You know you’re dealing with builders at the top of their game when they produce a multi-award-winning home with an 89 sqm footprint on a challenging tree-filled site. In fact, David Reid Homes (Kāpiti) earned the title of National Supreme House of the Year Under $1 million for this charming and playful home overlooking the Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve on the Kāpiti Coast.

The accolade is one of the three most important and prestigious House of the Year awards. The project was also named winner of the National Bunnings New Home $500,000 – $750,000 Award. “Delivering outstanding quality in the under $1 million bracket, this compact home serves as a true sanctuary for its owners,” said the House of the Year national judges. “This remarkable retreat is a testament to achieving excellence within a modest budget.” Because the site was surrounded by mature trees, the design needed to be innovative, and AD Architecture stepped up to the plate. The house had to usher in enough sunlight while making the most of the special green outlook. They achieved both in this little beauty, which was crafted to perfection by the builders.

How did they manage it all in the 89sqm floorplan? First, says Tim Sunderland, owner and managing director of David Reid Homes (Kāpiti), which also operates across the Wellington region, the firm had to survey not only the land, but the tree-line, too. “The site is completely surrounded by trees, so we needed to know where was going to get sun throughout the day and over the year.” They also had to factor in a view shaft through the trees plus prized possessions the owners wanted to bring with them. The design – two linked wings at different angles and heights – covers the sunlight angle, and dark metal cladding helps settle the home into its remarkable spot. Most utilities are on the south side where towering trees flank the walkway to the entrance. The north elevation is an exemplar of how to capture sun and scenery in equal measure. The living, kitchen and dining space as well as the two bedrooms (one is used as a second sitting room), face north and a clearing, before the bush and tree canopy continue. Sunshine is plentiful enough for a pergola with a developing vine. Decking flows from the living spaces as well as the bedroom, reinforcing the home’s connection to nature. The kitchen winds around the wall of the living-dining area with a rectangular window that frames the trees. Windows and doors fill the north and west walls.

It all works beautifully for the design savvy people who live here. “The elegant use of industrial materials showcases superb craftsmanship, exuding a level of quality and style that makes this home a worthy Supreme winner,” said the judges. This aesthetic, with plywood ceilings and a stainless-steel kitchen benchtop, offers a robust, crafted feel, balanced by classic timber furniture,” they said. “Angular design maximises natural light amid the forest canopy, while white pergolas and aluminium joinery beautifully frame the surrounding bush. This residence is a stunning example of innovation and harmony with nature.”

For Tim, whose firm has won a total of 88 House of the Year awards since 2007, this Supreme Award is the result of time and experience. It also helps if a home has a special site, sits naturally within its landscape, uses unique materials and has passionate, engaged clients with vision. In this case, the owners did all the landscaping themselves and one is an interior designer. “Having clients like that – so interested, exacting and knowledgeable – is a significant factor.” He says his company always aims for regional Gold Award standard. Then it’s about winning the category – and then making the national awards. “Even winning the national category is exceptional, unexpected since the level of competition gets higher and higher. After that, we relax,” he says. “Then to go and win a Supreme Award is outstanding. You’re up against some of the strongest competition in a cycle that takes it up another notch every year.”