Challenged to design a cost-effective three-bedroom home in one of the country’s most expensive areas to create a property, Pete Barham of Open Architecture had to focus on his key principles to craft and deliver this unique Wānaka home.

The tailored design of ‘The Next House’ minimises wasted space whilst maximizing the home for both the surrounding mountain views and passive solar gain. Throughout the home there is a careful selection of materials combined with an adherence to a pure aesthetic in order to drive sustainable outcomes. The resulting beautiful and functional home feels considerably larger than its 146m2 footprint and has enabled a local artist to live and work in Wānaka whilst being immersed in the heart of the mountains.

Photographer: Simon Larkin