This project envisions a social, environmental and economic responsible secondary dwelling in the sought-after Mount Maunganui. The design aims to offer long-term rental for young professionals, enabling them to live close to work, minimising the need to travel by car and catalysing the local economy. It also offers a financial counterpoint to the ever-growing number of holiday homes and their detrimental socio-economic effects.

The small footprint - just shy of 50m2 - provides multiple opportunities to inhabit space: be at the generous corner window seat, the balcony, the dining booth or one of the mezzanine nooks made possible by the high ceiling. The deliberate exclusion of a garage, the compact footprint and the use of high-performance, sustainable materials together with the long-term rental model offer an alternative pathway towards social and environmental resilience.

Concept Design

Architectural Visualisation by Arkhe.

Keywords: Housing; Housing New Zealand; Abodo Cladding; Small Homes; Small Living; Minor Dwelling; Mount Maunganui.