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Smaller HomesBetter Living
Something we have both observed and indeed implemented in our own lives is the benefit of investing in relationships rather than square metreage. Social capital over equity, character over size. Purpose-led lives of simplicity. This page is for anyone seeking to build something small, that grows into something much larger through the annals of time.
Positively downsizing
Through many deep conversations with mid-life customers we have noted that somehow they often feel a sense of loss when considering moving into a smaller home - "downsizing" as it has come to be known. This is evidently a commonly felt, uncomfortable experience - a feeling we seek to address firstly by finding comfort (literally "with strength") in offering a place that will endure. Our timber frames are inherently secure, our homes evoke strength and permanence.
From this comfort we then look to provide the essentials for living well in thoughtful, personalised homes that inspire. What do we mean by "inspire"? Well perhaps you have special memories of a holiday home you visited as a child, or your grandparents' house where everything seemed like an adventure. This is what we mean when we propose building smaller, better quality homes that inspire - homes full of your favourite places, be they reading nooks, window seats, catwalk lofts or covered lean-tos. Small but exciting spaces that inspire togetherness, calm and content while being at home. Quality over quantity in 80-120m² of hard working, thoughtfully designed space. That special sense of permanence.
Live long, live well.
Investing in life, and community
We recently reconnected with a couple who built a compact family home in the early 1980's, and never moved. Like most people we are naturally curious of, and drawn to stories of how people live happy, fruitful lives. The builder and engineering side of us meanwhile tries to figure out what is the secret to this happiness. In the case of the couple who've lived in the same small home for 45-odd years, what we ultimately concluded was they had invested in their own lives instead of the property ladder. They'd built their own reality. The roots they'd planted in 1980's had grown, their connection to their community was rock solid, their small but beautiful home was a haven for grandkids, family and friends walking through the revolving doors. This simplicity is fairly out of step with the world of the internet, smart phones and fast fashion, but by designing well, paying off their mortgage fast and engaging in the relationships close to home it had provided this couple at least a rarely found level of social capital, contentment and hope for the future.
History, comfort, focus, investment.
Plant your flag in the ground
For various reasons many younger people are increasingly unsettled, not content to stay in one place, opting for constant change and transience. This is nothing new, though technology is certainly an enabler that fuels the issue. If you're a young family looking for change, permanence, and a place to provide stability for your kids and future generations, consider what we are proposing in this essay.
The young family pictured here is that of our build partner in Raglan. The home he (Dylan) has built for his family is loosely based on one our simple designs ("The Summit"), but he's customised it such that it's about 60% his own design, intended to be the place he and his family create a life for themselves, without having to move anywhere.
The structure of our 80-120m² timber frame homes are often in the traditional Montana frame style, like the one shown here. We can make them in different sizes, but what's really great about them is how easy it is to customise the floor plan. Essentially they're an empty envelope providing space for a layout that's going to give you a home with all your favourite places in it. We have a number of designs, both single and double story but most of our clients modify the designs to suit them. Why not add a lean-to and create lots of low cost extra space? Or a balcony to enjoy the night sky and bring the outdoors-in? Lofts are neat spaces for home offices as well as spare bedrooms for when the kids come to visit. It's easy to integrate an attached garage with a walkway through to the home.
The Heritage Loft is 95m² and typically comes in at $4,800 - $5,900/m² nationwide. The standard design has 2 bedrooms in it, but that can easily be 1 bedroom, or even 3. As the name suggests it has a loft which, if you look a little closer contains loads of extra storage room. Want to make it a little more special? Consider adding a lean-to, a covered verandah or reconfigure the inside to feature your own private reading nook, window seat or even an upstairs catwalk. You might like lime plaster over Hempcrete as shown here, but it can just as easily have gorgeous timber cladding.
The Sanctuary is 97m² and similarly comes in at $4,800 - $5,900/m² throughout New Zealand. The standard design has 3 bedrooms, but perhaps you would like 2 larger bedrooms, or replace 1 of the bedrooms with a home office, a library or games room? Put your stamp on the design and make it your own. Build better, not bigger.
The Weekend is 124m² and loosely designed as an easy-to-build holiday home of exceptional quality. Is there a reason every day shouldn't feel like a holiday? Built around the Montana frame, it is easy to customise, so the functionality required for long-term living can be integrated into the design.
How do you want to feel at home?
We propose that for many people, everything you need can be found in a 80-120m² home. A home with all your favourite places. Rooms that work harder, for how you really live. Whether you're retiring and want a home that is both beautiful and easy to maintain, if you're looking for a small space to reconnect and flourish, or if you simply want to live a better life with less clutter and more time for actual living.
It's the little things.