is always our first course of action.

You are covered for:

Loss of Deposit and Non-Completion

Workmanship and Materials

Structural Defects

Temporary Accommodation

While you’re still building our Guarantee protects your deposit and covers you for non-completion and remedial work (you can choose to opt out of this cover).

Your project is covered for defects in workmanship and materials for two years after your building work is completed.

You’re protected for any structural defects including weathertightness issues (rot and fungal decay) for 10 years from the date your Guarantee is accepted.

If your home is unable to be lived in after it has been completed as a result of the damage in your claim, you will be covered for costs and expenses relating to removal, storage and alternative accommodation to a maximum value of $10,000.

masterbuilder.org.nz

The Guarantee does not cover contractual disputes. Master Builders provides a free disputes resolution service to help resolve these issues.

Seal the ideal

Twin gables, open-plan living, four bedrooms and two bathrooms — welcome to your ideal family home. Add a double garage, separate lounge, flat section and L-shaped deck, and this 180sqm house goes from ideal to next-level appeal. You can never go wrong with a classic design and this one, with a vertical western red cedar and plaster exterior and dark steel roof, is a case in point. Lines of stacked schist break up the front lawn and tie the house to its Central Otago locale. Open the front door and you won’t be disappointed. There’s an instant feeling of space, thanks to crisp walls and a streamlined white-on-white kitchen with a walk-in

pantry. Don’t assume that pale means boring. Far from it. A trio of pendants hovering above the island and a splashback in pale mint tiles ramp up the interest.

The carpeted lounge off the side of the open-plan zone benefits from lots of double glazing and can be closed off with double cavity sliders. Anyone for a movie?

A central hallway leads to the bedrooms and bathroom with a tiled shower, wood-look floating vanity and bath. The main bedroom, at the end of hall for privacy and space, has a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and plenty of natural light. This is a modern classic, pure and simple. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Kinetic Electrical Wanaka

P 021 1696 922

E sam.orbell@kinetic-electric.co.nz

www.kinetic-electric.co.nz

You can’t go wrong with a classic, and this one with gables and cedar is a prime example.

RF Builders Ltd

All Your Building Needs

Stroud Homes

QUEENSTOWN LAKES

M 027 203 5986 • E Aaron.shaw@stroudhomes.co.nz

W www.stroudhomes.co.nz

WĀNAKA

Go with the flow

• Available Nationwide

• NZ owned and operated

• Superior R-Values

• Products Exceed new H1 Requirements

• Healthier, warmer & more cost effective living

This wonder home is packed to the rafters with potential. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one extralong garage, it’s the type of house that could fit the needs of many types of people. Lock-and-leave downsizers would be perfectly suited, so too would a couple just starting out, or there’s plenty of room for a family combo. The standalone 167sqm show home sits snugly into its mountain backdrop site. It stamps its own identity on the 0800 MAXRAFT

www.aitkenjoinery.co.nz

beautiful landscape with the big bold red door throwing open a welcome.

Clearly entertainment was front of the designer’s mind when this dream home was conjured up. All manner of needs are met in the well-appointed cosy living space: the fireplace within; the designer kitchen and scullery; the flow outside to a deck built for maximum enjoyment of this outdoor setting.

Inside or out, there’s plenty of light. Five opening skylights and a raking ceiling embrace the outdoors from the comfort within.

There’s a place for everything here, with generous storage plus the odd surprise such as a hidden doorway which add uniqueness and practicality. Low-maintenance landscaping provides a perfect finishing touch. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Jennian Homes Wanaka WĀNAKA

M 021 632 244

E nathan.simon@jennian.co.nz

W www.jennian.co.nz

Inside or out, there’s plenty of light with five skylights and a raking ceiling.

LAKE HAYES

Raw beauty

In this house, the functional is also the beautiful. Strong exterior forms of schist, concrete, steel and timber are works of art. These external materials and hues, so in tune with the immediate environment, are brought indoors and celebrated.

Black steel is the star on this build with the exposed structural beams and trusses, a hovering fireplace, firewood storage and a floating staircase where treads

merge into balusters in a single sculptural piece. Polished concrete floors add to the curated vibe that adeptly mixes the industrial with the luxurious.

