Architects in Lake Hawea, Otago

“We couldn't be happier with Wright & Grey Architects. This was our first major renovation, so we went into it with very little understanding of the process. John and the team made everything feel straightforward, taking the time to explain our options and helping us make informed decisions every step of the way. They really listened to how we wanted to live in the house, rather than trying to fit us into a standard design. They were also very mindful of our budget, helping us find practical solutions when unexpected problems cropped up during the renovation. The fortnightly site meetings kept everyone on the same page and made the whole project run smoothly. If you're looking for architects who are knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely care about getting the best outcome for their clients, we'd happily recommend Wright & Grey.”

“We’re often asked who designed the home we love to live in. Chaney & Norman Architects would be our go-to team if ever we were to do it again on a different site. Both for their design flair and their willingness to listen and work with us to achieve our brief. Put most simply, it feels good to be in every room of our home. We love the flow, how spaces are defined and linked, and the natural light in our home. The house was designed specifically for our site. We enjoy total privacy from the road and protection from the southern aspect. As soon as we walk in the front door the house opens up to allow unimpeded views from floor to ceiling of the lake and mountains to the north. Views of more than 180 degrees from edge to edge are delivered to every living area and to the master bedroom. The small open courtyard around which our house is built is a much-loved feature. It is open to the sky and fully glazed with sliders, so it offers passage through to every side of the house as well as introducing light into every space. Because of the interior courtyard there isn’t a single corridor in our home. And it’s is a nice sheltered spot for a first coffee. The den is hunkered down on the southern side of the house so you might expect it to be colder and darker. Instead it’s a room for all seasons. We have spectacular views to the north directly through the interior courtyard and the other living areas. The winter sun streams into the den via this courtyard. We appreciate the flexibility to re-purpose the den, made possible by the courtyard. Whilst there is usually both a visual & physical connection through the fully glazed courtyard into the den, it can be closed down to give privacy to anyone wanting “time out” or a separate work space. Adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, facing north to the lake, is an outdoor room we have called our Dropzone. It is nestled a few steps down against the house for wind protection, and to allow for uninterrupted views from the kitchen out to the lake. With the roof continued over and with a glass balustrade, we can enjoy our Dropzone even in mid-winter on a sunny day. Another part of our home we love! We knew we were building a home with energy and thermal efficiency but we have tended to take it for granted until we’ve visited some other homes in winter! It’s one of the behind-the-scene things we appreciate about our house. We love our elegantly simple home with clean lines. Our architect thought outside the square to deliver what lies within the exterior walls”

“Following interviews with a number of leading local architects we initially engaged Rafe Maclean to prepare a concept plan for our new house in Wanaka. We had purchased a premium site with outstanding lake and mountain views and therefore wanted a special house to complement the site. Rafe listened carefully to what we wanted and took note of what was in our brief. We liked his concept plan and therefore engaged him to undertake the full detailed design, oversee the tender process and then supervise construction (as we live mainly in Auckland). Rafe cleverly worked out how to ensure views were maximized from the house, how to have outdoor spaces that would be protected from the prevailing wind, and how to use a combination of local stone and cedar finishes both inside and outside the house to great effect. Rafe was always very attentive to our views, made many innovative suggestions, gave us options to consider, allowed us time to make decisions, and we always felt fully involved in the project. Rafe managed the construction phase very professionally, he put in place a proper contract with the builder and ensured it was adhered to. Rafe's relationship with the builder was also very constructive, Rafe adopted a very pragmatic approach to resolving the inevitable queries and addressed variations promptly and fairly. Overall we are thrilled with our completed home. Our family friends and visitors describe it as spectacular upon arrival when they see how Rafe has captured the view to the lake. We enjoyed the entire process of designing and building this home and Rafe played a large part in this. We always felt that Rafe listened and was committed to helping us realise our dream. In fact we enjoyed the process so much we would like to repeat the exercise and would have no hesitation in engaging Rafe again”