With just 89 square metres to work with, this compact home nestled in the bush on the Kāpiti Coast might be modest in size — but it’s monumental in execution.
As the winner of the 2024 Supreme House of the Year Under $1 Million, its standout design and construction reflect not only detailed craftsmanship but also a thoughtful use of materials, including the versatile and robust COLORSTEEL® cladding that gives the home its sharp, contemporary edge.
Designed by AD Architecture and built by David Reid Homes Kāpiti, the house consists of two linked wings arranged at complementary angles. The home’s dark exterior plays a key role in its visual identity and connection to site. Vertical and horizontal-ribbed COLORSTEEL® cladding wraps both pods in a refined but resilient skin that responds to the surrounding bush with quiet confidence.
Set against towering trees, the COLORSTEEL® cladding - supplied by Metalcraft Roofing and installed by WB Roofing - helps the structure recede into the landscape, giving it a sense of calm and permanence. It’s a visual move that does more than just blend the home into its setting - it anchors it there. Judges of the national competition praised the “elegant use of industrial materials” and the way the design balances robustness with natural charm.
On this site COLORSTEEL’s proven performance in coastal conditions was also critical. Its ability to withstand the salt-laden air and unpredictable weather of the region made it the ideal choice — not just for its longevity, but for the confidence it provides to both builder and homeowner.
Inside, the palette softens with plywood ceilings, cork floors, and warm timber furniture, allowing the cladding to serve as a bold counterpoint. Paired with large windows and sliding doors, the exterior shell helps frame expansive views of the Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, bringing the outdoors into every corner of the home.
COLORSTEEL®, a chief component of this much-lauded project, is constantly evolving to ensure it remains a trusted premium product for roofs and cladding. COLORSTEEL® Next Generation with Activate® technology is the newest evolution of COLORSTEEL® and is made with Patented Activate® Technology. The latter is a patent-awarded metallic coating that protects from corrosion, while delivering strength and resilience. It’s applied to the base steel before COLORSTEEL’s advanced paint system is added. You’ll only find this cutting-edge technology in COLORSTEEL® and in New Zealand Steel brand’s ZINCALUME®. With a range of 29 colours, there’s undoubtedly a shade to suit every building project.
Whether sheltering from a southerly or basking in filtered sunlight under the vine-covered pergola, this home is proof that when form, function and material choice align, exceptional things can happen. And COLORSTEEL® - proudly New Zealand-made - continues to prove its place in projects where design integrity and durability are non-negotiable.
