Design Base Architecture

09/01/2026

We’re proud of the design quality and high-performance outcomes being achieved with our William Street Housing Project for Habitat for Humanity.

The townhouses utilise pre-fabricated SIPs panels from Formance to increase thermal performance and improve airtightness. Paired with a centralised heat recovery system, these townhouses will be free from unwanted moisture, with fresh healthy air year round. High-performance UPVC windows and doors are recessed back into the wall line to improve thermal performance. Advanced glazing and considered verandahs help control solar gain and prevent overheating during summer. 

Comprehensive thermal modelling has been undertaken to test all of the above design assumptions to ensure these houses are comfortable, warm and require minimal energy to heat. 

SIPs by
Developed By

22/12/2025

Take the first look at our Rutherford St housing project, developed for Habitat for Humanity.

This development provides high-quality, affordable rental homes by delivering one and two bedroom apartments, alongside three bedroom townhouses.

The townhouses and apartments are located around a north-facing, central shared space, designed to encourage connection and community. Individual outdoor spaces for each townhouse and apartment offer privacy for each residence. 

The apartment buildings also feature a shared rooftop terrace, offering views across Nelson and an additional communal space for residents to enjoy.

Watch this space to see how this project takes shape in 2026.

19/12/2025

The living space at Tosswill Rd house creates a light and open area with views over Tahunanui and back into the expansive garden. 

A raked ceiling is supported by striking Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams. The wall and ceiling colours have been left neutral, to allow the beams and grooved ceiling lining to feature. Pops of colour have been added via the green marmoleum flooring and timber bench top. 

Builder - Shayne Dickinson 

Photographer -

19/12/2025

A huge congratulations to Ben in our Nelson office who’s recently become a Registered Architect! Ben has played a key role in developing the design and documentation for our Habitat for Humanity projects and the Waimarino Luxury Lodge. Ben has a strong dedication to his work and brings a focused approach to all aspects of design and project delivery. Our Habitat for Humanity projects, in particular, have benefitted from his ability to balance cost–benefit assessments while identifying innovative ways to improve building performance within tight budgets.

Well done Ben!

04/12/2025

Tucked away on a triangular section in Nelson is Arapiki house. Originally sub-divided from the owners parents, this piece of land is steep and is restricted by the neighboring boundary, existing driveway and a WWII ammunition storage bunker. Although the site presented a few challenges, we were able to design a cost-effective, three-bedroom home that provides everything needed for comfortable family living.

This project is a great example of thoughtful infill housing, which makes use of the existing infrastructure, with the added benefit of building in an established area with great landscaping and amenities. 

More photos of this great little project coming soon.

Builder
Photographer

03/12/2025

We’re excited to announce that earlier in the year Jo, who leads our Wānaka Office, qualified as a Passive House Designer! Jo holds a strong knowledge of building performance and how building smarter can benefit the environment and occupants’ health. 
Jo is an active member of the Better Building Working Group, whose priority actions include better building, zero waste, and mental health and wellbeing. She has been busy working on high performance builds, including one that utilises hempcrete in its construction. 

Feel free to reach out to Jo with queries on how to build better and what can be achieved with your next project.

28/11/2025

We’re very pleased to share a first look at our latest project for Habitat for Humanity. This development features ten 2–4 bedroom townhouses, each with its own private backyard. The central driveway has been widened, with additional landscaping introduced to create a more welcoming and functional space for families. A pocket park at the end of the driveway provides a shared area where children can play and neighbours can connect.

Stay tuned, more updates on the architectural approach and performance features of these homes are coming soon.

13/11/2025

Kyeburn House, Wānaka – A high-performance build that balances cost and value.

With today’s rising construction costs, every dollar needs to work harder, and smarter. The Kyeburn House design focused on achieving the highest performance house for the best value. Our team explored everything from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) panels versus conventional framing, evaluated various window systems, Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) options, and possibilities for improving airtightness. Using Thermal Modelling, we tested each design decision to deliver year-round comfort, ensuring the home stays cool in summer, warm in winter, and energy-efficient all year long.

Want to explore more high-performance builds?

Check out our recent work: designbase.co.nz

24/10/2025

Kyeburn house is a compact home design that punches above its weight, balancing thoughtful design, high performance, and cost efficiency.

The owners approached us with a brief for a three-bedroom home with an office, single garage, and open-plan living. Having experienced the benefits of passive house design, the owners wanted to get as close to that standard as possible. By carefully optimising the layout, we were able to direct more of the budget toward performance and comfort.

We used Intello to achieve a very airtight envelope and manage moisture. The use of full slab edge insulation, counter battens to walls and a double layer of insulation to the roof greatly reduces thermal bridging and improves the thermal envelope.

We’re proud of how this build has come together – more to come soon on this exciting project.

Built by
Photographed by

21/10/2025

We’re delighted to share a recently completed build in Nelson.

The owners envisioned a modernist-inspired home designed above an existing garage – a unique, yet rewarding challenge.

The finished design features a single sweeping roofline that floats above exposed LVL beams, with the high-ceilings creating light-filled living spaces. At its peak, the roof opens up to views over Tāhunanui, providing daylight and an open connection to the surrounding garden and expansive lawn.

Built by Shayne Dickinson
Photographed by

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

We’ve got a new look!

We’re excited to share our refreshed Design Base Architects branding – complete with a brand new website!

It’s been our busiest year yet, and we’re looking forward to sharing a range of recently completed projects and exciting updates over the next few months.

Head over to our new site to check out our latest work, learn about what makes the Design Base team tick, and see how thoughtful design can shape the way we live.

👉 www.designbase.co.nz