New Zealand House Photos, NZ Residential Buildings, Properties, Modern Homes, Architecture, Architects
New Zealand Houses: NZ Property
Contemporary NZ Properties : Modern Residential Architecture Photographs
Post updated 13 March 2023
New Zealand Architecture Designs – chronological list
New Zealand Houses
NZ Residential Architecture – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:
27 Feb 2023
Vineyard House, Marlborough, North Island
Design: Arthouse Architects
photo : Sarah Rowlands
Vineyard House, Marlborough
The Vineyard House was designed by Arthouse Architects for a growing family on the site of an old vineyard, the clients wanted a house that took in the views over the vines to the hills beyond while providing a warm, modern solution.
11 Jan 2023
Sundance Rise, Wānaka, Otago
Design: Condon Scott Architects
photo : Simon Larkin
Sundance Rise House, Otago, South Island
Located on the outskirts of the township of Wanaka, Sundance Rise has a rural aspect that encouraged an open design, allowing in as much of the view as possible while still shielding the interiors from harsh elements.
More contemporary New Zealand houses on e-architect soon
New Zealand House Designs in 2022
Updated 5 Sep 2022
Case Study Villa, Auckland, North Island
Architects: WILLIAM TOZER Associates
photo : Carme Aguayo
Case Study Villa, Auckland
The Case Study Villa project encompasses a series of new pavilions that loosely enclose an original Victorian villa. Treated as a found object, perceptions of the original building are framed by the new interventions, which reference its scale, proportion and materials.
1 Aug 2022
Queensberry Hills House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: Chaney & Norman Architects
photo © Graham Warman
Queensberry Hills House, Wanaka
Queensberry Hills House was Chaney & Norman Architects’ second project in the stunning but harsh environment of the Queensberry Hills, between the Pisa Ranges and the Upper Clutha River Valley. Drawing upon the experience gained in the design and construction of the previous house, we had confidence that our previous analysis and solutions had been successful.
11 July 2022
Sugi House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: Condon Scott Architects
photo © Simon Devitt
Sugi House, Wanaka
It was on a Japanese ski trip that the owners of this NZ property came to appreciate the efficiency of small spaces. Staying in a compact two-bedroom vacation home in the mountains, they saw that a small, carefully designed house could be comfortable and pleasant to live in.
17 Jun 2022
Case Study Villa, Auckland, North Island
Architects: WILLIAM TOZER Associates
photo : Carme Aguayo
Case Study Villa, Auckland
The Case Study Villa project encompasses a series of new pavilions that loosely enclose an original Victorian villa. Treated as a found object, perceptions of the original building are framed by the new interventions, which reference its scale, proportion and materials.
5 Jun 2022
End of the Road House, Orakei Basin, North Island
Architects: Wendy Shacklock Architects Ltd
photo : Patrick Reynolds
End of the Road House, Orakei Basin
This property is on the slopes of the Orakei Basin in central Auckland, at the end of nearly a half-kilometre of challenging driveway. The home is located on the steep slope of a volcanic crater, and is spectacular, sheltered and central.
14 Mar 2022
Worselys Spur House, Port Hills, Christchurch
Design: AW Architects
photo : Lisa Gane
Worselys Spur House, Port Hills Christchurch
Perched in the Port Hills above Christchurch, New Zealand, the Worselys Spur House commands a panoramic outlook over the city from the Southern Alps up to the Kaikoura ranges. The dark hued solid plaster ground floor anchors the house while the light bronze anodised top box floats above like a lantern.
11 Mar 2022
Amberley House, Amberley, Canterbury
Design: AW Architects
photo : Lisa Gane
Amberley House, Canterbury NZ
Confidently positioned on the crest on an undulating landscape, the Amberley House snakes along with its underlying topography. The built form results is a play between mass and transparency, lightly touching the site at the upper level and hunkering in at the lower to create a clear connection to view, landscape and gully.
