A striking Hahei home that blends rural practicality with refined architectural detail has been honoured in this year’s Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Waikato and Bay of Plenty Local Awards.
The Popadich House, designed by Davor Popadich Architects, is one of 26 projects across the region recognised for excellence in design. The home impressed judges with its strong connection to the land, sensitive material use, and thoughtful integration of work and family life.
Situated on a site once used for grazing, the land has been transformed over the past four years through native replanting, pest and weed control, and the development of a small family orchard. The ongoing ecological restoration is central to the property’s design narrative.
Architect Davor Popadich said the design philosophy was rooted in creating a home that interacted closely with the whenua and the surrounding landscape.
“The moment we saw the site, we knew there was real potential to bring it back to life,” Popadich said. “The house was designed to open out to the views, sun, and outdoor areas while also creating sheltered spaces for family living. The courtyard gives protection from the wind, and the deep eaves provide shading and enhance water collection.”
Built by local firm Hot Water Beach Construction, the house functions not only as a residence for a busy family with three school-aged children, but also as a workspace for both parents. It successfully balances the demands of modern living with an enduring connection to place.
Key to the home’s identity is the careful selection of materials. Natural stone was sourced locally from Coroglen stonemason Mark Ulrich, and solid timber features throughout. These elements were chosen for their durability and their ability to age gracefully in a rural environment.
“Natural materials like timber and stone are not only robust and practical, but they also bring warmth and character to the home,” Popadich explained. “They sit comfortably in the landscape and tell a story of where the home is rooted.”
The house also features a classic corrugated steel roof, a deliberate nod to the vernacular of rural New Zealand.
“Corrugated iron has a wonderful heritage here,” Popadich said. “It’s practical, cost-effective, and ideal for collecting rainwater, which is vital in rural settings like ours.”
Beyond the physical structure, the home reflects a broader vision for rural architecture in Aotearoa. The project embraces the complexities of contemporary country living, where residential, ecological, and even small-scale productive elements coexist.
“New Zealand’s rural environments are incredibly diverse,” Popadich noted. “Our design response has to reflect not only the beauty of the landscape but also the unique challenges and opportunities that come with it. We hope this project encourages more people to think holistically about how architecture can support both people and place.”
The Popadich House stands as a contemporary model for sustainable rural living—where ecological restoration, design integrity, and community connection intersect. It’s not just a home, but a thoughtful expression of what it means to live in harmony with the land.
Architect: Davor Popadich Architects — www.davorpopadich.com
Photography: Sam Hartnett
