Rose House
A light-filled sanctuary, built for comfort and ease
In the heart of Napier, Rose House was designed as a calm space for a busy life. For Sharon, a successful business owner and frequent traveller, the brief was clear: a secure, low-maintenance home that felt warm, welcoming, and healthy every time she returned. The result is a high-performance design that celebrates simplicity and will support wellbeing for years to come.
Design with intention
Inspired by the seismic history of the region – land lifted from the sea in the 1931 earthquake – the design plays with shifting planes and grounded forms. Vertical cladding reinforces the sense of emergence, while the timber-framed structure is designed to reduce thermal bridging and improve air quality.
Privacy and natural light were key drivers, with secure gardens and a quiet courtyard providing space for nature to be welcomed in while helping create separation from the busy street.
Built to perform
The project stayed true to its goals of using sustainable construction wherever possible, including Declare-labelled materials, FSC-certified timber, and low-VOC finishes. Triple-glazed windows and airtight construction keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.
The building is 100% electric and PH (Passivhaus) Low Energy certified, ensuring year-round comfort, low energy use, and minimal environmental impact. Compact, efficient, and resilient – Rose House treads lightly but is built to last.
Rose House is a modern urban retreat; quiet, efficient, and full of heart.
Rose House was shortlisted for an NZIA Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Architecture Award