10 Mar 2022
Tai Tapu House, Tai Tapu, Canterbury
Design: AW Architects
photos: Mark Scowen and Baptiste Marconnet
Tai Tapu House, Canterbury NZ
The Tai Tapu House is located on a west-facing hill on the lower slopes of the Port Hills, falling within the Outstanding Natural Landscape zone, and was subject to a rigorous resource consent process in regards to its visual impact. Upon arrival to the site one winds through the countryside and the first glimpse of the building is of a bold sculptural statement.
8 Mar 2022
River House, Christchurch, South Island
Design: AW Architects
photo : Lisa Gane
River House, Christchurch
Tucked down a long driveway lined with established trees that opens out onto Wairarapa Stream lies River House. The owners had inhabited the original house on the property for generations, and after earthquake damage decided to build a new home that took advantage of the unique riverside environment.
16 Feb 2022
House on Omaha Beach, Omaha Bay, Rodney District, north island of New Zealand
Design: Strom Architects
visual : NuMa
House on Omaha Beach
The design is for a family home on one of the last remaining front-line plots, enjoying extraordinary views of Omaha Bay and the Hauraki Gulf.
Strict planning guidelines with area and volume restrictions, along with the sun-path for the site, saw us develop a design that made the most of the site and the weather patterns.
More New Zealand Houses on e-architect soon
New Zealand Houses 2021
10 Dec 2021
Home for a Winemaker, Arrowtown, South Island
Design: Stacey Farrell Architect
photograph : Ben Ruffell
Winemaker Home, Arrowtown South Island
Home for a Winemaker is a small house, for adults. It is sited on a hill with great views of Arrowtown’s famous autumnal trees displaying their glory for much of the year and the Remarkables mountain range and moody skies in the other direction.
22 Nov 2021
Garden Rake, Island Bay, Wellington
Design: Melling Architects
photo © Simon Darby
Garden Rake House, Island Bay Wellington
Located in the lower garden of an existing established property, Garden Rake settles into a sloping hillside overlooking Wellington’s Island Bay. The residence is made up of two distinct forms – the lower floor bedroom container that is articulated by Macrocarpa shiplap cladding and the upper level which is a metal clad raking block.
11 Nov 2021
Beacon Point House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: JDA Studio Architects
photo © Simon Darby
Beacon Point House, Wanaka Property
The Beacon Point House is an addition to a holiday home situated on a residential acre section in Wanaka, New Zealand. The new residential property project consists of a series of social and private spaces which face onto a new courtyard swimming pool and is surrounded by Wanaka mountain ranges at either ends.
23 Oct 2021
End of the Road, Orakei Basin, North Island
Architects: Wendy Shacklock Architects Ltd
photo : Patrick Reynolds
End of the Road House, Orakei Basin
The client wanted to achieve a flat lawn with swimming pool sitting flush with the living areas of the house on what is almost a one-in-three slope beneath a cliff. There was to be a study, media room and three bedrooms, with the main bedroom being on a mezzanine.
22 Oct 2021
Briar Bank Holiday House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: Rafe Maclean Architects
photo © Simon Devitt
Briar Bank House, Lake Wanaka
The Briar Bank Holiday House has a large view, designed for a couple with 5 adult children visiting at different times – a place for both privacy and expansive living – outlaid on a carefully crafted site plan.A soft material palette on the exterior compliments the surrounding mountain colours, while on the interior a white lining provides a pristine contrast.
5 Oct 2021
Suitcase House, Wellington
Design: Melling Architects
photo : Jason Mann
Suitcase House, Wellington
The Suitcase House is a one bedroom design is located at the bottom of a narrow access strip which leads to a larger plot of land some 20 metres above street level. The design places a partially open living, kitchen, dining, and bedroom plan on top of a garage plinth with internal access.
27 Sep 2021
Piha House, Waitakere Ranges, North Island
Architects: Milieu
photo : Claire Hamiliton
Piha House, Auckland Region home
Nestled into the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges, west of Auckland, this NZ property is a compact two bedroom home was built on a tricky site with a modest budget, but maximises the stunning views and connection with nature.
