Dalefield Cottage, Queenstown
Nestled amongst the stunning South Island landscape is this guest accommodation.
The client wanted us to design a cottage that would incorporate a modern aesthetic but with a traditional Queenstown twist. Origin blended together modern simple forms and shapes with traditional construction materials such as Schist stone and timber weatherboards.
The large central pavilion plays as the main open plan living, dining and kitchen area with bedroom accommodation either side.
The traditional cottage feel continues into the interior with exposed timber rafters, timber flooring and a large feature schist stone fire place, a great place to cosy up in the cold winters with a mulled wine!
Passive Home, North Shore, Auckland.
Japonica is a contemporary family home on Auckland’s North Shore where modern design meets sustainable living. Nestled within a stunning coastal setting, the home is a showcase of passive design and high-performance, low-energy architecture. Designed by Origin, the house blends seamlessly into its natural environment, balancing simplicity, functionality, and visual appeal.
Built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), the home achieves exceptional thermal efficiency, remaining cool in summer and warm in winter. An open-plan interior encourages a connected lifestyle, while smart technology, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems reduce the home's environmental footprint. Project Japonica is a refined example of how thoughtful, sustainable design can deliver both beauty and long-term performance.
Bassett Road Project, Remuera, Auckland
This clever renovation fuses the charm of a traditional villa frontage with a bold, contemporary rear extension. The result is a seamless blend of old and new—where heritage character meets modern living.
At the heart of the home lies an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space that flows effortlessly onto a large covered deck. With its adjustable louvred roof, the deck offers year-round comfort and a strong connection to the outdoors. Full-height windows and doors flood the interior with natural light, while modernised upper and basement levels ensure the layout supports a functional, family-focused lifestyle.
kaitoke Beach House, Great Barrier Island.
This new home on Great Barrier Island is a striking fusion of modern architecture and natural harmony. Designed to complement its dramatic coastal surroundings, the house blends a traditional Kiwiana beach house aesthetic with refined touches of Japanese modernism, creating a warm yet sophisticated retreat.
Featuring two bedrooms, a bathroom, and open-plan living, kitchen, and dining spaces, the layout is both functional and serene. Large glass doors open onto a covered deck, seamlessly connecting indoors to out and framing stunning views. Natural materials, wood panelling, and a classic monopitch roof ground the design in local tradition, while minimalist forms and clean lines offer a tranquil, contemporary edge.
Onetangi Beach Home, Waiheke Island.
Perched gracefully on a coastal hillside overlooking the ocean, this thoughtfully designed guest cottage offers a serene retreat amidst Waiheke Island’s natural beauty. Created as a self-contained guest accommodation, the cottage features a generous ensuite bedroom paired with a compact living and kitchen pavilion—ideal for relaxed, independent stays.
The architecture embraces a simple, refined form, utilising natural materials and tones to sit effortlessly within the coastal landscape. Clad in soft timber and topped with a clean gable roofline, the structure blends rustic charm with modern restraint. Expansive glazing invites in the sea breeze and panoramic views, while the warm, minimal interior palette ensures a restful and welcoming experience.
Designed for quiet luxury and immersion in nature, this cottage offers a timeless escape above the shoreline
Shotover Barn, Queenstown
Nestled amongst the stunning South Island landscape is this new rural family home.
The client wanted us to design a cottage that would incorporate a modern aesthetic but with a traditional barn style twist. Origin blended together modern simple forms and shapes with traditional construction materials.
The large central are plays as the main open plan living, dining and kitchen area with bedroom accommodation either side.
The traditional barn feel continues into the interior with sloped ceiling, timber flooring and a large feature modern country kitchen.
Omaha Valley, Matakana.
This family home extension involved a new barn style pavillion to create a new luxurious master bedroom suite. The main roof void area was designed to allow for a new studio and guest accomodation. We used natural materials to provide a contemporary rural feel.
Passive Pod, Queenstown
This retreat is nestled into the hills of Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. Using Origin high performance home detailing this 18m2 retreat is the perfect place to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu.
