The owners desired a space for hosting extended family gatherings while providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for years to come – gabled roofs and timber cladding evoke a farmhouse vibe.

With deep affection

This design centres around a modern reinterpretation of traditional small farmhouses – those likely to be seen dotted across the Central Otago region, an area the owners adore and where the home is located

With deep affection

This design centres around a modern reinterpretation of traditional small farmhouses – those likely to be seen dotted across the Central Otago region, an area the owners adore and where the home is located

DESKTOP

MOBILE

Designed by: Garry Mayne, Chilton + Mayne Architecture

Photography by: Simon Larkin Photography

Brief

Located in Wanaka, this home was designed for Christchurch-based owners seeking a peaceful holiday retreat, which would later transition into their full-time residence.

With a deep affection for the Central Otago region, they desired a space for hosting extended family gatherings while providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for years to come – all with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Project description

The design concept centred around a modern reinterpretation of traditional small farmhouses.

The goal was to create a warm, timeless interior that would stand the test of time.

The home was to include guest bedrooms, a master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite, along with open living areas that connected seamlessly to a spacious, private outdoor space.

The aim was to balance style, comfort, and sustainability while offering flexibility for various family occasions.

Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s green goals.
Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s green goals.

Design features & creative solutions

The design utilises an ‘H’-shape layout that separates the home into distinct wings, promoting privacy while maintaining a flowing atmosphere between spaces.

This arrangement provides separation between the living and private areas while allowing for integration.

The pavilion-style design was inspired by traditional farm buildings, with distinct pavilions and a central linking space that serves as both the entry and circulation hub.

Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion.

This pavilion is strategically placed to open up to the north-facing outdoor living area, maximising natural light and creating a connection to the private backyard.

Large glazing allows the interior to flow seamlessly into the outdoor space, enhancing the sense of openness.

Looking through the h-shaped home with wood floors from the entry.
Looking through the h-shaped home from the entry.

The outdoor living area is a key feature, located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.

It is designed to extend the home’s living space and includes a sheltered area with an outdoor fire, making it suitable for use in all seasons.

The space blends effortlessly with the interior, creating an harmonious environment for relaxation or family gatherings.

The master suite is strategically positioned to take advantage of views of the private backyard, ensuring a strong connection to the outdoors.

The material palette is simple and elegant, combining timber and stone elements to create a natural-look aesthetic that won’t date.

These materials enhance the home’s warmth and connection to the surrounding landscape, while maintaining comfort and functionality throughout.

Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion with giant glass windows..
Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion.

Sustainability

Sustainability was integral to the design, with passive solar principles incorporated to optimise natural heating and cooling.

The home features 140mm-thick external walls, thermally broken window and door joinery, and high-performance glazing, ensuring a well-insulated thermal envelope.

These elements reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Strategically placed windows, roof overhangs, and sun angles allow the home to capture solar energy in winter while protecting from excessive heat in summer.

Large sliding doors and carefully positioned windows enhance cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.

Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s sustainable goals.

These materials harmonise with the landscape, blending the home seamlessly into its surroundings.

The louvred roof outdoor living area is located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.
The outdoor living area is located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

Credit List

Architect
Garry Mayne, Chilton + Mayne Architecture
Structural engineer
Engco Consulting
Interior architecture
Homeowner
Builder
Owner builder
Kitchen designer
Chilton + Mayne
Interior designer
Owner & Chilton + Mayne
Cladding
Hermpac Vertical Cedar Shiplap
Roofing
Metal Craft Espan 470
Louvre system
Louvertec
Window/door joinery
APL Window and doors
Main flooring
Wool carpet; timber overlay
Bedroom flooring
Wool carpet
Bathroom tiles
Brymac
Paint
Resene
General heating
In slab underfloor; ducted heating throughout
Fireplace
Escea DF960 Gas Fire Place
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

Brief

Located in Wanaka, this home was designed for Christchurch-based owners seeking a peaceful holiday retreat, which would later transition into their full-time residence.

