01: ORUA BAY HOUSE

The Orua Bay House from Moller Architects is a reflection of the natural environment that surrounds it. A holiday and weekend retreat, it consists of a rectangular plan with a 6-metre-high, double-height living space featuring bedrooms located above to ensure all rooms showcase views of Manukau Harbour. Natural timber flooring, weathered cedar external cladding and a neutral interior make for an organic aesthetic. Photography by Patrick Reynolds. mollerarchitects.com

02: VILLA MQ

Located in Tremelo, Belgium, Villa MQ was designed by Office O Architects for a couple who wanted something special. The plan unfolds across five split levels and is reminiscent of a piece of art. The entrance of the home is half a level lower than the street level and the kitchen and living space are perched on the level above. Moving up, the private zones — including the bedrooms — are found on the upper levels. Cocooned in concrete, the end result is a unique and minimal residence. Photography by Tim Van de Velde. ooa.works.

03: AU YEUNG HOUSE

Tribe Studio has transformed an inter-war Sydney brick bungalow into a unique residence. Well-built and brimming with charm, the home was updated to cater to the needs of a young family. The brief revolved around creating a garden pavilion and an extended gable roof form which houses two new bedrooms, a bathroom and a rumpus room. In line with the home’s character, preserving the decorative brickwork and lichen-covered roof tiles was key to the renovation. Photography by Katherine Lu. tribestudio.com.au

04: ALBANY HOUSE

Masterminded by Gerrad Hall, the Albany House is an addition and alteration project that secured a 2016 Auckland Architecture Award. While the original work of architect Ron Sang is preserved, an addition and associated landscape component was incorporated into the design, establishing a sense of harmony. Photography by Tash Hopkins.gerradhallarchitects.co.nz

Office of Architecture was approached by its clients to renovate and add to a 110-year-old, 4.57-metre-wide row house. The brief surrounded the concept of oscillating between a two-family and one-family configuration, with 70 per cent of the building used as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit and the remaining 30 per cent used as a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit. The home possesses the flexibility to move with the homeowners as they transition through different phases of life