Using SIP (structural insulated panel) we have designed a low energy building that stays warm in the winter months and cool in the hotter seasons. The floor plan incorporates a double bed on a mezzanine floor, bathroom and kitchenette. A large deck expands the living space connecting with the stunning scenery.
Wilton Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
This striking family home in Grey Lynn is a bold statement in modern architecture. Clad in sleek black metal with crisp geometric lines, the design features two sharp-roofed pavilions that create a dramatic and refined streetscape presence.
Inside, the open-plan layout is centered around a sculptural metal staircase and an internal courtyard with a lush green wall and retractable glass roof, flooding the space with light. A sunken cedar-lined lounge opens to an expansive outdoor living area, complete with a retractable roof, heated pool, and custom pool house—designed for both entertaining and everyday family life. Natural materials soften the bold design, delivering a warm, inviting home that effortlessly balances drama and comfort.
Passive Beach Home, Tawharanui, Auckland.
Beautiful modern passive beach home at Tawharanui Beach. Designed with Origin’s energy-efficient principles and using SIP panels, this low-energy, high-performance retreat is the ideal modern kiwi bech house..
You’ll find cozy bedrooms on the lower level, while the upper level features a spacious open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area that offers stunning views of Kawau Island. The client wanted a fresh, modern feel, but with that classic Kiwi beach bach vibe—and we think we’ve nailed it!
Putururu, Auckland
This contemporary family home is designed to embrace a relaxed rural lifestyle while showcasing breathtaking views of the northern harbour. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern architecture, the flat roof design and expansive glazing create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The spacious open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas flow effortlessly onto large decks, leading to a new lower-level pool—perfect for family living and entertaining. Thoughtfully chosen New Zealand materials integrate the home harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
Energy Efficient Homes, Lake Hawea.
This project features two Scandinavian-inspired barn-style homes, thoughtfully designed to combine minimalist elegance with high-performance construction. Built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), each dwelling embraces low-energy building techniques to create warm, healthy, and efficient living environments that exceed New Zealand Building Code requirements. The SIP construction provides a robust, airtight envelope with superior thermal insulation, ensuring year-round comfort while significantly reducing energy demands. The simple, refined barn forms reflect the timeless aesthetic of Scandinavian design, while the advanced construction method delivers long-term sustainability, durability, and occupant well-being.
Captain Springs, Auckland.
Where contemporary design meets family-friendly living. This elegant home features a striking, minimalist form complemented by modern materials. The thoughtfully connected pavilions create a harmonious flow throughout the space, with an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area that boasts soaring vaulted ceilings. Natural light floods the interiors, casting playful shadows that enhance the ambiance.
The upper loft area offers a serene sanctuary for the main bedrooms, characterized by unique sloped ceilings and expansive picture windows that frame picturesque views.
St Stephens, Parnell, Auckland
This heritage renovation project and extension of this existing 1920's arts and crafts mansion in the suburb of Parnell, Auckland is a stunning example of modern design integrated with the charm and character of a historic home. The project involved a complete internal renovation of the house, retaining the original features and updating them with modern materials and finishes. The new extension seamlessly connects to the existing structure, adding a large open plan kitchen and dining area which leads out to a spacious covered deck. The extension provides ample space for entertaining and relaxing, while still maintaining the integrity of the original architecture.
The landscaping for the property was also carefully designed to terrace the steep site, creating levelled gardens and a modern stylish pool area. The outdoor space provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still being conveniently located in the heart of Parnell. The pool area is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful New Zealand weather, while the levelled gardens provide ample space for outdoor activities and entertaining.
Overall, the heritage renovation project and extension on this historic mansion is a stunning example of modern design integrated with the charm and character of a historic home. The attention to detail and careful consideration of the existing structure and surroundings have created a beautiful and functional space.
Coastal Retreat, Mangawhai.