With a deep affection for the Central Otago region, they desired a space for hosting extended family gatherings while providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for years to come – all with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Project description

The design concept centred around a modern reinterpretation of traditional small farmhouses.

The goal was to create a warm, timeless interior that would stand the test of time.

The home was to include guest bedrooms, a master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite, along with open living areas that connected seamlessly to a spacious, private outdoor space.

The aim was to balance style, comfort, and sustainability while offering flexibility for various family occasions.

Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s green goals.
Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s green goals.

Design features & creative solutions

The design utilises an ‘H’-shape layout that separates the home into distinct wings, promoting privacy while maintaining a flowing atmosphere between spaces.

This arrangement provides separation between the living and private areas while allowing for integration.

The pavilion-style design was inspired by traditional farm buildings, with distinct pavilions and a central linking space that serves as both the entry and circulation hub.

Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion.

This pavilion is strategically placed to open up to the north-facing outdoor living area, maximising natural light and creating a connection to the private backyard.

Large glazing allows the interior to flow seamlessly into the outdoor space, enhancing the sense of openness.

Looking through the h-shaped home with wood floors from the entry.
Looking through the h-shaped home from the entry.

The outdoor living area is a key feature, located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.

It is designed to extend the home’s living space and includes a sheltered area with an outdoor fire, making it suitable for use in all seasons.

The space blends effortlessly with the interior, creating an harmonious environment for relaxation or family gatherings.

The master suite is strategically positioned to take advantage of views of the private backyard, ensuring a strong connection to the outdoors.

The material palette is simple and elegant, combining timber and stone elements to create a natural-look aesthetic that won’t date.

These materials enhance the home’s warmth and connection to the surrounding landscape, while maintaining comfort and functionality throughout.

Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion with giant glass windows..
Raking ceilings enhance the sense of space and volume, with the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas housed in one pavilion.

Sustainability

Sustainability was integral to the design, with passive solar principles incorporated to optimise natural heating and cooling.

The home features 140mm-thick external walls, thermally broken window and door joinery, and high-performance glazing, ensuring a well-insulated thermal envelope.

These elements reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Strategically placed windows, roof overhangs, and sun angles allow the home to capture solar energy in winter while protecting from excessive heat in summer.

Large sliding doors and carefully positioned windows enhance cross-ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.

Locally sourced timbers and natural stone were chosen to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with the project’s sustainable goals.

These materials harmonise with the landscape, blending the home seamlessly into its surroundings.

The louvred roof outdoor living area is located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.
The outdoor living area is located off the main living space for privacy and shelter from prevailing winds.

Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com

[clean_tags]

Credit List

Architect
Garry Mayne, Chilton + Mayne Architecture
Structural engineer
Engco Consulting
Interior architecture
Homeowner
Builder
Owner builder
Kitchen designer
Chilton + Mayne
Interior designer
Owner & Chilton + Mayne
Cladding
Hermpac Vertical Cedar Shiplap
Roofing
Metal Craft Espan 470
Louvre system
Louvertec
Window/door joinery
APL Window and doors
Main flooring
Wool carpet; timber overlay
Bedroom flooring
Wool carpet
Bathroom tiles
Brymac
Paint
Resene
General heating
In slab underfloor; ducted heating throughout
Fireplace
Escea DF960 Gas Fire Place
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended

Related Articles

Selecting Cladding Materials for Street Appeal

Durability, weather resistance, and visual impact

The home has a private aspect from the street, complete with substantial roller garage door.

Wonder wall

Tucked behind a sculptural, sound-proof wall, this home is a game of two halves with an enclosed courtyard between – the rear opens to outdoor living with tree and stream outlooks

Architectural elements such as wall facade recesses, overhangs, and boxed window frames were utilised to create depth and articulation on the exterior.

Well rounded and future friendly

Looking to downsize yet stay in the neighbourhood you love? These two high-end townhouses are designed for just such a buyer and are future-proofed into the bargain

Portfolios

View Industry Specialists

Portfolios

View Industry Specialists