On Auckland’s North Shore is a smart new village consisting of two standalone homes and four terrace houses. Built as rentals, they are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, sustainable and, of course, attractive to appeal to tenants. The homes have either two or three levels and offer two or three bedrooms. The narrow site posed challenges, such as a seven-metre drop, but clever design involving a flat-slab system that minimised excavation and land disturbance, plus low-maintenance landscaping, has settled the six into their suburb. The cladding, consisting of brick veneer, aluminium and fibre cement, ticks many of the boxes and has been finished with great skill and care.

Composite decking offers durable outdoor relaxing space. Low-e glazing and aluminium louvre windows contribute to energy efficiency and natural ventilation, while a rainwater detention system and permeable concrete in parking zones address run-off and take pressure off public infrastructure. The houses are supremely comfortable for the tenants, too. Automated climate control and air-quality systems work to provide energy-efficient heating, cooling and air purification. Bathed in natural light, the homes have tasteful pale palettes and include details that reinforce their quality, such as the timber trim and open shelving in the kitchen.