Located on a remote hilltop against a forest, this lodge-style home delivers big on personality, precision and performance. The builder, who is also an architectural designer, spent four years on the project starting at the outset of the pandemic. Once delivered, 65 tonnes of macrocarpa beams were honed into structural mortise-and-tenon joints – ancient stable connections that don’t need nails, but do require exceptional skill. You’ll also see stone, reverse board-and-batten and the first use of bush-hammered ViBlock masonry in Canterbury.

Environmental responsibility was paramount. Natural, sustainable and recyclable materials were used to avoid plastics and petrochemicals, while rainwater is put back in the ground with an innovative gutterless swale system that eliminates maintenance. A rigid air barrier of 12mm ply wraps the entire structure which improves seismic, wind, thermal and vermin resistance. A wood range, wetback log burner and 10kW solar array heat the remarkable timber-filled interior spaces, while outside a log fire is a gathering place for an evening drink. High verandahs, extended gables and roof windows passively control heat and UV year round. If that’s not enough innovation, the property has secret doors opening seamlessly through wall sarking, Van Gogh wallpaper, a feature timber staircase, mezzanine landing, outside entertaining area and a copper bath beneath massive skylights.