Sustainable stunner

Master Builders’ 2022 House of the Year competition.

A high level of thought and care has gone into this home, which features an impressive range of passive and active sustainability measures. Notable passive measures include optimal solar orientation, passive heating from exposed concrete floors, super insulation, natural cross ventilation, and cooling from the rolling slatted screens.

Bulk rainwater harvesting, extensive water storage and re-use, solar panels with battery storage, and an EV charging station are just some of the active measures incorporated.

In addition to creating an inspiring home, the outdoor space has also benefitted from sustainable approaches with extensive areas of native species being planted on retired farmland to encourage the return of bird life.

The Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition recognises the very best homes, builders, and craftsmen across New Zealand. This year the regional competition had over 295 entries across eight regions.

The awards are made possible through the support of Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, CARTERS, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Pink Batts, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions.

Give yourself a moment to relax into the soulful aesthetic of coastal tones, which transform your home into a getaway sanctuary.

Creating a space of coastal peace requires using natural light and elements to replicate the natural grace of Aotearoa’s environment.

Island Interiors is an interior design business based on Waiheke Island, just a short 40-minute ferry ride from Tāmaki Makaurau. They have a passion for residential interior design and create timeless designs, which complement the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Owner of Island Interiors, Susannah Matheson says creating a space using coastal tones is all about maintaining a connection to the outdoors and bringing natural elements inside the home.

“A room with a connection to the outdoors can create a clear coastal feeling. This could be doors to a dining space, a living space, which opens out to a stunning view or a