Sugi House
Location
Wānaka
Professionals involved
Completed in 2021 and set against the dramatic Central Otago backdrop, this award-winning Wānaka home proves that small spaces can deliver big impact. With a deliberately compact footprint, every design decision was made to create a sense of volume, flow, and refinement — and at the heart of it all is Marchand Luxury Oak in Chocolat.
Chosen for its wide 240mm planks and rich, velvety tones, the flooring plays a pivotal role in elevating the interiors. The generous plank width visually expands each room, creating an uninterrupted flow that enhances the home’s sense of openness. The deep Chocolat finish adds grounding warmth, beautifully offsetting the crafted palette of warm cedar, steel detailing, and soft natural light.
Inspired by Japanese spatial efficiency, the home’s compact layout is highly considered, with every millimetre thoughtfully designed for functionality and ease of living. The flooring anchors this vision — balancing luxury and restraint while adding a tactile richness that makes the home feel both expansive and inviting.
With Marchand’s Chocolat oak as the foundation, this petite home achieves a remarkable sense of scale, proving that clever design and the right materials can transform small footprints into truly exceptional spaces.
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Finalist – HOME Magazine, Home of the Decade 2015-2025 Awards
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Regional Category Gold – 2022 Southern Master Builders New Zealand House of the Year Awards – New build $750,000 – $1,000,000
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Winner – Small Project Architecture Award, 2021 NZIA (New Zealand Institute of Architects – Te Kāhui Whaihanga) Southern Architecture Awards
