The Jetty House

This high-performance Lake Taupo holiday home with high-end style is an excellent case study for eHaus, says Jon Iliffe.

Tania and Hayden Monk embarked on a journey to build their dream holiday home overlooking Lake Taupo and the Kinloch golf course. Despite having never built before, they were determined to create a unique, eco-friendly retreat. Their quest for a sustainable design led them to the eHaus concept, which focuses on passive house energy modelling to deliver energy-efficient, comfortable homes.

The result of their vision is The Jetty House, a serene and unobtrusive structure that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape. Its design maximises the breathtaking views of Lake Taupo ̄ while prioritising sustainability. The Monks had clear requirements for their home: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a communal area and ample space for 8-10 guests.

The location posed challenges due to Kinloch’s extreme climate, which swings between hot summers and cold winters. Tania and Hayden wanted a warm, energy- efficient home that wouldn’t overheat in the summer. In collaboration with eHaus Taupo ̄, architecture practice First Light Studio crafted a bespoke 178sqm home with thoughtful design details, such as direct spa access to the bathroom.

eHaus’s approach to design integrates thermal modelling to ensure energy efficiency and comfort. The western lake view was enticing, so a westerly picture window was cleverly placed to offer stunning vistas from the entrance, hallway and living space without leading to overheating.

Building The Jetty House in 2021 presented challenges due to Covid-19 lockdowns, material shortages and price fluctuations. The eHaus team worked with the Monks to mitigate these issues and secure necessary materials, ensuring the project proceeded on schedule.

The end result left Tania and Hayden thrilled with their holiday home, which also serves as a short-term rental property. Guests have praised the luxury feel, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.

In the first 12 months since its completion, The Jetty House has already spared the planet from an estimated 2914 kilograms of carbon emissions from heating alone. The Jetty House truly embodies a significant commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as high-end style and liveability. For more information, see the website.

0800 434 287 | ehaus.co.nz