Six new trends in Coromandel home design from Living Lines Design Whitianga

What’s new and trending for Coromandel home design?

There’s a few hot topics for home and bach owners on the Coromandel and also throughout New Zealand at the moment!

Staying informed about new products, trends and legislation allows architects, builders, and homeowners to incorporate the latest developments into their projects, resulting in more modern and future-proofed structures. Kane, lead Architectural Draughtsman and owner of Living Lines Design overviews six topics he has most frequently been discussing with clients this year. 

1: Under 30 square metre buildings

One of the changes that came into effect in August 2020 was the ability to construct a building under 30 square metres in size – potentially without obtaining a building consent. Many people have been caught out because there are a lot more regulations and rules that go along with it. Things such as compliance with local council rules, constraints around kitchens and bathrooms, where the building is situated on the site, just to name a few. Kane says he’s always happy to chat to people about what can and can’t be done, it’s much easier and cheaper to get it right before starting the build than trying to fix something in retrospect. Kane also recommends the ‘Can I Build it?’ website. It’s a user-friendly site where you can provide details of your project by answering a range of questions which will help determine if consent is required.

2: Sustainability

Sustainability is really interesting and it’s always at the back of Kane’s mind when choosing materials for a design. New Zealand has a goal of building-related emissions to be at a near zero level by 2050, and with building waste being a huge part of what goes into the landfills around the country, designing and building more sustainably is going to be essential. Kane can advise clients about size, orientation and design to build more sustainably. He is also actively learning about the carbon credentials of materials. 

3: Rising sea levels?

Mercury Bay is home to numerous coastal villages and towns and so often sea level rise is a discussion that takes place when building or renovating homes. The Thames Coromandel District Council has done a lot of work around ‘Shoreline Management Pathways’ and the risks to the coastline and the communities from the effects of sea-level rise. View the Thames-Coromandel Adaptation Pathways iReport for information and a map showing potential future sea levels. The next stage is the development of a plan and actions. 

It's going to be pretty interesting, because the Council is going to develop a plan for how to go about addressing sea rise, and how it’s mitigated. Its examples like lifting floor levels or whether we defend against that by sea walls or the retreat from low lying areas. It's big, I believe it's going to have an influence.

- Kane Jones, Owner Living Lines Design

4: Relocatable  & transportable homes

Growing in popularity are relocatable homes, whether these are new or second hand.  Transporting a home onto a site can be a fast and cost effective option for owners looking for a convenient housing solution. It’s important to check with your local council for their consent requirements when it comes to relocating a house. There can be specific conditions that need to be met, especially for second hand buildings.

5: Planning for the future

Many clients are planning ahead by including provisions for ramps and lifts during the design stage of their projects. While they may not need them now, thinking ahead can save time, money, and stress in the future. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances the convenience and safety of their home or bach but also future-proofs it, ensuring it can continue to meet their needs for many years to come.

6: Work and office spaces

With the current climate, post COVID-19 and also the current roading situation, many clients are incorporating a dedicated workspace or office into their beach house designs. With the rise of hybrid work arrangements, having a dedicated space at the bach to work has become more important. Clients are able to feel they are making the most of their properties, spending more time there, improving their work-life balance.

Excellent choice for house design on the Coromandel

Kane's dedication to understanding clients' needs, his attention to detail, and his ability to transform visions into reality make him a trusted choice for anyone seeking a seamless and successful design experience. With his finger on the pulse of current trends and regulations, Kane ensures that clients stay informed and achieve their desired outcomes. Whether it's a new home build, renovation, or extension, Kane's expertise and commitment to excellence make Living Lines Design an excellent choice for residential design projects in the Coromandel Peninsula.

More about Kane Jones & Living Lines Design

Holding a NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology and being a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), Kane's diverse background in architectural drafting, building, sales, and customer service allows him to provide a one-of-a-kind perspective that can save clients money, ensure smarter building choices, and ultimately create spaces that truly reflect their style and lifestyle needs. Working closely with clients, Kane translates their ideas into functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that fit their budgets. 

He offers a wide range of architectural and design services, including

• new homes and beach house designs 
• residential extensions, additions, and renovations 
• concept designs
• specification writing, liaison with engineering and surveying experts
• through to lodging building consent applications to council.

Whether it's a new project or a renovation, Living Lines Design is dedicated to providing exceptional architectural solutions tailored to each client's unique needs on the Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.

Contact Kane or learn more information about Living Lines Design via the link below.