Strong, simple gable forms anchor this house onto the green field riverside property. The Hinuera stone and cedar cladding accentuate the solidity of the house which is shaped to provide sheltered outdoor areas, and designed to offer framed views to the grounds and Waikato River.

The attention accorded to materials has also been applied to climate control, and the result is a comfortable, modern and sustainable country home. The north-facing pool with planted moat enhances the uninterrupted outlook from inside. With the use of thermally broken, low-e, argon-filled, double-glazed glass, the interior stays beautifully light and cosy year-round. Black oxide polished concrete floors soak up warmth in the spacious living areas. Slab-edge insulation reduces heat loss from the hydronic underfloor heating. Maximum insulation in the roof and walls helps reduce heating costs. The solar panels and a woodburner with wetback deliver hot water. The feature slatted cedar ceiling, with built-in acoustic panels, absorbs noise from the concrete floors below. LED strip lighting adds ambience from above after the sun goes down.