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This special home was designed to reflect our clients unique lifestyle, passion for rowing, water sport, and stunning location on the edge of Lake Karapiro. The design positions a series of pavilions orientated towards the lake views towards the west and a private vineyard to the east. 

The design allows the owners to occupy the larger two pavilions and when friends and family come they enjoy luxury self-contained accommodation within the smaller pavilions accessed via a boardwalk from the main house. The layout and position of the home connects to the lake setting from multiple spaces, while providing privacy from the lake users.

The home takes advantage of passive solar, thermal mass and bridging techniques with our unique fabric-first approach. The vineyard has been developed by the owners, adding a further sense of permanence to this special project.

Tawa Architecture
Waikato
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Lake House
Lake House
Lake House
Lake House
Lake House
Lake House

About the
Professional

Welcome to Tawa Architecture, where elevated architectural design meets proven performance. Based in the beautiful Waikato region, we specialise in Passive House, High-Performance, and SIPs architectural design and build. When you choose Tawa Architecture, you're choosing a team of experts dedicated to creating sustainable, energy-efficient, and stunning spaces that truly reflect your vision. 

Our services include bespoke architectural and interior design tailored to your unique requirements, as well as Passive House design that prioritises energy efficiency and comfort. With our experienced and highly qualified team, you can trust us to deliver exceptional results that surpass your expectations. Let us bring your dream home to life with our focus on quality, sustainability, and eco-friendly practices.

TAWA Architecture is led by director and designer Brooke Cholmondeley-Smith. With over 25 years of national and international experience, Brooke brings exceptional expertise in architectural and interior design, specialising in high-performance and Passive Homes, as well as SIPs construction. TAWA Architecture are dedicated to all aspects of design and sustainable technologies, ensuring that every project combines innovation, efficiency, and beautiful design.

Certified Passive Homes

As Certified Passive House Designers, TAWA is passionate about creating homes that are both enduring in design and highly sustainable. Brooke achieved Passive House Certification and completed the first Passive House in the Waikato in 2011. As pioneers in this building method, TAWA is dedicated to using the latest technology to ensure homes are timeless, incredibly energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Passive Homes offer superior energy efficiency, exceptional indoor air quality, and enhanced thermal comfort - setting the standard in sustainable living.

High-Performance Homes

Specialists in designing high-performance residential homes, Tawa Architecture ensures the success of their projects by partnering and aligning with Certified Passive House Tradesmen. This crucial collaboration between a qualified builder and designer guarantees that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, resulting in homes that achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. By incorporating advanced building techniques and materials, TAWA Architecture’s expertise ensures reduced energy consumption, lower utility costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Their high-performance designs also prioritise durability, strength, and overall occupant well-being, creating healthier and more sustainable living environments.

SIPs Construction

Tawa’s knowledge and understanding of Passive principles strongly informs their design approach giving them a critical understanding of thermal modelling using PHPP software, airtight and thermal-bridge free construction. This experience enables them to seamlessly integrate these principles into the SIPs framework which offers them a huge advantage to deliver exceptionally built bespoke architecturally designed homes that are not only beautiful but outperform standard methods of construction on many levels.