A natural home in the forest.
Mike's House
Location: Pataua North, Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand
Project Type: Rural Home
Site: Rural Forested
Status: In Construction
Date: 2026
Project Overview
This home explores how natural building materials can be combined with contemporary design to create architecture that feels deeply connected to both place and people.
Drawing inspiration from traditional building methods and the surrounding New Zealand landscape, the design incorporates earth walls, whole tree trunk columns and beams, extensive timber detailing, and generous outdoor connectedness.
The result is a home that feels grounded, sheltering, and timeless, while still providing the comfort, performance, and openness expected of a modern dwelling. Rather than separating occupants from nature, the architecture seeks to immerse them within it.
Natural Materials & Construction
Natural Materials & Construction
Natural Materials & Construction
The home celebrates the beauty and honesty of natural materials throughout its structure and finishes.
Earth walls provide thermal mass, durability, and a rich tactile quality, while whole tree trunk posts and beams express the natural form and strength of timber.
Together, these materials create a home with a lower environmental footprint and a strong sense of authenticity.
Passive Comfort & Performance
Natural Materials & Construction
Natural Materials & Construction
The design harnesses natural forces to create comfortable living conditions throughout the year.
Deep roof overhangs provide summer shading and weather protection, while thermal mass and carefully positioned glazing help moderate indoor temperatures.
These passive design strategies reduce energy demand while enhancing comfort and connection to seasonal change.
Connection To Landscape
Natural Materials & Construction
Connection To Landscape
The home is designed to sit gently within its landscape and encourage daily engagement with the outdoors.
Large glazed openings, covered verandas, and a strong indoor-outdoor relationship allow living spaces to extend naturally into the surrounding environment.
This creates a way of living that feels closely connected to nature, climate, and place.
.jpg/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
Get in touch
Based in Whangārei, Northland, with projects throughout New Zealand.