Flow House showcases how challenging in-fill sites can be utilised for functional, sustainable homes. What many dismissed as an impossible site—a narrow, steep section—became the ideal foundation for a home designed around the clients’ needs. The result is a peaceful urban oasis, where careful planning and innovative design maximise land use while maintaining privacy in a densely populated area. It’s a testament to how, with creativity, alternative forms and planning for infill housing can respect the environment, neighbours, and communities, and provide long-term, sustainable solutions.
From the thermally broken windows to the passive solar design, every detail of Flow House was chosen for energy efficiency and longevity. The green zinc cladding is designed to patina over time, blending with the natural surroundings. Locally sourced Blackbutt timber was selected for both its durability and aesthetic warmth, ensuring the house remains both functional and beautiful for generations to come. Outside, a winter garden is included on the north side of the building to environmentally control the temperature and provide an indoor terrarium and seating area, while rainwater is collected from the roof for gardens and cooling water features.
Challenging consents
Flow House’s site presented significant planning challenges, breaching every rule in the local residential planning framework including height limits, setbacks, daylight recession planes, site coverage, and excavation limits. Careful design and our delicate handling of relationships with council and neighbours allowed these to be navigated and the house consented. The result is a low-profile home that nestles into the hillside, with curved concrete retaining walls that integrate the house into the landscape, while providing stability and beauty.
A canvas for life
Inside, Flow House is a fresh and modern space that captures the warmth and light of the Nelson region. The natural colour palette and use of sustainable timbers provide a backdrop for the owners’ meaningful pieces and personal style. Their travel collections, heirloom furniture, and artwork are intentionally integrated into the contemporary design, from handcrafted Mexican candelabras to a dining table passed down through generations. Our in-house designer’s highly collaborative process kept our clients’ vision at the heart of their design, resulting in a space that tells their story while creating a contemporary and inviting setting for the next chapter of their lives.
“As you walked through their old home, you could just see all these layers of life and experience—objects from their travels, heirloom furniture, little details that told their story.” Says Diana Shchukin, senior interior designer. “From the outset, they knew exactly what they wanted” Simon Hall adds “We worked with them every step of the way to ensure their voice was heard.“
Inspired by the couple’s travels in Mexico and Central America, the courtyard creates a sheltered, sun-filled outdoor space that enhances privacy and promotes natural ventilation. This central courtyard not only brings the outdoors in but also creates a space that makes the home feel much bigger than it is. It is also a clever engineering solution, allowing the house to be recessed into the steep hillside. It’s a perfect blend of form and function, designed for comfort and connection to nature.
“They’ve been a wonderful team to work with. We could never, ever have created this without having such an intimate relationship with architects like Simon Hall, the interiors team led by Diana, or Simon Murray, the builder and his crew.” Burke (co-owner)
