Presented with an empty section where a bach once stood, Kellahan Builders worked through the challenges of a narrow Plimmerton site with limited access, a shortage of building supplies and relentless bad weather, to deliver this dream home to its owners. Slender in size but not spirit, the home has floor-to-ceiling windows leading out to covered decks at each gabled end which prove a visual delight from the outside and the inside. Views stretching from Kerehana Bay to the South Island can be seen through the entire living level. Double garaging, dug into the site, forms the base of the two-level home.

Internal and external stairs take you inside and up to three bedrooms, bathrooms and a second living area with its own covered balcony with a balustrade of glass so as not to obstruct that view. Décor is light and bright with warm timber flooring throughout the living level. Large windows on side walls also frame the views which give the appearance of hung art. Kellahan Builders say it was a project that provided a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction from start to finish. They worked as a team with the enthusiastic clients, refining things along the way. “It was a sad day to be leaving site on handover,” says builder Ryan Kellahan.