Timber, another recurring theme, can be found in the feature walls, ceilings and custom cabinetry in the kitchen, walk-in wardrobe and marbled bathrooms. It also lines covered outdoor entertaining spaces with uninterrupted views of the lake and the mountains.

Sustainability was also paramount, with features such as SIPs panels and thermally broken concrete creating an airtight passive house.

At 442sqm and with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms, media room and a massive five car garage, this builder’s home is epic. It’s also an exemplar of a powerful form executed with finesse. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Form Construction

QUEENSTOWN

M 027 448 7287 • E hamish@formconstruction.co.nz

W www.formconstruction.co.nz

Exterior hues and materials, so in tune with the environment, are brought in and celebrated.

ALEXANDRA | CROMWELL | QUEENSTOWN | WANAKA /southernlakesitm

Levels of excellence

High standards meet high-spec in this builder’s home that takes craftsmanship to new heights. Yes, the 437sqm house has all the luxury extras — handmade Italian fixtures in the bathrooms, a gym, infrared sauna and a self-contained flat, to name a few — but what’s most apparent is the clear demonstration of top-drawer skills. The painstaking attention to detail has been maintained throughout the sprawling house with five bedrooms, four

bathrooms and three living rooms. It’s there in the vaulted ceilings, polished-concrete floors, exposed steel, tiled bathrooms, outdoor room and much-admired kitchen. You’ll also find it in the cedar-clad exterior with schist and weathered-steel highlights.

Enjoying a special spot above Shotover River and beneath the mountains, the home was designed with lifestyle and healthy living in mind. Orientation towards the

Above the river and beneath the mountains this home was designed with lifestyle in mind.

sun, 23 solar panels and air-to-water underfloor heating ensure the living is easy, no matter the weather or season. Another part of the project was a scrupulous renovation of a listed heritage cottage on the site. The chimney was rebuilt using the same stones in the exact same positions. This build shows what can be achieved when form and function meet sympathetic design and craftsmanship. For more of this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz

Proud to support Hudson Builders.

Hudson Builders LTD

QUEENSTOWN

M 022 159 6598

E john@hudsonbuildersltd.co.nz

Dark and dramatic

A TOUCH luxe

OF

Grand but elegant kitchen design comes down to thoughtful planning rather than splashy spending.

Whether it’s a flambeed dessert or a dish that’s garnished with a flourish, a touch of theatre never goes awry with food. The same idea applies to kitchens where luxurious fittings create a bit of drama and make eating and cooking that much more enjoyable. Think swathes of statement stone, natural timber in flooring and cabinetry, and tapware in metals with vintage finishes like aged iron and brushed nickel. Layering different levels of sheen in the room, such as matte painted cabinetry paired with shiny stone and reflective glassware or lighting creates visual interest and decadent comfort. Interior and kitchen designer Kathrine McDonald says

achieving an opulent look often comes down to well thought-out design rather than the most expensive materials. “Your design will define your finishes, and it’s easy to create a sense of luxury with cheaper products if the layout is right,” she says. “I always think stone and natural materials raise the sophistication level, and you can do things like wrap an extractor fan in stone or render to make it a statement. Think about intersections like where the bench ends and how that lines up with elements such as windows.” Colourwise go for dark and dramatic hues like charcoal, burgundy or British racing green or creamy vanillas in rooms with sheer drapes bathed in light.

SWITCHED ON

Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or renovating your existing one, don’t overlook your switches and sockets. Refreshing these features will instantly update your home. The Iconic range from PDL by Schneider makes it easy, simply clip the cover plate off and replace with your preferred style. Pictured here, Iconic Styl in Crowne.

This sleek charcoal Style Seejer kitchen from Kaboodle features Molasses V doors in a modern profile and Calcutta Gloss and Hevea benchtops. Available from Bunnings.

Calligaris Saint Tropez dining chair, $725, McKenzie & Willis

Como marble dining table, $5495, from Coco Republic

Serax casserole dish, $803, from ECC store

The Bambino Plus espresso machine, $849.95, from Breville

CLASSY COUNTERS

Tone and texture

The contrasting tones of this kitchen by Kathrine McDonald create drama. The cabinetry timber has been stained to match the flooring, making the quartzite island a standout feature.

