The Minihouse was built to be a forever home so the materials used were all of the highest quality. RAB board was used to sheath the house for superior weather tightness and better soundproofing. Colour Steel and sustainably sourced hardwood were used as cladding for durability and longevity. Pink batt insulation, doubled-glazed doors and windows, and LED lighting minimise energy usage. The engineered wooden flooring is aesthetically pleasing and hard-wearing. The stainless steel kitchen benchtop and Spectrum Plywood kitchen cabinetry are timeless and hard-wearing, as is the tiled bathroom. There is ample built-in storage space, however there is room for more cabinets if required. The 2000-litre stormwater retention tank and 1.2-metre floor level mitigate against future flood risk, and the 180 litre water cylinder can provide plenty of hot water if the occasion ever requires it. The Minihouse is positioned on the property to allow space for bike storage with plug-in capabilities. The high floor level allows easy access for installing ducted air conditioning. Electrical wiring has been installed to light the access path if required. Below the deck plumbing has been fitted for an outdoor bath or spa.

The Minihouse was designed for long-term living and therefore the dimensions of each room were carefully considered. The result is a spacious and fully functional home. The full-size kitchen includes a utility cupboard and large storage cupboards. The dining area is large enough for an eight-setting dining table and chairs. The living area easily accommodates a 2.5 seater sofa, a coffee table and a TV cabinet. The bathroom has a generous (square metre) shower, a full laundry, and storage cabinets. The bedroom was designed to comfortably fit a super-king-sized bed, bedside tables, generous-sized cabinetry and a desk. Numerous thoughtful design details make this house extremely livable; underfloor heating in the bathroom, motorised blinds, sheer drapes, a bathroom sensor light, ceiling fans, conveniently located power sockets, soft-close doors and drawers, hidden under-shelf lighting above the desk and kitchen benchtop, wall-mounted panel heating, heated towel rail, soundproofed glazing throughout, and outdoor lighting. High mono-pitched plywood ceilings, large windows and doors, and white walls enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The generous use of wood throughout the interior is timeless and adds warmth, character and tranquillity, while the burgundy-coloured kitchen cabinetry provides a splash of colour. The two-metre-wide deck that runs the length of the house provides space for a BBQ and outdoor dining. It can also accommodate an outdoor shower or spa pool if desired. The Minihouse is located in the heart of a central city suburb but is positioned for privacy. The west-facing wide views from the living area and bedroom are predominantly of trees and sky.

The build was a collaboration between a young but very skilled Builder (LBP) Max, and my partner Michael, a very experienced Cabinetmaker and Furniture Designer. The gestation was long, but the birth was quick! After the years of reports and changes made because of Council requirements, when it came to the build Max, who lives in the South Island, said he had 10 weeks available from mid-September 2023. Can it be done, we said? If you are completely ready with these things (lists provided), consents all done, and if Michael works full-time with me, it can be done said Max. And it was! Michael had made all the cabinetry in advance of the build. This requires extremely high build standards, as most of the cabinetry was fitted wall to wall. Some features of the craftsmanship are - Birch plywood ceilings geometrically laid out with a negative detail Symmetrical full size fitted kitchen in Birch Plywood with Maple detailing and Red Spectrum with integrated fridge. Full size laundry concealed in the bathroom Solid Jarrah desk fitted into the wardrobe cabinetry Solid White Ash architraves and skirting boards

The Minihouse has a simple three-room floor plan which maximises usable space. Every design decision was centred around both functionality and aesthetics. The open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge ensured no wasted space but provided a dedicated area for each. Built-in custom-made cabinetry (which includes a stunning, slim, wall-mounted unit with sliding doors that hide the TV), cavity sliders and extra high triple and double sliding doors all contribute to the sense of space and actual space. Clean lines, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light make for an airy and harmonious environment. The Minihouse has a large house feel and is a beautiful and highly functional home.

The Minihouse has a simple three-room floor plan which maximises usable space. Every design decision was centred around both functionality and aesthetics. The open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge ensured no wasted space but provided a dedicated area for each. Built-in custom-made cabinetry (which includes a stunning, slim, wall-mounted unit with sliding doors that hide the TV), cavity sliders and extra high triple and double sliding doors all contribute to the sense of space and actual space. Clean lines, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light make for an airy and harmonious environment. The Minihouse has the feel of a larger house, and is a beautiful and highly functional home. It is a fantastic example of exemplary design.

The original plan for the Minihouse was for a simple rectangle at ground level at the rear of the property, facing the main dwelling. As the project evolved we discovered that Council maps showed the south end of the property was shown as on a flow path. This necessitated a Flood Report and a Resource Consent. These led to delays and some years pondering the viability of the project and the design. Eventually after many iterations, the final design had emerged. Completely different to the first idea, and so much better. Because we had to lift the floor level above the potential floodplain, the house was made larger (42 square metres) and oriented west with a much greener and lighter aspect.