12 Sep 2021
Cottage Sandwich, Auckland, North Island
Architects: Matter
photo : Simon Devitt
Cottage Sandwich
The Cottage Sandwich did have a character that the clients wished to keep and enhance, while doing so reconnecting with the large flat corner site. Cars were a low priority, bikes being the preferred transportation method. The site was full of old structures such as sheds, retaining walls, and badly placed oak trees. There were also potential drainage and flooding items to address.
12 Sep 2021
Green Walls & Gables Residence, Auckland, North Island
Architects: Matter
photo : Simon Devitt
Green Walls & Gables Residence
An existing bungalow occupied the site when Matter were first engaged to design Green Walls & Gables Residence. The young family of 5 living within required more space and a greater connection to the land. The decision was made to work with the existing bungalow, there was a love for this house, choosing to embrace the inherit constraints.
11 Sep 2021
Birch Park Residence, Auckland
Architects: Matter
photography : Simon Devitt and Jackie Meiring
Birch Park Residence
Matter’s clients for the Birch Park Residence envisioned the project as a generational home, for their own children, grandparents, and greater family in general. It was important to incorporate and interpret aspects of Chilean and Japanese design philosophies into the project.
8 Mar 2021
Howick Affordable Eco Home, Auckland
Design: Donnell Day Architects
photo : Duncan Innes Photographer
Howick Affordable Eco Home, Auckland
An affordable eco friendly home by Donnell Day Architects in Auckland, New Zealand. This house brief had two core goals, 1. was to be affordable, and 2. was to be energy efficient. The family achieved both, and built a cheerful sustainable home for their family on a tight budget.
24 Jan 2021
Quarters Place, Christchurch, South Island, NZ
Design: South Architects
photo : Stephen Goodenough
Quarters Place Christchurch
Quarters Place is a large family home located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Christchurch with both urban and rural views. A strong gable form, running away from the street, contains the majority of the home over two levels.
22 Jan 2021
To Keep You Home, Westmere, Auckland
Design: Rogan Nash Architects
photo : Simon Devitt
To Keep You Home, Westmere
To Keep You Home is all about connectivity in this warm, moody Westmere house that turns its back on the world and puts family firmly at its heart. A response to the 100 year-old Pohutukawa tree, the L-shaped home wraps around a grassy internal courtyard where you gain a sense you’re in a private cocoon.
19 Jan 2021
The Stage and Cave House, Auckland, North Island
Design: Rogan Nash Architects
photo : Simon Devitt
The Stage and Cave, Auckland
Rising to the challenge of a long, narrow Grey Lynn site, this classic villa transitions into a triumphant contemporary ‘stage’ for living where you hardly know if you’re in or you’re out. Rogan Nash Architects added character details to The Stage and Cave House and now it looks pretty as a picture in front.
18 Jan 2021
The Blackbird, Auckland
Design: Rogan Nash Architects
photo : Simon Devitt
The Blackbird, Auckland
The Blackbird is a new family home that masterfully demonstrates how a hard-working plan can overcome the constraints of an inner city site. Not only does this simple but delightful two-storey, black metal corrugate box manage to fit in four bedrooms and two living spaces but they are all generous.
More contemporary New Zealand Houses online soon
New Zealand Houses 2020
3 Nov 2020
Ruby Ridge House, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: Condon Scott Architects
photo © Simon Larkin
Ruby Ridge House, Wanaka
With a bold mask to the suburban street, this house leaves all the pleasure for the people who reside within its walls. Located on an elevated site in a relatively new subdivision overlooking Lake Wanaka, the house is a place to privately and comfortably indulge in the extensive mountain and lake views the alpine town is known for.
28 Oct 2020
Hidden Hills Retreat, Wanaka, Otago region, South Island
Design: Condon Scott Architects
photo © Simon Larkin
Hidden Hills Retreat, Wanaka
A rugged backdrop of kanuka forms a striking contrast with this contemporary Hidden Hills Retreat home, located at the base of Wanaka’s Mount Iron. Comprising two pronounced wedge forms, the home steps down a sloped site, with an open-plan living, kitchen and dining room located in the main wing, where generous floor-to-ceiling glazing allows for uncompromised views of the mountains and lake beyond.