Light fantastic

The grouping of the Code Delta Kilo, Code Kilo and Code Charlie Tango pendant lights from Nightworks Studio makes a grand statement..

HOLIDAY MODE

With this Jack’s Point holiday home, inspired by Nordic and traditional cabin style, craftsmanship is on display inside and out. The kitchen by Leading Edge Joinery is one of this home’s crown jewels. The pounamu-coloured benchtop and splashback glow against the meranti ply walls and joinery. The grain of the ply and rippled veins of the stone create texture, giving this space a cosy, relaxing quality. With Blum fittings on the cabinetry, it’s got everything you need to cook up holiday magic. For more of this house go to page 36.

Lateral pendant light , $2390, from Powersurge

Dual Fuel freestanding cooker, $9699, from Fisher and Paykel

Large slabs of ‘expressive’ marble and coloured stone will add a sense of luxury to a kitchen.

Modi cabinetry pull handles, $65.90, from Abi Interiors

The InSinkErator Multitap System, $2525, from Plumbing World

Paini Cox pull out hand spray sink mixer in brushed nickel, $610, from Plumbing World

Whisky decanter and glasses by Tom Dixon, $450, from Simon James Store

Bottle salt and pepper grinder set, $329, from Infinite Definite

Costa Esmeralda granite from Granite Workshop

Calacatta Gold Extra Marble from Granite Workshop

Design intervention

The elegantly angular D-Neo freestanding bathtub, $7764, from Plumbing World, not only makes a design statement but it also has a velvety texture that makes bathing feel luxurious.

STRIPE IT LUCKY

Add some beachin’ style to your bathroom with towels inspired by coastal striped designs.

BRUSH UP

Rubbed bronze, brushed nickel and aged iron are trending as designers seek out hardware featuring natural-looking metals.

HOLIDAY AT

home

Bathrooms designed for relaxation take inspiration from resorts and spa retreats.

Bathrooms are one of the few places in a family home where there is true privacy, and with that comes relaxation. With growing understanding of the benefits of self care, bathroom designs are taking inspiration from hotel style. For a touch of Balinese spa style, try rainwater-inspired showerheads, bathtubs with soft edges, wooden and rattan vanities, stone, tile walls or earthen plasters such as Rockcote Marrakesh. For accent colours, use relaxing shades such as grey-toned greens and blues and earthy pinks and apricots. “To achieve this look, go for organic materials and finishes, such as timber as opposed to coloured Melteca,” says interior designer Kate Alexander. “Look for tapware that isn’t too shiny and has a natural patina such as aged copper or rubbed bronze. Diffused light is very important, so skylights and frosted glass

will help.” For a more European-style resort-look, consider large tiles that will have fewer grout lines, making a small space look bigger. If incorporating two types of tiles or combining tiles and paint, choose colours with similar undertones. “Luxurious bathrooms really lend themselves to tiles, but if you’re not tiling the entire bathroom, think about where they will finish so your eye isn’t drawn to a lip of tiles,” says Kate. “It also pays to really nail the layout first and think about practicalities like how you live in the space and where you want the bin to go. For instance, I’m a big fan of vertical bath rails because my kids don’t know how to hang towels.” For the ultimate escape, consider a washable wallpaper mural placed behind a bathtub so you can dream of tropical locations without leaving home.

Franklin bath towel by Baina, $90, from Tessuti

Mini stripe cotton bath towel, $17, from Kmart

Greens brushed nickel Avalon wall basin mixer, $277.20, from Bunnings

Kip & Co waffle bath towel, $69, from Oh My

Therapy hand & body lotion, $24.99, from The Aromatherapy Co

Louver double vanity with blue stone top, $3499, from Early Settler

LeVivi wall-mounted rain shower, $402, from Plumbing World

FOREST BATHING

If you’ve always dreamed of relaxing in the tub in an exotic location, bring the holiday home with a wallpaper mural. Washable designs such as Resene Wallpaper Collection P026-VD2 are suitable for wet areas and are a cost-effective way to transform a bathroom.

Sage advice

Introduce soothing green tones with the Fleet modular vanity by Athena Bathrooms, $POA, from Plumbing World. Available in eight colours and in many frame and drawer combinations.

SOAK IT UP

Recreate a spa experience at home with these luxurious soaps and bath salts.

