Nestled gracefully along the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula, Maria’s Passive House is a masterful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Inspired by the rustic charm of traditional tramping and hunting huts, this compact home is designed to disappear effortlessly into the lush surrounding bush.

Its clean lines and understated roof pitch create a harmonious dialogue with the landscape, while the highly advanced structure is certified to Passive House Premium – the pinnacle of sustainable design, producing more renewable energy than it consumes.

This home is not only the smallest Passive House Premium in the world and the smallest Passive House in the country, but it also holds the title the first fully off-grid Passive House in New Zealand. With a 4-star Lifemark Certification, it’s thoughtfully designed to adapt to the evolving needs of its occupants as they age.

Though modest in footprint, Maria’s Passive House boasts a spacious and inviting layout, balancing a sense of enclosure with expansive views. Large sliding doors and extensive glazing to the east open up to breathtaking vistas of the bush, coast, and nearby islands. A 3-car carport complements the house, accommodating solar panels and off-grid utilities.

The exterior features dark Abodo Douglas Fir cladding that seamlessly melds with the natural surroundings, while the warm, oil-finished pine ply interior reflects the beauty of its environment. Simple yet meticulously crafted, this home exemplifies high-quality design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Steve set out to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into contemporary New Zealand architecture, hoping to inspire a future where homes and nature exist in harmony.