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Sustainability was a primary focus in the design of this three-bedroom, cedar home.

With views to the western slopes of the Tararua range, natural ventilation and solar gains are maximised - the open fire and wood burner are all that's required for winter heating. The design also facilitates future photovoltaic power generation.

Created as a low, horizontal form that follows the contours of the hill, the home was constructed in two stages. The garage was built first to provide weekend accommodation while the property was established with native trees. The main house and swimming pool were the second stage.

While the home is compact, the three bedrooms are each designed to accommodate regular visits from the clients' adult children and friends, with sleeping lofts catering for any overflow of guests.

Photos: Andy Spain

Awards: NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards 2020, Housing.

Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects Ltd
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Waikanae House II
Waikanae House II
Waikanae House II
Waikanae House II
Waikanae House II
Waikanae House II

Professionals used in
Waikanae House II

About the
Professional

Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects is an NZIA award-winning practice with studios in Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Tauranga. Established in 1997, our rich portfolio of commercial and residential work demonstrates a strong commitment to creating beautifully-crafted architecture that enhances the lives of those who experience our buildings – both inside and out.

We believe that enduring architecture is a delicate balance of factors – our clients’ needs and aspirations, our professional training and expertise, the history and nature of the site – but also intuition and commonsense. Every design decision, from materials to how the building complements the landscape, matters to us and adds to the experiential qualities of our projects.  

Directors Max Herriot and John Melhuish in Wellington, Duval O'Neill in Christchurch and Matt Pearson in Auckland are committed to the best architectural design practices. HMOA Associate and registered architect Jenny Duck runs the Tauranga studio.

As well as new homes and house renovations, we have experience in the education, recreation, heritage, health and hospitality sectors, office interiors, multi-unit developments, civil projects and master-planning.