Framing the peak

This home's dramatic gabled roofline connects with nearby Te Mata Peak – strategic orientation, soaring ceilings and clerestory windows bring the warming sun deep into the interior

The symmetrical front door approach. - Framing the

Entry with internal wall shielding the mountain views

KItchen and dining with feature fireplace wall.

The gabled roof forms allow for high clerestory

The expansive, light-filled living spaces. - Framing the

White wall and ceiling finishes combined with pale

Generous al fresco dining tucked between the sheltering

The rear of the triple-peaked home seen at

Master ensuite with dark-wood vanity and rich-toned tile

Feature wall paper in the master bedroom reinforces

Guest bathroom with feature wall finish. - Framing

Designed by Landmark Homes Hawke's Bay & Project Zero Architecture

From the group home builder:

Some homes are designed around a plan – others are shaped by the land.

For the owners of this home, building near Te Mata Peak meant embracing the outlook, light, and sense of calm their site offered.

Their vision was clear: a home that welcomed the sun, framed the peak, and connected daily life to the land.

From the outset, their brief to Landmark Homes Hawke’s Bay was simple but powerful – walk through the front door and see Te Mata Peak.

This drove every design decision.

The home needed to flow with purpose, maximise natural light, and create effortless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The site itself was both the greatest asset and the biggest challenge.

Elevated and private, it enjoyed sweeping views but required extensive reshaping.

There was an existing 1980s home present on the site which had faced the opposite / wrong way – turning its back on the sun and views of the peak.

Landmark Homes removed it, then cut into the natural rise, excavating and retaining the land to create a level platform for the new design.

Another complexity came from an existing swimming pool – initially planned to stay, it disrupted the flow of the new home.

Midway through construction, the owners chose to remove it and reposition a new pool on the northern side, directly connected to the living spaces.

This bold decision simplified the layout, improved sun access, and created a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

Once the site challenges were resolved, the design fell naturally into place.

A three zoned layout provided deliberate separation between areas of use: the main suite in one wing with walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and library, and a guest wing opposite for family and visitors.

The centre zone features the kitchen, dining and living areas – capturing the sun and peak views – with large sliders opening to outdoor living decks, portico, and landscaped grounds and pool area.