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About
Our Process Our Core Values
Services
Design and Build Architectural And New Builds Renovations and Alterations Country Homes Hill Builds and Unique Sites
Portfolio
North Canterbury House Banks Peninsula House Ohoka House Inverness Renovation Marlborough Sounds House
Contact
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Marlborough Sounds House

Marlborough Sounds House

This boat-access-only Architectural build designed by O'Neil Architecture and Ohoka design is set in a dense native bush sitting out in the middle of the Marlborough sounds was a unique endeavour and achievement to be proud of. This build entailed precise planning, communication, various unconventional construction methods and Clever Energy efficient sustainable construction solutions to meet the isolated requirements of this project. The primary goal of the project was to create an idyllic family holiday home for future generations to come and enjoy. whilst adhering to all-natural DOC and marine reserve regulations and off-grid requirements minimizing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

  1. Location and Access: The building site was elevated above the beach in pristine native bush in the Marlborough Sounds, accessible only by boat due to its remote nature.
  2. Accessing through the Doc and Marine Reserve Throughout the construction process, required strict adherence and care to nature reserve regulations. Environmental impact assessments were conducted, and measures were implemented to make minimal disturbance on the fragile environment.
  3. All materials for the entire project were brought across the water by barge this being the only efficient method able to be used from concrete trucks to water tanks right up to the finished furniture of the house .The key was to have the right amount of material to keep the site ticking but not too much as space was extremely limited due to the surrounding bush.
  4. Smart Building Solutions: The construction project incorporated many smart building solutions and careful planning to ensure energy efficiency, sustainability, and a minimal environmental footprint.
  5. Off-Grid Requirements: The building was designed to operate off-grid, relying solely on renewable energy sources. Energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving fixtures, sustainable building materials and renewable heating cooling were used to achieve this goal.
  6. Renewable Energy Systems: The building utilised solar panels with battery storage having a back-up generator as part of the system for future proofing.
  7. Water and Waste Management: Innovative water collection and filtration systems were designed specifically for the site to assure the water was effectively used and waste correctly filtered prior to disposal.
  8. Onsite Diggers were required for site works and used lifting and transport up to the building site. The diggers were carefully operated to minimise damage to the surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitats.
  9. Helicopter Transport: Due to the limited access and elevation on the site, helicopters were used to transport large essential construction materials, such as timber, steel, concrete and other equipment up to the site.

By combining careful planning, innovative construction techniques, and sustainable solutions, this warm functional family holiday home was achieved successfully. It met the nature reserve requirements and off-grid specifications while preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.