Judging by its tasteful exterior of cedar shiplap and coloured steel, you expect the inside of this Invercargill home to be just as appealing. It doesn’t disappoint. The interior is a blueprint for how to do contemporary moody-hued style, with splashes of colour in just the right places. Step inside and head down the hall of the 209sqm house — configured as twin monopitch pavilions staggered on the site and connected by a link — and the eye is immediately drawn to light, bright open-plan living spaces and outdoor zones beyond. To the left are communal spaces: lounge, kitchen and dining-living areas that flow to decking and patios. This wing also has a separate laundry and double garage.

Across the hall in the other pavilion are four bedrooms, one the main suite with ensuite and office, plus a family bathroom, powder room and handy storeroom. This is a modern classic, designed to allow the owners to work from home and to accommodate returning family. Bold natural tones, including slate-grey, provide contrast with paler neutrals, while in the bathrooms, glossy russet and green tiles deliver richness. Careful window placement reinforces connection to the surrounding environment. It should come as no surprise that owners of a house-design studio live here. It’s clear, their skills have been matched by their builders’ craftsmanship and attention to detail.