The farmhouse is built on a challenging site that required extensive earthworks but which offers sweeping rural views. It is notable for its use of natural materials: strawbale construction, Light Earth Material (LEM) internal walls and earth plasters inside and out. All walls are timber-framed in order to meet New Zealand’s seismic strength requirements. Two teams of builders were involved. The main contractor ran the job, handing off periodically to a specialist, highly experienced strawbale builder who travelled from the other side of the island.

The natural materials gave the owners an opportunity to assist with construction. The excellent airtightness result is all the more remarkable as two coats of natural plaster on the interior walls serve as the air control layer. The home was carefully planned to provide universal access. It makes extensive use of sustainably-grown timber from the owners’ specialist timber merchant business.