Engineering hospitality: Kirk Roberts

Kirk Roberts continues to expand the horizons of ingenuity with its Sudima Hotel project in Kaikoura. Designed and engineered by Kirk Roberts, the project was always going to be at the forefront of technology and cost effectiveness.   The fully modular building was prefabricated in Christchurch and freighted for assembly on site. […]

Mt Cook masterpiece: Lone Pine Building

The remarkable 600sqm Mt Cook Homestead is a magnificent addition the breath-taking Aoraki Mount Cook environs.   Tasked with bringing RW Design’s plans to life, award-winning Tekapo to Timaru-based Lone Pine Building reused the original homestead’s Rimu as well as recycled timber beams, ceilings, door frames and skirting boards. Teams worked in […]

Alpine luxury reimagined: RW Design

Heritage meets modernity in a stunning, self-sustainable rebuilt Mt Cook station entered into Master Builders House of the Year 2020. The collaboration of RW Design and Lone Pine Building has resulted in a luxury homestead with uninterrupted views of Aoraki Mt Cook. The idea for the single-level homestead came from its stunning […]

Steep success: Simpson Building

Wakatipu-based firm Simpson Building was the team responsible for turning the plans of AQA Alessandro Quadrelli Architetto into Willow House, the striking new build atop the steep and rocky hillside overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Registered Master Builders and Hazard Co members, Simpson Building is led by Tim and Dayna Simpson and specialises in […]

Modern lakeside dream: AQA

Lake Wakatipu is easily one of the most picturesque settings in the greater Queenstown area. So, having a bespoke designed modern home overlooking its waters is a dream for many. Thanks to Alessandro Quadrelli, and in collaboration with Simpson Building Ltd, the dream is now a reality.     Willow House, located […]

Modernity meets tradition – and wins: Parker Warburton Team Architects

A modern office design within a heritage context and a dental practice with a difference has seen Dunedin and Wanaka-based architecture firm Parker Warburton Team Architects recognised in the recent 2020 Southern Architecture Awards.   The work, completed for WorkSafe New Zealand and Dunbar Wilson Dental, respectively, has been recognised in the […]

The Ultimate VW Challenge: Tiguan vs T-Cross R-Line

Here is the challenge: you’re loading up for a weekend trip with three women to go to Maruia Springs. You’ve got pillows, blankets, makeup bags, bags for shoes, bags for clothes, bags for swimming…basically everything bags.   They have had time to prep so it’s my job – while they have a […]

An electrifying ride

When I picked up the Mercedes EQC 4matic from Armstrong Mercedes the only thing that rattled my head was that name, EQC. Something that, when I posted on Instagram, I got a few messages about.   But as this beautiful machine glided out onto the motorway and I placed my foot on […]

Upping the game

After nine years, we have a new Toyota Yaris. The first of Toyota’s new TNGA “B” Platform, and it happens to be rather nice.   As far as looks go, the Yaris is more rakish and aggressive than its predecessor, with a gaping whale shark-esque grill and frowning headlights, it certainly looks […]