Smart Scandinavian longhouse

This Nordic-inspired home, designed with Passive design principles, harmoniously blends with its surroundings, including farm sheds and tobacco kilns. Its industrial minimalist exterior is complemented by a ‘perfectly imperfect’ interior, creating a unique and coherent aesthetic.

The expansive 151m² property, set on five acres in rural Motueka, was expertly built by Garry Nott and his team at Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited. Stretching 35 metres long, the home offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where raw materials and natural imperfections are celebrated.

Achieving 90 percent Passive status, the two bedroom, two bathroom house is oriented east to west to maximise solar gain and retention. It has been built using Formance Structural Insulated Panels, a concrete floor with polystyrene edge insulation, and thermally broken joinery.

The central living areas feature a prominent external steel portal frame, which adds structural integrity while minimising thermal bridging. Band sawn ply walls and ceilings stretch to the apex of the 3.9-metre gabled roof. “Accomplishing the minimalist look is very labour intensive,” says Garry. “Everything has to be highly accurate, for example, where the grooved ply ceiling meets the grooved ply walls.”

The home’s design seamlessly integrates the kitchen with a spacious internal courtyard that opens to the gardens: perfect for entertaining. Defined by a wall of recycled kiln bricks, the outdoor living space boasts a five-metre sliding door clad in corrugated iron, echoing the exterior design. For moments of tranquility, a peaceful yoga room, adorned with lime plaster walls and a built in daybed, awaits.

The owner says their personality is beautifully expressed throughout the house. “Garry’s building experience and positive attitude kept the project on track, and I am now enjoying a perfectly crafted, energy-efficient home.”

Location: Motueka | Nelson Tasman

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