Bell Stephenson Architects

08/02/2026

Make the most of even difficult sites. Check out our new website https://www.bellstephenson.co.nz/

16/06/2022

Ever wondered what a PASSIVE SOLAR HOME looks like? Check out a recent design on this stunning Ruby Bay site by Bell Stephenson Architects. http://www.bellstephenson.co.nz/ruby-bay-residence

21/04/2022

Ever wondered how light can transform a space? Click on the link below to see how Bell Stephenson Architects acheived this in one of their latest, stunning renovation projects.
http://www.bellstephenson.co.nz/abel-tasman-views

01/07/2021

Its not often we get to transform a home completely. We love recycling and repurposing. This home has been given a whole new lease of life.
http://www.bellstephenson.co.nz/motueka-residence

08/09/2017

Are you interested to see what your new home or project might feel like through virtual reality glasses? Bell Stephenson Architects are excited to announce we can now offer this service. Check out how we do it by watching the following video.

08/08/2017

Thinking of remodelling your property? Check out the results of Bell Stephenson Architect's latest renovation.
http://www.bellstephenson.co.nz/beach-house-in-the-bay

04/12/2016

Getting hands on experience helping Phil Osborne build his clay pumice house.

30/08/2016

It was an honour to be the architects for the new Cultural Education Centre at Motueka High School, now called Te Whare Taikura o Te Maatu. Check out the following clip of the opening ceremony to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0egjKNtXLro

Opening of Te Whare Taikura o Te Maatu - Cultural Education Centre 5th August 2016

12/05/2016

Here is a clip about light earth construction during this years International Straw Building Conference. A great infill for timber construction. Warm, natural/ non-toxic ; easy to do. Curves are possible and you can be even more creative with clay plaster finishes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0JF7JTP1dw

Full workshop on how to make easy insulation out of straw and clay. The workshop was held at the International Straw Building Conference (ISBC) in Methven, N...

21/04/2016

Our friends at Image Creators just won a Silver medal for the graphics on our shared ELF. Well done Andy and Jodie, we think it looks pretty good also.

11/03/2016

General Changes within the proposed Rural Rules - the last of the write up:
1) Council introduced Low Impact Building Design to minimise the visual impact of a building or structure within the landscape, adverse effects on the productive land, and the effects of servicing the building or structure in terms of access, water supply, energy efficiency, stormwater and wastewater management.
2) Cooperative Living is now included in the TRMP Policy which means council enabled the possibility. This doesn’t make it a permitted activity, but given a sensible design and adhering to all the restricted discretionary conditions, it is achievable. The BIG HOOK, I see in the conditions, is that council still quotes amenity values and character which are defined as ‘qualities of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness’. This is such an open ended statement that neighbours can object because it is not open space. And it cannot be open space, as council wants people to cluster houses to protect productive land (which we all ought to aim for).
3) A minor dwelling is now 80m² (instead of 60m²) and 120m² if the garage is attached.
4) In many areas it is now proposed to have a Main and Minor dwelling, provided there is not already an attached second housekeeping unit in the Main dwelling.
5) The rules to manage fire risk have been changing slowly over time and require more water being available on site (45000 litres) or 25 litres per second for 30 minutes, to put out fires. Home fire-sprinkler systems are encouraged, which only need a 7000 litres storage tank.
6) In rural 1 and 2, Site Coverage has also been amended to the total area of all buildings, excluding greenhouses, to be

Date Notified: 30 January 2016 Submissions Close: 14 March 2016

08/03/2016

Rural Residential Zone rules
17.8.3.1 (a) One dwelling with 2 housekeeping units is permitted in this zone and now includes the use of a building that had a different use previously. The two housekeeping units need to be under one continuous roof and connected with enclosed walls.
17.8.3.1 (ba) There are no more than 2 sleepouts per dwelling and as with all zones, they need to be no more than 20m from the principal dwelling and no more than 36m² in size.
17.8.3.1 (h) Dwellings and habitable buildings are set back at least 30m from a Rural 1, 2 or 3 zone boundary
17.8.3.1A – A second dwelling on land over 2 ha is a controlled activity where the second dwelling is a minor dwelling of up to 80m² (without garage) or up to 120m² if it includes a garage
17.8.3.2 – 2 principle dwellings on a rural residential site is a restricted discretionary activity and can include buildings that used to be something else previously (shed, packhouse,…)