Call of the wild

Designed by  Design Builders Wellington

Homeowner requirements:

• A warm and welcoming three-bedroom, two-bathroom family home that encompasses the natural surroundings
• Two storeys
• Maximises the sun
• Entertaining areas that optimise the view

Design statement

Connecting with nature is good for the soul, and this home by Design Builders Wellington makes the most of its natural setting. 

The call of the wild is close by, even though this wonderful two-storey house is just minutes from the convenience of the city.

There was no single point of inspiration, we wanted to create a warm and welcoming home that felt inviting and comfortable from the get go. 

Specific challenges – how these were overcome

The site was long and narrow, and the only real anchor was a 2m wide rocky ridge – this provided a good challenge for the design team to start with and carried through to the engineering structural design as we needed to secure the home into the rock.

Collaboration between builder and engineer ensured that this was achieved 

This home is not only an exemplar of good building practice, it also demonstrates what can be achieved on a tricky site and how to beautifully settle a home into a bush-clad section.

Natural habitat

Access from the street is easy and, once you walk through the front door, you enjoy privacy and comfort in a tranquil place. 

Positioned on a ridge which sweeps gently to a pristine native reserve, the home is spacious, inviting, and a world away from the ordinary. 

A generous use of glazing throughout brings in plenty of natural light, while providing many viewpoints from which to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the environment.

Attention to detail

Light and dark timber highlights hint at the natural world. 

Highly effective lighting design means every space is illuminated for practicality and relaxation. 

Naturally, for a home with such a beautiful setting, excellent indoor/outdoor flow was a key design priority from the start. 

The home is unique as it has been constructed over a thin rocky ridge which protrudes out into NZ native bush. Every room takes in nature and the further you move through the home, the further the native bush envelops the home.

From the owners

The owners' favourite aspect is the amount of sun they get through the home, as the house is north facing and they enjoy all day sun from the morning in the kitchen through to the evening in their outdoor lounge.

Designed by: Design Builders Wellington

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Amanda Aitken Photography