18 Aug 2025
We’re very proud to share that Kāpiti House has been named a finalist in the Spatial – Residential Houses category of the 2025 Best Design Awards.
The Best Design Awards, held by the Designers Institute of New Zealand, are Australasia’s largest annual showcase of excellence across graphic, digital, motion design, product and spatial along with the Value of Design Award, Public Good Award and the Toitanga award – which recognise the changing nature of the design industry.
Kāpiti House
Finalist in the Spatial – Residential Houses category
Located on a 16-acre site inland from the Kāpiti Coast, Kāpiti House is a rural home shaped by care, clarity, and connection. Designed to operate off-grid and carbon-positive, it balances technical performance with a calm and grounded architecture.
The house is formed of two distinct elements – a barn and a keep – stepping across a natural rise in the land. Together, they create a series of sheltered outdoor spaces that hold the orchard, a regenerative permaculture garden, and a pool that frames views of the wider landscape.
Inside, the design favours honesty and restraint. Exposed CLT trusses define tall, dramatic living spaces, while timber linings and recycled rimu bring warmth and tactility. Colour is used sparingly but purposefully, with textiles and hand-crafted details enriching the home’s informal character.
Congratulations to all the finalists! Winners will be announced at an awards event held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Friday 10 October.
Explore the full list of finalists on the Best Awards website.
Kāpiti House is a rural home shaped by care, clarity, and connection. Photo: Simon Devitt
Exposed CLT trusses define tall, dramatic living spaces, while timber linings and recycled rimu bring warmth and tactility. Photo: Simon Devitt