Long, low and undeniably cool, The Brick House shelters beneath the big skies of Central Otago. The 307sqm home is a tale of two facades: the street-facing side is all elegant lines and white brick, while the rear is more organic with dark-stained timber that appears to segue into the moody hills beyond. These add up to understated elegance, but in The Brick House the owners also have a sustainable and energy-efficiency home with a Passive House Plus rating. A photovoltaic solar- generating system with two battery stores, air tightness, triple-glazing, and sustainable materials such as brick, Abodo timber and wool insulation helped the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house meet the rigorous standards required.

Let’s not forget, however, that this house is also a place where you’ll see examples of top-drawer craftsmanship at every turn. It’s evident in the rich, dark timber linings and white ‘drunken-lay’ brick inside and out. You’ll also notice Dunlop Builders’ perfectionism in the patio paving, ply ceilings, designer kitchen and spa-quality bathrooms. Wide sliders invite in light and views of the lake and hills. Outdoor entertaining spaces flow from these and encourage dining and relaxing in the fresh air. The architect-designed house also manages a tricky double. It provides privacy on a sheltered patio with a fireplace on one side of the house and an open deck with vistas on the other.