Luggate Rise House

A Small Home with Big Performance

On a hill above Luggate, this modest home shows just how much is possible when performance is prioritised over size. At under 110m², it accommodates three bedrooms and an office while achieving exceptional thermal efficiency — making it the first home in Wānaka to be awarded a Homestar 8 Built rating.

Designed by our principal architect, Beth Chaney-Walker, as her own family home, the project became a case study in sustainable, small-scale living on a modest budget. Compact planning, built-in furniture, and multi-functional spaces make every square metre work hard, while raking ceilings and large sliding doors create a sense of generosity and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Performance was maximised through super-insulated slab, walls, and roof; high-performance glazing; airtight construction; and a balanced ventilation system with heat recovery. Energy modelling shows the home uses just one-sixth of the energy of a typical New Zealand house to stay comfortable year-round.

Simple, durable, and cost-effective materials — including corrugated cladding and FSC-certified plywood — give the home a warm, honest feel while keeping sustainability at its core. Luggate Rise House proves that small, affordable homes can be both beautiful and high-performing.