This home, brought to life by Archi Build and Threefold Architecture, is not just a dwelling but a narrative of love, ambition and the pursuit of perfection.

WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Cobel

This couple’s journey to their idyllic homestead began back in 2014 when they decided to purchase a farmland property in Wānaka, a town deeply entwined with their personal history.

“Wānaka has always been special to us,” the homeowner shares. “We have been making memories here since we met. It just felt like the perfect place to raise our family.” One of the homeowners had moved to Wānaka at the age of nine, so to them the land represents more than just a plot for construction – it became a canvas for their family’s future.

With no existing house on the property, the couple initially opted for a container home as a temporary solution that allowed them to start living on-site. “Four years later, with our third child on the way, it was clear that we needed to get serious about building our dream home,” the homeowner says. This decision led them to architectural designer Bryce Monk and his team at Threefold Architecture.

Bryce was enthusiastic about the project from the outset, as he’d had prior connections with some of their family members. “When the homeowners approached us, we were excited to continue working with the family.”

The design brief was to create a modern, functional farmhouse that could accommodate a growing family, while taking full advantage of the stunning natural surroundings. The design that emerged is a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. “We wanted a home that was not only visually striking but also highly functional for family life,” the homeowner says.

The brief also included essential features such as a large, open fire – a nod to the couple’s farmstead upbringings – a spacious outdoor area for relaxing and entertaining, and a layout that maximised the breathtaking views of the Central Otago landscape.

Bryce’s approach to the design was both innovative and respectful of the site’s natural beauty. The house
is characterised by two linked gable forms clad in pre-finished metal and vertical cedar weatherboard, complemented by a timber-batten rain screen. “Cedar was chosen for its light colour and ability to blend seamlessly with the landscape,” says Bryce. The use of board-formed concrete for features both inside and out adds a rugged yet refined touch.

The Wilson & Dorset Shaggy Bean Bag was one of the first items the homeowners bought for their new home, along with the sheepskin foot stool and sheepskin rug in the Mt Gold colour.

The interior plastering of the walls by Gibeze Wanaka uses the Resene Interior Plastering System in Rockcote Clay Decor with its Earthen Clay interior plaster.

One of the standout elements is the concrete fireplace in the living room. “The fireplace was a complex design challenge with its sculpted angles and weatherproofing requirements,” Bryce says. The result, however, is an impressive centrepiece that adds warmth and character to the space. As a functional element, it’s also a piece of art that ties the interior design together.

The construction phase, managed by Tom Dupont, certified builder and owner of Archi Build, came with its own set of challenges, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Great Gib Shortage Of All Times was a major setback,” Tom recounts. “But our team managed to overcome this by staying organised and adapting to the delays.” The project also involved intricate work with the board-formed concrete, a first for foreman Jake Dobson. “Jake did an exceptional job despite it being his first time with this technique.”

The homeowners agree, saying Archi Build’s work was seamless. “Tom was very open and professional in the initial stages and his team of lads were hardworking and thorough. Jake was super approachable, good at communicating and very reliable. He ran a tight ship while pouring so much love into our project.”

Despite the pandemic-induced challenges, the process was marked by a positive collaboration between the builders and the homeowners. “Living on-site during construction was probably every builder’s nightmare,” Tom says with a chuckle. “But it was worth it to see how well my team bonded with the homeowners. Their enthusiasm and clear vision made the entire experience very rewarding.”

The finished home (including the garage) spans 320sqm, and focuses on maximising natural light and views. The bedroom wing invites indirect southern light and northern sun into the living spaces, and the open-plan kitchen, scullery, dining and living areas seamlessly flow into the outdoor spaces.

One homeowner’s favourite aspects of the home is the cedar rain screen, which makes a striking first impression as you drive up to the property. “It really sets the tone for the house,” she says.

The functional, comfortable home also includes a study, a media room for the kids, and a convenient beer and wine fridge tucked under the kitchen island – details that add both practicality and a touch of luxury to everyday life.

For Bryce, the final result is both a professional triumph and a personal joy. “Sometimes you don’t realise how well a project has turned out until you see the homeowners’ reactions,” he says. “The homeowners were thrilled with the final product, and that made the whole process incredibly satisfying.”

To the homeowners, the completed home is more than just a structure; it’s a place where family memories will continue to grow. “This house is everything we envisioned and more,” one says. “It’s a perfect blend
of style, comfort and functionality, and it truly feels like home.”

Archi Build is equally happy with the result, having just picked up a Regional Silver award at the Registered Master Builders 2024 House of the Year awards (Carters New Home $1 million–$1.5 million category). In the end, this home is a remarkable example of how a clear vision, combined with skilled design and craftsmanship, can create a living space that is not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.