Design Builders Hawke’s Bay is celebrating a fantastic result at the 2026 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards for the East Coast & Hawke’s Bay region.
Category: Renovation $1 million – $2 million
Awards: Regional Gold and Category Winner
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Design Builders specialises in architectural design and build homes, but we also undertake renovations and knockdown rebuilds. Our skilled regional teams and in-house designers know a thing or two about creating exceptional homes through thoughtful design, whether you’re building new or transforming an existing property.
It’s hard to believe, but this home north of Napier was once tired, dated and forlorn. Given its prized position above the treeline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it deserved much more than a once-over-lightly makeover.
The home has been completely reimagined, with every element thoughtfully replaced, upgraded and refined. Contemporary materials such as vertical shiplap and iron, clean architectural lines, and expansive decking and patios now define the home’s exterior. Inside, the aesthetic is light and airy, with a sophisticated monochrome palette. The layout has been reconfigured to create flowing living spaces filled with natural light.
A substantial new addition expanded the footprint to 324sqm, allowing for generous living areas that seamlessly connect to the outdoors and the sweeping views beyond. The kitchen is designed for entertaining extended family and guests, featuring a spacious scullery and a long island with a breakfast bar.
It’s just as well, because there’s plenty of room for visitors. The home includes three bedrooms, along with a dedicated office that could easily serve as a fourth bedroom. There’s also a family bathroom, double garage with integrated laundry, separate mudroom, workshop and ample storage.
This ‘treehouse retreat’ is a sophisticated, light-filled sanctuary where indoor comfort meets extraordinary outdoor living. With uninterrupted sightlines to the Pacific, the home now celebrates its remarkable surroundings in every possible way. As renovations go, this transformation is both ambitious and beautifully executed.
This Regional Gold and Category Winner award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved, from our clients, designers and project managers through to the skilled tradespeople and trusted suppliers who helped bring this home to life.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding project. We are incredibly proud to see another Design Builders Hawke’s Bay home recognised at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.
If you’re planning to build or renovate in Hawke’s Bay, we’d love to help you create a home that’s uniquely yours.
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