High-end living, reimagined

Our ambition is to elevate residential living to new heights 

At the center of our approach lies an obsession with beautiful architectural design, celebrating the site’s jaw-dropping natural beauty; and crucially, fostering a vibrant, ‘kind minded’ community.  

An Innovative Masterplan

To achieve this vision, our in-house team of award-winning architects, interior designers and urban planners have developed a rigorous set of guidelines to deliver the best living experience possible.   

An Innovative Masterplan

To achieve this vision, our in-house team of award-winning architects, interior designers and urban planners have developed a rigorous set of guidelines to deliver the best living experience possible.   

Kawerau Heights Design Principles BestAwards
Designers Institute of New Zealand, Best Design Awards
Kawerau Heights Design Principles NZAA

New Zealand Institutes of Architects, NZ Architecture Awards 

/ Long term planning

Modern developments can often feel monotonous and even ‘soulless’. Our development wide masterplan ensures that every villa will look different whilst ensuring a rich and harmonious overall feel – today and long into the future.  

/ Enhanced views  

One of the key appeals of Kawarau Heights is its jaw-dropping views of Queenstown’s’ most iconic peaks. Every home, outside space and even the street view skyline has been carefully curated to make the most of it.  

/ Community orientated

Living longer, happier, and safer lives are just some of the benefits of being part of a tight-knit community. Our ‘no fences’ masterplan ensures that the overall community feels open whilst respecting your privacy.  

/ Comfort & happiness

Whether it is state of the art climate control, our obsession with natural light, or even our love for eye catching architectural features and open spaces, our villas are meticulously designed to give you the best living experience possible.

/ Indoor, outdoor living

We see home design as a ‘journey’ – as a flow. One in which smaller spaces are used to open up onto grand destinations and where inside and outside living are seamlessly connected across the seasons.  

/ Durability & style

We have selected super premium materials renowned for their durability, sustainability, and timeless appeal. Each element contributes to a home that combines style, function and durability. 

Kawerau Heights Design Principles outdoor fire

Villa typologies

The Kawarau Heights masterplan has been developed around three distinctive and yet architecturally aligned styles. Each one is adapted to its position in the community and owner needs.

 

Kawerau Heights Design Principles Villa typologies Flat roof

Flat roof

In an alpine setting, a flat roof home offers a modern and minimalist design that harmonizes with the natural landscape. The clean lines and expansive, unobstructed rooflines can help integrate the structure with the surrounding mountains and lakes, enhancing those panoramic views from the site. 

This style is often used for contemporary, luxury homes which focus on maximizing internal to external flow whilst creating sleek, unbroken silhouette against the more rugged backdrop of the mountains. 

Kawerau Heights Design Principles Villa typologies Transition roof

Transition roof  

The transition roof design is a fusion between modern and traditional alpine architecture, characterized by its combination of roof pitch. This type of design responds to the steep slopes of the alpine terrain whilst also allowing for more usable space in the upper floors within some of the home typologies. 

This style is used across the site where we wanted to blend seamlessly between the three styles, and respond to the undulating topography of Queenstown’s hills. This typology offers a balance between contemporary design and environmental responsiveness. 

Kawerau Heights Design Principles Villa typologies Gable and traditional

Gable end traditional  

The gable end traditional home draws from classic alpine architecture, with its steep, triangular roof and symmetrical design. This style is particularly well-suited to the cold, snowy environment of Queenstown, as the sharp pitch of the gable roof also promotes heigh and volume within the internal spaces. 

This type of home evokes a sense of warmth and heritage which, when complimented with natural materials like timber and stone, further enhance its connection to the surrounding mountainous landscape. 

Kawerau Heights Design Principles living room

Premium materials, built to last

Otago Schist

Sourced for its rich texture and enduring strength, Otago Schist is featured in exterior and interior finishes, lending a sophisticated yet organic feel to the homes.  

Cedar Cladding

Renowned for its natural beauty, cedar brings warmth, and timeless character to the home’s exterior. Its rich tones and unique grain patterns create a connection to the alpine environment.

Sto Render System    

The Sto render system integrates advanced technology with refined design, offering a durable finish that enhances thermal efficiency and maintains its appearance with minimal upkeep.

High-Performance Insulation

Engineered for exceptional energy efficiency and year-round comfort, our advanced insulation surpasses building code requirements, ensuring consistent indoor temperatures in every season.

 

Double-Glazed Windows

Featuring thermally broken joinery and premium Argon-filled glass, these windows are recessed into the façade to enhance thermal performance. They also improve energy efficiency and acoustic insulation.

See for yourself

Find out why so many people that set foot on Kawarau Heights end up joining our vibrant community.