2. Tauranga Hilltop

In the Western Bay of Plenty, a Modernist-inspired house with its own art gallery is the brainchild of a cement industry veteran who came to architecture later in life.

3. Huntsbury Strawbale

An environmentally-committed young couple in Christchurch buck convention by going back to the future with a centuries-old building material.

4. Bendigo

A Central Otago vineyard is the breath-taking site for a multi-generational home bringing an extended family back together with the matriarch's own journey front of mind.

5. Kawau

A Hauraki Gulf island with an illustrious history looks to be an idyllic family retreat but building there proves a logistical nightmare.

6. Martinborough

A “forever” home amongst the vines in Martinborough wine country, with a black and white combination of Yakisugi timber and Oamaru Stone, tests the limits of an enterprising couple’s resources.

7. Omaha

In a prominent position in one of New Zealand’s most well-known beach-side communities, an Auckland couple plan a holiday home work of art.

8. Rock House

A seemingly impossible to build on section high above Queenstown is the location for Hans and Suzy Raetz’s “fun” project – a modular home constructed in Cromwell.