Why a 1.5 Storey Home Could Be the Smartest House You Build in New Zealand 

For many New Zealand homeowners, choosing between a single-storey or a two-storey home can feel like a difficult decision.

A single-level home offers convenience and accessibility, while a two-storey home can maximise views and reduce the building footprint.

Fortunately, there is another option that combines the best of both worlds—the 1.5 storey home.

At Stephan Meijer Architecture, we often recommend a 1.5 storey design because it offers outstanding value, greater flexibility and often lower construction costs while creating beautiful modern homes that respond perfectly to New Zealand sites.

What Is a 1.5 Storey Home?

A 1.5 storey home typically consists of a full ground floor with a smaller upper level.

Instead of having a complete second floor, only part of the home extends upwards.

Commonly the upper level contains:

• Master bedroom
• Children's bedrooms
• Guest bedroom
• Office
• Second living room
...

Why Building a New Home Can Be More Profitable When the Housing Market Is Slow

When headlines report a slowing housing market, many people postpone their dream of building a new home. They assume waiting for "better times" is the safest financial decision.

Ironically, the opposite is often true.

A slower housing market can create one of the best opportunities to build a new home. Construction costs become more competitive, trades are more readily available, and you have greater negotiating power throughout the project.

At Stephan Meijer Architecture, we've seen many homeowners achieve better outcomes by building during quieter market conditions rather than competing during a construction boom.

Here's why.

Less Competition Means Better Prices

When the property market is booming, builders are often booked months in advance.

High demand usually leads to:

• Higher labour costs

• Longer construction delays

• Increased material prices

• Limited availability of qual

  ...

How Good Architecture Saves You Money When Building a Home in New Zealand

One of the biggest myths in residential construction is that architects make projects more expensive.

It is easy to understand why. An architect's fee is visible in the project budget, while the savings created through good design are often hidden.

The reality is that good architecture is one of the best investments you can make when building a home.

A well-designed home is not about spending more money. It is about spending your budget wisely—eliminating unnecessary costs while creating a home that is more comfortable, more efficient and worth more in the future.

At Stephan Meijer Architecture, we believe every dollar should work harder. Thoughtful design can reduce construction costs, minimise waste and create long-term savings that continue for decades.

Around 80% of Your Building Costs Are Determined During Design

Many homeowners think costs are controlled once construction begins.

In reality, ...

Healthy Homes in New Zealand: Why High-Performance Design Matters

New Zealand homeowners are increasingly looking beyond minimum Building Code compliance and asking for homes that are warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to run. High-performance architecture combines passive solar design, insulation, airtightness, ventilation and moisture control to create homes that work better in every season.

If you are planning to build a new home in Nelson, Tasman, Richmond, Motueka or the wider New Zealand market, you may have noticed a growing interest in healthy, energy-efficient and high-performance homes.

For many years, New Zealand houses were designed primarily to meet the minimum requirements of the Building Code.

Today, homeowners are asking a more important question:

How can I build a home that is warmer, healthier, cheaper to run and still performs well decades from now?

The answer begins with thoughtful, site-specific architectural design.

A well-designed ...

Why Hiring an Architect in New Zealand Saves You Money (Not Costs More)

Introduction

Many homeowners in New Zealand hesitate to hire an architect because they assume it will increase the cost of their build.

But in reality, working with an architect often saves money, reduces risk, and leads to a far better outcome.

If you’re planning to build in NZ — especially on a challenging site — this is something you need to understand before you start.

The Biggest Myth: Architects Are Expensive

Architectural fees typically range from 8–15% of the build cost.

At first glance, this seems like an added expense. But what most people don’t realise is:

👉 The design decisions made early on have the biggest impact on your total build cost.

A poorly designed home can cost significantly more to build — and to live in.

How an Architect Actually Saves You Money

1. Designing to Your Budget (From Day One)

An experienced architect doesn’t just design a house — they design within your budget.