23 Sep 2020
Idris Road Home, Christchurch, South Island, NZ
Design: South Architects
photo : Stephen Goodenough
Idris Road Home, Christchurch
Idris Road Home is positioned to engage with the beautiful Wairarapa Stream along its North-West boundary in urban Christchurch. The home comprises of three simple geometric forms, sitting on the site like rudimentary building blocks, with the two plaster forms supporting, but only just, the dark cedar weatherboard block above.
7 Aug 2020
Karekare Bach, Waitakere Ranges
Design: Stevens Lawson Architects
photo : Simon Devitt
Karekare Bach New Zealand beachfront Residence
Stevens Lawson Architects collaborate with designer and surfer Dean Pool on a spectacular beach-front cabin.
15 July 2020
Herne Bay Hideaway, Herne Bay, Auckland, North Island
Design: Lloyd Hartley Architects
photo : David Straight
Herne Bay Hideaway near Auckland
At the end of a long driveway and nestled amongst the neighbouring houses and established pohutukawa trees, an existing 1960’s brick & tile home sat stubbornly in the middle of the site. While functional, the existing dwelling provided a confronting car-centric entry and failed to engage with the landscape or the spectacular views over Cox’s Bay.
21 June 2020
Matakana House near Auckland, NZ
19 May 2020
The Brae Houses in Pine Harbour Marina, Auckland
13 May 2020
Headland House, Waiheke Island
Design: Stevens Lawson Architects
photograph © Mark Smith
Headland House on Waiheke Island
12 May 2020
Rawene House in Auckland
11 May 2020
Te Kaitaka House on Lake Wanaka, NZ
9 May 2020
Shibui House, Tamahere, Waikato District, on the outskirts of Hamilton, North Island
Design: Red Architecture
photo : Larnie Nicholson
Shibui House in Waikato
In Japanese culture, the word “shibui” describes the aesthetic of studied restraint. Shibui is the art of knowing when to stop. It is achieved through simplicity balanced with decisive complexity. The August 1960 issue of House Beautiful described shibui as a “profound, unassuming, quiet feeling.
8 May 2020
Sandy Bay House on Waiheke Island
7 May 2020 + 24 Aug 2011
Te Mata House
Design: Stevens Lawson Architects
photograph © Mark Smith
Wanaka Crib in the Otago Region, South Island
This NZ residence sits on a promontory amongst the foothills of Te Mata Peak overlooking Hawkes Bay. The clients had run a sheep station at Parongahau and wanted to establish a new home at Te Mata.
28 Apr 2020
Wanaka Crib, Wanaka, Otago Region, South Island
Architects: Pac Studio
photograph : Simon Devitt
Wanaka Crib in the Otago Region, South Island
In a wood lined field, near Wanaka’s lake edge, this NZ property is composed of two gables and a chisel roof slipping past one another to make three enclosed courtyards. Each courtyard creates a specific relationship with the interior.
28 Apr 2020
Scarborough House, Christchurch
Design: Borrmeister Architects
photograph : Sarah Rowlands
New House in Scarborough, NZ
13 Apr 2020
Park Terrace House, Christchurch, South Island
Architects: PRau
photo : Simon Devitt
Park Terrace House in Christchurch
This project investigates loss, the loss of an archetype, the loss of adaption amongst the Tabula rasa of post disaster Christchurch. How can a project designed upon a clean slate embody time and adaption?
13 Apr 2020
Lake Hawea House, Wanaka, South Island
Architects: Condon Scott Architects
photography : Simon Larkin and Simon Devitt
Lake Hawea House in Wanaka, South Island
This modest timber-clad home is located on the shores of Lake Hawea, twenty minutes’ drive from Wanaka, this newly constructed house capitalises on breathtaking views of the lake and Southern Alps.
