Jacks Point Residence

About the Project

Designed as our own home, this project provided an opportunity to test and refine many of the principles I bring to Client work, creating a house that performs well, feels comfortable year-round, and supports everyday living.

The design places a strong emphasis on orientation, insulation, and thermal performance, ensuring the home remains efficient and low-maintenance in Queenstown’s climate. Planning is simple and legible, with spaces arranged to capture light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape.

The house sits within a developing native garden, which provides privacy, shelter, and a soft edge between built form and landscape. Internally, the material palette is warm and natural, supporting a balance between shared family spaces and quieter areas for retreat.

Living in the house has reinforced the importance of getting the fundamentals right; orientation, proportion, and flow, resulting in a home that feels easy to live in, every day.

Project Details

Project: Taverner House

Location: Jacks Point, Queenstown

Year: 2015

Floor area: 220 m²

Budget: Under $1m

Project type: New residential build

Role: Architect and client

Builder: Lakes Building Co.

Focus: Passive performance, low-maintenance materials, family living

Landscape: Native planting and site integration

Photography: Marina Mathews