Here’s a house that’s one out of the box. Yes, the 126sqm King Country home is a simple, elongated rectangular shape, but everything else about it is out of the ordinary, including its off-the-grid capabilities. Sleek metal cladding trimmed with warm cedar grounds the house on its site and sets the scene for what’s in store, which is light, warm and lovely. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been built on a platform to take advantage of wide, green views, but also to accommodate the solar power system. Natural light pours in thanks to large windows, a heattransfer kit has been installed to the log burner and low-E glass helps retain heat in chilly central North Island winters. On sunny days, the owners can fling open sliders in the communal space and step onto a deck that runs the length of the dwelling. Given its remote location the home had to be practical, but it also displays real flair. The single-wall kitchen with tiled splashback and walk-in pantry is a fusion of tones and textures, and a raked ceiling in the living-dining-studynook area amplifies the sense of space. The family bathroom and main-bedroom ensuite are elegant with crisp white walls and vanities, grey tiles and black fixtures.