4 Mar 2020
Rewa Beach House, Wellington
Design: KebbellDaish Architects
photograph : Andy Spain
Rewa Beach House in Wellington
The new Rewa Beach House brings some of the playfulness, informality and communal living we associate with beach culture to a Wellington suburb.
More modern New Zealand Houses online soon
NZ Homes 2019
10 Oct 2019
Garden House, Christchurch
Design: Borrmeister Architects Ltd
photograph : Sarah Rowlands
Garden House in Christchurch
The brief required a home for entertaining and rest that would seamlessly integrate with the neighbourhood, it also called to maximise a dog-legged site to capture sunlight and views. The resulting house is sympathetic to its neighbours, providing privacy through the careful composition of building form and light.
27 Sep 2019
Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland
Design: Herbst Architects
photography : Patrick Reynolds
Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland
The site is situated 3 hours north of Auckland on the east coast. The site has 2 special features, a crescent shaped beach that it overlooks and a craggy mountain peak that overlooks it. The water view is south and the mountain view is north.
23 Sep 2019
Bach with view to the Sound in New Zealand
21 Sep 2019
Holiday Home on Kawau Island
15 Sep 2019
Scrubby Bay House in Pigeon Bay
22 Jun 2019
Best New Zealand Lodges: design led accommodation
More contemporary New Zealand Homes online soon
New Zealand Houses 2018
12 Jun 2018
Scarborough House, Christchurch
Design: Borrmeister Architects
photograph : Sarah Rowlands
New House in Scarborough, NZ
A rock-face / hillside home resulting from a brief that required a relaxed playful home open to the sun, with good views to the beach and uphill park, environmentally conscious design, providing shelter from the prevailing winds and incorporating easy driveway access and parking.
24 Apr 2018
Bridle Path House, Christchurch
Design: Borrmeister Architects
image from architecture studio
New Property in Christchurch
A modest family home nestled amongst the foothills of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley, Christchurch. This project was a rebuild option for clients who were keen to stay within their community after the 2011 earthquakes.
More modern New Zealand Houses online soon
New Zealand Houses from 2017
25 Oct 2017
Local Rock House, Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, North Island
Architects: Patterson Associates
photo : Simon Devitt
House on Waiheke Island
A Summer residence on Waiheke Island, a place famous for fine vineyards with illustrious names such as Cable Bay, ManOWar and Passage Rock. This home is located on a steep coastal escarpment above a tree fringed white sand beach on its northern coast.
23 Jan 2017
Castle Rock Beach House, Auckland
More interesting New Zealand Houses online soon
New Zealand Houses from 2016
9 Nov 2016
Kopua House on Waiheke
1 Nov 2016
Elizabeth Street House in Auckland
24 Oct 2016
Kirkmay House in Kohimarama
23 Oct 2016
offSET Shed House in Gisborne
14 Oct 2016
Easterbrook House in Titirangi, Auckland Property
11 Oct 2016
House Under Eaves, Point Wells, North Island
Design: MRTN Architects
photograph : Anthony Basheer
New House in Point Wells
Located in a new subdivision less than an hour from Auckland this new house was one of the first built on a flat site that has been split up to create well sized semi-suburban semi-coastal sections on what was once pastoral land.
2 Oct 2016
Holiday Home on Kawau Island
30 Sep 2016
Boatsheds on Takapuna Beach
2 Feb 2016
Korokoro House, Wellington, North Island
Design: tse:wallace architects
photograph : Paul McCredie
Korokoro House in Wellington
This new house located adjacent to a conservation area of well-established native bush, endeavours to make the most of its dramatic siting. It is organised around two central axis, one to the Korokoro Gorge and the other to the Cook Straits.
More contemporary New Zealand Houses online here soon
New Zealand Houses from 2013 and beyond
3 Oct 2013
Waterfall Bay House, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand South Island
Design: Bossley Architects
photo : Kieran Scott
Waterfall Bay House
In a remote bay in the Marlborough Sounds this house emphasises the steepness of the topography. Set close to the water it runs along the contour as a two-storey primary element incorporating living areas above and guest rooms below. Linked by a glazed bridge is a main bedroom raised above the cliff on visually unstable legs to emphasis its eyrie-like relationship to the treetops and sky.
