Altherm window manufacturer, Design Windows, supplied the extensively glazed, Gary Todd-designed home, which took top place in the lower South Island residential design category.

Set alongside the Orokonui Bird Sanctuary, 25 minutes from town, this compact, pavilion-style dwelling is immersed in native bush and birdlife, drawing inspiration from the layered, branching form of the surrounding trees. The building is arranged into branching wings, creating sheltered living zones that respond directly to the landscape and natural environment.

Full-height glazing made up of APL Metro Series ThermalHeart+ windows and doors, paired with AGP Solux Ultra IGU’s, created dramatic transparency, referenced in the WGANZ award citation.

“This home is an elegant example of a unique site-responsive glazing system executed with technical proficiency,” the judges commented. “In harmony with the architectural intent, the high-performance envelope maximises natural light, expansive forest views, passive ventilation and thermal resilience."

“Millimetre-perfect installation and precision tolerances were achieved through close cross-industry collaboration, proving that ambitious, light-filled spatial design can be achieved without compromising thermal performance. The seamlessly integrated joinery defines this architectural masterpiece.”

Bi parting sliders on all elevations, recessed at the sill for a flush indoor-outdoor flow, were capped by raking overlights nested into large, geometric, sloped soffits clad in plywood and timber battens. The latter materials were continued into the interior ceilings for a seamless look.

Design Windows Dunedin used APL’s sleek, minimalist Elemental hardware (made from extruded aluminium), on windows and doors, including on a Plasma Smooth main entrance door. The surface finish on all profiles was Matt Flax Pod powder coat.

The builder was Mike Kapua.