COLOUR ME HAPPY

Wall-to-wall zesty orange tiles are like a tropical wake-up call in this Dunedin bathroom. This wet room features an elegant bath by Italian firm Boffi, allowing the owner to bathe in colour. The Acquachiara showerhead by CEA uses light and water chromotherapy, designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. This vibrant citrus room is just one of the colourful spaces in this art lover’s creative home. For more of this house go to page 26.

Folklore soap, $14.90, from Folklore Store

Formation Epsom salts, $8, from Countdown Woodsy Botanics bath salts, $33, from Paper Plane Store

A touch of zen

With clean lines and matte finishes, Saturn Zen light switches and power points by PDL Schneider Electric will complement any modern bathroom.

Resene Wallpaper Collection P026-VD2

Tapered ladder, $195, from Kayu Studio

Retreat slippers, $64.90, from Wallace Cotton

Rain or shine

eye, such as a boundary, a corner of the house or at the front gate.

Underplant with a smaller pink-leafed harakeke/flax such as ‘Evening Glow’, or with lomandra, a fresh-green Australian ornamental grass. Complete the vignette with a billowing plant like a dramatic fatsia, sprawling nasturtiums (left) or catmint.

Lawn lore

Time-consuming, water-guzzling and environmentally unsound, domestic lawns are being given makeovers.

To maintain the neat, green openness that makes lawns so appealing, replace the grass with native ground covers, which tend to be particularly good in damper regions. Once established, these will prove tough, long-lasting and will help suppress weeds.

Kia kaha

Picking resilient plants that tolerate both drought and monsoon conditions is a no-brainer. Stunning combinations are popping up in gardens designed with two rules: they need to look good, and survive — or even thrive — in what the heavens throw at them. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we add a third rule: that they won’t go feral in our native forests.

Top tough trees include our iconic tī kōuka/cabbage tree, and the white Himalayan birch, treasured for its snow-white bark and then its autumn glory. These look best in groups planted in places that draw the

Try some of the leptinellas, Mercury Bay weed, an acaena or Mazus reptans. Some like more sun and others withstand drought better, so choose carefully for your site.

In drier zones, stunning shingle and hoggin (sand, gravel and clay) gardens are ideal lawn replacements.

In these, plants erupt sometimes seemingly randomly, sometimes sparsely, out of this coarse material.

In others, plants may be closely packed with clearly defined paths. It’s your choice.

If you select drought-resistant plants, they shouldn’t need watering. Examples include euphorbia, verbena bonariensis, catmint, lamb’s ear (right), lavender, gaura… the list is long.

Ditch it

Swales are swanky ditches that catch rain and run-off before letting it filter back into the soil. This is, of course, preferable to it pooling on both hard or boggy surfaces, or being channelled into the stormwater system, which is all too often overwhelmed in storms. Planted up — with hardy varieties, of course — they add interest and beauty to a garden.

Hard rehabilitation

New permeable concrete is one of the hottest products in home landscaping today. Concrete, like the Brutalist architecture it engendered, has always had fans who love its clean, bold lines and low-maintenance qualities. With recent weather events, a spotlight has been thrown on the hardy material, and the porous versions now available. These allow water to soak through quickly without the concrete losing any of its durability. It’s a win-win.

Think tanks

Gardeners are snapping up water tanks, and not just because they collect rain from roofs and save it for dry spells. There’s an aesthetic component, too. Who doesn’t want an excuse to add something both beautiful and useful to the garden? For a real hit of Kiwiana choose a round corrugated metal tank on a stand. If room is tight, how about a slimline number which doubles as a fence? With staycations commonplace, tanks disguised as Roman amphora or modernist urns, will lend an air of exotica to your backyard.

Climate change with its storms,floods, droughts and heatwaves means gardeners are rethinking their practices and designs. Mary Lovell-Smith shares some of the latest trends.

Helping at every stage is our trade.

Bunnings Trade is proud to support Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2023. We know it takes teamwork to achieve excellence and we are here to help at every step. Congratulations to all of this year’s entrants and winners.

Search Bunnings Trade to find out how we back your business.

Regional Winner New Home $500,000 - $750,000 House of the Year 2022. Supported by Bunnings Trade.