3 Oct 2013
Beach Retreat, Bay of Islands, New Zealand North Island
Design: Bossley Architects
photo : Patrick Reynolds
Beach Retreat
On a waterfront site in the Bay of Islands, five separate wings are located to reinforce the natural typography and create a sense of community around the central living area.
2 Oct 2013
Brown Vujcich House, Herne Bay, Auckland, North Island
Design: Bossley Architects
photo : Patrick Reynolds
Brown Vujcich House
This residence is located on a narrow site in the heart of Herne Bay. The entry space is protected by a vertical cedar screen. Interior spaces use hoop pine cabinetry and externally materials include fine vertical cedar shiplap and double skin bagged brick. The design and materials aim to reflect the clients’ love of fifties and sixties architecture.
14 Aug 2013
Under Pohutukawa, Piha, North Island
Design: Herbst Architects
photo from architect
Piha Beach House
The Pohutukawa is New Zealand’s national tree, it is known as the NZ Christmas tree as it flowers bright red is summer. Pohutukawas are protected under local authority regulations.
14 Aug 2013
Timms Bach, Kaitoke Beach, Great Barrier Island
Design: Herbst Architects
photo : Jackie Meiring
Timms Bach
This bach is chronologically the fourth in a series of 7 baches that the architects designed on Great Barrier Island. It is located in a small residential strip which joins with a wild east coast beach called Kaitoke.
14 Aug 2013
Compson Bach New Zealand, Great Barrier Island
Design: Herbst Architects
photo from architect
Compson Bach, Great Barrier Island
This NZ Bach is a continuation of an exploration into a model of building that is dedicated to a specific function that of summer holidays at the beach.
20 Mar 2013
House in New Plymouth, North Island of New Zealand
Design: Saunders Architects
photo : Mark Harris
House in New Plymouth
Situated up a long driveway far from the road this home is in a private setting surrounded by trees and with a beautiful distant view towards the Tasman Sea. The owners’ brief called for a large two-storey home that was “different” but functional and easy to live in. The huge living area can be divided into rooms by means of an ingenious sliding door system which converts the space into dining, lounge and music room spaces around a double-sided open fireplace.
Te Kaitaka House, Lake Wanaka : Stevens Lawson Architects
Westmere House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Te Mata House, Hawkes Bay
The house sits on a promontory amongst the foothills of Te Mata Peak overlooking Hawkes Bay. Our clients had run a sheep station at Parongahau for many years and were looking to establish a new home at Te Mata. They are also actively involved in the Hawkes Bay art scene, as collectors and administrators.
Karaka Bay House, Glendowie : Stevens Lawson Architects
Onetangi Beach House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Great Barrier Island House : Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects
Southern Architecture Awards – images of houses amongst the winners
New Zealand Homes
We’ve selected what we feel are the key examples of New Zealand Homes. We aim to include NZ residential projects that are either of top quality or interesting, or ideally both. Most projects are contemporary in style. Homes don’t need to be completed for inclusion – proposals welcome.
Key NZ Properties, alphabetical:
The Barn House : LID Architecture
Corinth St House : Daniel Marshall Architect
Cox’s Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Herne Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Hobson Bay House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Hot Water Beach House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Mai Mai : Patterson Associates Limited
World Architecture Festival Awards 2008 – Private Housing Category
Mountain Retreat : Fearon Hay Architects
Omaha Beach House : Daniel Marshall Architect
Omaha House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Onehunga House : Stevens Lawson Architects
Onehunga Studio : Stevens Lawson Architects
Tamahere House : Stevens Lawson Architects
More New Zealand Homes welcome
Location: New Zealand
Key New Zealand Houses with no images
XSite Architecture Ltd – Beach house, West Coast
Andre Hodgskin Architects – House, Bay of Islands, Paihia
Sheppard & Rout Architects – Red Rock Lane House, Redcliffs, Christchurch
Buildings / photos for New Zealand Houses Best NZ Properties page welcome
