Gibson House Wairau Village Blenheim, Marlborough

Stephen and Karen are building this new passive solar home on a lifestyle block in the Wairau Village area 25km south west of Blenheim, Marlborough. A separate shed is also being built as temporary accommodation on site while they build, this will also house the 4.6kW solar power system which will run the house and shed. Materials are simple board and batten weatherboard. A Maxraft floor with exposed coloured concrete will help keep the home warm in winter, as this site is not far down the valley from the Alpine region of Nelson Lakes National Park.

Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2022 Award

REGIONAL AWARDS WON: Regional APL Sustainable & Environmental Excellence Regional Gold

REGION & CATEGORY: Nelson / Marlborough / West Coast New Home $500,000 - $750,000

Here's a home that expertly balances good looks, clever use of space, environmental friendliness and running costs. It all comes in an inviting 171sqm package that feels much more spacious than its footprint suggests. The timber exterior settles the home into its rural environment, with the Richmond Ranges as a backdrop. These views are welcomed into the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home through sliders and windows. Inside, you’re greeted with high ceilings and open-plan living areas that make the most of the vistas. Timber is a recurring feature – you’ll find Japanese cedar lining the lounge ceiling and a feature wall in the main bedroom. These, along with wood tones in the kitchen cabinetry, engender a feeling of natural warmth. The natural approach continues – this off-grid home has been cleverly designed to maximise the sun. Aluminium joinery to the north invites winter rays into the main living area and bedrooms where heat is absorbed and released by polished concrete floors. This passive energy, teamed with wool-fibre insulation and a fireplace, keeps things toasty and negates the need for additional heating. Hot water is provided by the wetback fire in winter and solar panels in summer.