Designing a holiday home in the Mackenzie Basin

Much of the Mackenzie Basin is identified as an outstanding natural landscape. That can affect where a home can sit, its height, form, colours and reflectivity. Understanding these rules before concept design avoids costly redesigns later, and often leads to a better building.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve means outdoor lighting is controlled. Good design treats this as an opportunity: shielded, low-level lighting that keeps the night sky visible from your deck.

Deep frosts, snow, strong winds and big daily temperature swings demand a high-performance envelope, efficient heating and careful glazing. At our Lake Ōhau retreat, natural materials, a well-insulated envelope and passive design work together to create a low-carbon building.

Remote sites raise costs and complexity. Lightweight systems, timber piles and materials that are easy to transport can make a real difference to your budget and the build programme.