Garden House

Wanaka · Residential

The Garden House is a compact family home at 111 m², a footprint of 90m². It sits in the backyard of the existing 1970's house, surrounded by garden. Each window frames a different aspect of garden, creating lovely seasonal cycles and keeping nature close. The home has an open plan, kitchen/dining/living which is divided by a screen of indoor plants. There are two bedrooms downstairs with a powder room dividing them and the main bathroom/laundry sits at the back of the site, allowing access to an outdoor bath. There is a generous loft, accessible by ladder which can be a lounge, or third bedroom, a quiet place tucked under the roof but flooded with natural light. Each bedroom has its own personality, one low and tucked in, the second tall, open and gazing at the sky.

The materials throughout are natural with most internal walls ply lined, then stained to keep the depth and life of timber present in the house. Two plaster walls provide a little thermal mass, which helps keep the interior temperature steady, alongside the fresh air inlet with heat exchange. The home is sealed, keeping it super energy efficient and warm but always fresh & healthy. In summer when the weather is fine, cross ventilation and stack ventilation can easily flush any excess heat and a reflection pond sits alongside the deck, cooling air if necessary. The dark interiors negate the walls, keeping the focus on the garden beyond. The bathroom units are recycled timber furniture pieces adjusted for use.

The aim was to create a home that feels timeless, lived-in and instantly comfortable, embracing the textures of nature in the materials chosen. Clad in coloursteel and recycled Australian hardwood, the home is tough but gentle and welcoming. A Winter Gardenz glasshouse has been added to the garden, creating a green house, library and office all in one. It is a privilege to build a home, hopefully this one will be loved by many during its lifetime.

Garden House — living room with wood burner and garden outlook

Garden House — living room with leather sofa and window seat over the garden

Garden House — galley kitchen with timber joinery and a long garden window

Garden House — dining area with open shelving and timber table

Garden House — bedroom with woven pendant light and garden window

Garden House — bedroom with floral mural wall and window to the garden

Garden House — bedroom with bold botanical wallpaper

Garden House — mezzanine loft beneath the dark-stained roof, with skylight

Garden House — bathroom with brass sink and window over a leafy outlook

Garden House — tiled shower room with timber vanity

Garden House — powder room with reclaimed-timber vanity and round mirror

Awards

2026 Southern Architecture Awards (NZIA) — Housing category, and a Resene Colour Award.

NZIA Southern Architecture Awards 2026 — Resene Colour Award certificate for Garden House

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