| 91 Haven Architectural ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Renovations Residential Builds Architectural Design Luxury living, expertly built in Queenstown. With over 20 years experience, you can trust you’ll be looked after every step of the way. info@howeconstructionltd.co.nz howeconstructionltd.co.nz 021 141 2089 Get In Touch admin@paiconsulting.co.nz www.paiconsulting.co.nz • CIVIL & STRUCTURAL • GEOTECHNICAL • PLANNING A One-Stop Engineering & Planning Consultancy T T Aimee Wilson Smart designs from Kingston base William Watts and Dania Graham - Willam says the trends of housing in the Queenstown Lakes district are still very much alpine homes with dark colours, metal cladding and gable roofs to blend in with the mountain landscape. Haven Architectural is designing homes that are both comfortable and functional for every-day people. Based at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu in the small town of Kingston, owner William Watts has already started to make a name for himself in the Queenstown Lakes market, by offering smart designs for those living in the area. Originally from South Auckland, William and his partner Dania Graham, couldn’t wait to leave the city after lockdown in 2021 and soon headed south in search of greener pastures. They found a section for sale in the small Wakatipu village and liked what Kingston had to offer in terms of location and size. “Kingston offered an escape away from big city life. It has a nicer, friendlier, calmer pace of life, and we’ve achieved that here. “It all just fell into place at the right time.” They built their own small house and then 12 months ago decided to help others design theirs. “Everyone wants the big dream house but that’s not aways achievable. There’s not a lot that caters for the humble three-bedroom house,” he says. Clients he has already worked with include those wanting to renovate rural farmhouses and young first homeowners looking for budget-friendly alternatives. A lot of his work is currently in Queenstown, including Hanley’s Farm/Park Ridge — just a 30-minute drive away. With the new Kingston Village subdivision underway, there will be plenty of scope for work, right in his backyard as well — alongside the Homestead Bay development. Plans are underway to establish the lakeside town with more amenities including a school and cafés, to enable the village to become more self-sufficient. William says the trends of housing in the Queenstown Lakes district are still very much alpine homes with dark colours, metal cladding and gable roofs to blend in with the mountain landscape. Paying homage to the traditional DOC hut, people are becoming more conscious about where and how they spend their money, he says. Clients are also a lot more involved in the design and build process nowadays, rather than employing a project manager. “It’s a great thing, so as a designer we get to nerd out a bit and explain what we are doing.” Over the past six months William said he has also been noticing more mid-century modern design coming back in, using natural and earthy colours such as greens and browns, mixed with fluted glass and sunken lounges. “It definitely makes for a cosier home that is relaxed.” People are also becoming more energy conscious, and solar panels are increasingly popular. “And that comes from the building industry being more thermal efficient with the building code.” William said the industry is always changing and those involved in it are always learning. “The challenges are just being able to improve homes for the better.” Haven Architectural aims to create a sense of peace and belonging through thoughtful and innovative design. With every project, William blends functionality with beauty to ensure that each space supports people’s lifestyles as well as enhances their well-being and provides a lasting sense of comfort.
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