Ever wanted to drink in a working wine cellar? We have created as part of the Poppies of Martinborough Winery Project the ultimate of moody, sensual wine drinking experiences with their new Barrel Room Venue. Nestled in one of their surrounding vineyards, we have helped them create the illusion of an old-world barrel room filled with all the modern conveniences. Think dark, yet inviting space, surrounded by barrels aging, beautiful wines to savour, delectable food and people

What an awesome summer it is turning out to be! This summer has proved particularly windy and hot. It has lead to much discussion in the office about how we design for all seasons. Good design is more than just looking pretty - we need to respond to the specific conditions that are in place for every individual site. The first task we undertake in the design process is a site assessment. It is important to understand the rise and fall of the sun across the section, the prevai

It is December already? Time flies when you are having fun! The tail end of the awards season saw Victoria being Highly Commended in the 2019 National Association of Women in Construction NZ (NAWIC) Excellence Awards for the Professional Woman of the Year Category. What an awesome achievement. At the Wairarapa Awards Victoria was successful in WINNING the Service Category – an award that is given to an individual who has provided exceptional service over a long period. AMAZI

Designed with a Scottish Cabin in mind, Moy Hall's Winery Restaurant is all that and more. Clean lines, textured finishes and bespoke wallpaper create a feast for the eyes, while keeping it cosy and functional. #Winery #Martinborough #Winetasting #Architect #Scottishcabin #MoyHall

Contrasting, yet complimenting. Warm, grainy, textural wood, matched with cool, dark industrial steel and concrete. Modern style, made extremely liveable. #Easyliving #Architecture #Martinborough #Cedar #Steelcladding #Newhome

At the tail end of 2018 we helped bring a beautiful glamping tent to life. River's Edge Retreat is unique accommodation set in the Ruakokoputuna Valley, just out of Wairarapa wine village, Martinborough. With touches of recycled timber, luxurious textiles and an old chandelier, the tent interior has a rustic chic glamping vibe. A king-sized bed, deer hides, large vintage leather sofa and a wood-burning stove come together to create a warm, comfortable, relaxing space - summer

Palliser Estate is one of New Zealand’s premier wine brands - it is known and enjoyed around the world. We wanted to design a cellar door that reflected the status and quality of the brand. The cool dark interiors are in contrast to the light open outdoor areas and board room. The Chrystal Chain Gang Chandalier sparkles above the warm tones of the tasting counter and provides the finishing flourish to the design. Construction: Holmes Construction Joinery: Renall’s Joinery Co

I have been involved in the Waihinga Centre Project since 2013. Firstly out of concern for the future of the Martinborough Town Hall and later as the Client Representative, Trust Board Member, Fundraising Chair and Project Co-ordinator. It was a happy day indeed when we opened the first stage of the project in December 2018. The building was designed by, our design competition winners, Architects Warren and Mahoney and Landscape Architects Wraight and Associates.They have

Perception Planning is a team of resource management planning, landscape and freshwater professionals based in Martinborough, Taupō and Christchurch. We help people with feasibility assessments, resource consent applications, submissions on plan changes, strategic resource management planning, as well as landscape design and assessment, ecological assessments and consultation/engagement projects. Our company tag line is ‘your connection with the environment’. We are focussed

The cladding you choose for your home is an important step in defining the look and feel of the project—you may have strong ideas or you may want to talk to your designer about the pros and cons of each option. There are many variables in choosing a cladding type including budget, function, maintenance, aesthetics, architectural intent and context. A cladding type can take on a different character and meaning depending on the building design or setting. Some schemes have a st

You might be dreaming about a new bach right now as you rug up around the fire —or you may already be planning that ski chalet in Ohakune you have always wanted. Either way, you are going to want to make sure you get it right. You can go ahead and ask the Jones’ what they are doing or you can read this list from an expert who designs dream homes every day. Here is Victoria's top 6 list of things to include in your modern holiday home: 1. Big Windows – What better way to se

LBPs are designers, carpenters, brick and blocklayers, roofers, external plasterers, site and foundations specialists who have been assessed to be competent to carry out work essential to a residential building's structure or weathertightness. If you’re thinking of getting building or renovation work done on your house or apartment, you need to check if it’s ‘restricted building work’ (RBW). If it is, you’ll need a licensed building practitioner – or LBP – to do it. Restricte

We are currently working with Palliser Estate to design and update their wine tasting room and offices. We love working alongside local companies to enhance their branding through clever architecture and interior design. This project is only partially complete and will look absolutely stunning when finished later this year. We have used alternative paint techniques and new materials to enhance the existing space. Working alongside clients who understand the value of design m

Sometimes reading a plan is hard– and you cant imagine yourself in a space. At VRA we have started producing digital ‘3D walk throughs’ with our concepts. This enables you to virtually walk through your home design as if it was built. Our main aim in the concept stage is to communicate our design so the client understands fully how their home will look and function. Sometimes beautiful details can get lost in plan or elevation and we have found that this can display them in

Tiles have developed so far since the beginning of their time. Tiles were first seen in the second century AD, being used by the Kings of Ancient Sri Lanka on floors and in swimming pools. We at VRA LOVE to use a tile throughout our house designs. There are a magnitude of applications for the modern day tile– a vast range of options in differing patterns, colours, styles, and sizes. Whether you have a space that requires a feature point, are doing a bathroom alteration, or

Renovating or building a new house can and should be fun and exciting - for everyone involved. However far too often we hear horror stories of clients feeling they have not been heard. Misunderstandings between the builder, the client and the architect about the scope of a project and how much was allowed for it in the building contract can lead directly disappointment, disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the project. Writing a brief will help you avoid this scenario. T

We LOVE a good pergola at VRA and include them wherever we can. A pergola is a transition space between the outside and the inside—providing