This stunning home has been designed to stand out in the natural environment, incorporating a bold use of materials that create a modern and clean look. The exterior of the house features metal cladding, which not only provides a low maintenance solution, but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the home. To add some natural contrast, Abodo timber cladding has been used, which complements the metal cladding perfectly.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious and open-plan interior that's perfect for modern family living. The large kitchen, dining and living area is the heart of the home, providing the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen is modern with a large central ktichen island.
The house features a large master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom, providing the perfect retreat. Two generous sized bedrooms provide ample space for family members or guests, and there's a separate bathroom for convenience.
The design of this house takes full advantage of its coastal location, with large windows and sliding doors that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding environment. The spacious outdoor area is perfect for entertaining.
Overall, this new coastal house project in Mangawhai, New Zealand is the perfect combination of modern design and natural elements. With its bold use of materials, open-plan layout, and stunning location.
Passive Dwelling, Cadrona.
Nestled in the breathtaking alpine landscape of Cardrona, this 70m² Formance SIP panel home is a compact yet high-performing retreat designed for modern living in harmony with nature. Purposefully crafted using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), the home delivers exceptional thermal performance, structural integrity, and energy efficiency—perfectly suited to the extreme conditions of the South Island’s mountain region.
With two generous bedrooms and a light-filled open-plan kitchen and living area, the layout has been carefully considered to maximise space and comfort without compromise. The contemporary design reflects a clean, minimal aesthetic, while durable, low-maintenance materials ensure the home stands strong in the alpine environment.
Designed and built to exceed standard building code requirements, this home offers year-round comfort with reduced heating demands—ideal for sustainable living or a holiday getaway in one of New Zealand’s most iconic mountain regions.
St Heliers, Auckland.
This renovation and extension of a 1970s home in St Heliers Bay, Auckland, was carefully crafted to reflect a modern Japanese aesthetic through the use of simple forms, clean lines, and natural materials. The design responds to the clients’ brief to create a space that is both functional and beautiful, with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. A striking new extension to the front of the home introduces a refined contrast of materials—timber, brick, and glass—delivering a calm yet dramatic architectural statement that complements the existing structure.
The layout has been thoughtfully reimagined to support contemporary living, with additional bedrooms, including a peaceful master suite that offers expansive views through large windows. The heart of the home features a new open-plan kitchen with a central island, seamlessly integrating with the living and dining areas. Bi-folding doors open out to a generous deck, promoting indoor-outdoor flow and extending the living space into the garden—perfect for entertaining and relaxation. Natural materials and a soft, earthy palette create harmony between the built environment and the natural one, embodying the essence of modern Japanese design while enhancing everyday functionality.
Coromandel Bach, Coromandel Town.
Set along the water's edge in a beloved New Zealand beach town, this family holiday home beautifully combines mid-century modern elements with the charm of a classic Kiwi beach house. The design features two pavilion-style buildings—one housing the main living areas and bedrooms, and another providing garage space and guest accommodation. This thoughtfully crafted project delivers the ultimate beachside lifestyle, perfectly tailored to our client’s vision.
Rural lifestyle Home, Clevedon.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Clevedon, this expansive rural family home offers the perfect setting for idyllic country living. Featuring a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, along with a five-bedroom pavilion, the design provides ample space for both comfort and functionality.
Greenhithe Extension, Auckland.
The project brief was to extend the existing family home to provide additional bedrooms and a large modern living area that connects to a covered deck. The covered deck extends the living space and connects with the existing pool area, creating the perfect space for outdoor entertaining.
The design of the extension is simple, modern and elegant, using natural forms and materials that complement the existing home. The exterior of the extension features natural timber cladding that blends seamlessly with the existing brickwork. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, allowing natural light to flood the space.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a modern and spacious interior that's perfect for family living. The natural tones and materials used in the interior design create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The covered deck extends the living space and provides the perfect space for outdoor entertaining. It connects seamlessly with the existing pool area, creating a beautiful outdoor oasis that's perfect for family fun and relaxation.
Overall, this completed renovation project in Greenhithe, Auckland is a beautiful example of modern design that seamlessly blends with the natural environment. The use of natural materials and tones creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the extension provides ample space for family living and entertaining.