Most episodes of Grand Designs contain a degree of relationship drama, but in the latest instalment of Grand Designs NZ it’s made clear from the beginning that this episode contains more than its fair share.

This Whitford house is in a picturesque location, but the view was not maximised, says architect Darren Jessop, who was commissioned to design the extension on the right.

Kitchens in open-plan living spaces look great in magazines. The cleaner’s been, the stylists have done their stuff, and the photographer’s picked a perfect day for the shoot. But how does it look on a rainy night in July? – Well, this one looks pretty good.

Kitchens in open-plan living spaces look great in magazines. The cleaner’s been, the stylists have done their stuff, and the photographer’s picked a perfect day for the shoot. But how does it look on a rainy night in July? – Well, this one looks pretty good.

Kitchens in open-plan living spaces look great in magazines. The cleaner’s been, the stylists have done their stuff, and the photographer’s picked a perfect day for the shoot. But how does it look on a rainy night in July? – Well, this one looks pretty good.

Kitchens in open-plan living spaces look great in magazines. The cleaner’s been, the stylists have done their stuff, and the photographer’s picked a perfect day for the shoot. But how does it look on a rainy night in July? – Well, this one looks pretty good.

The original façade of this period villa complements the light, contemporary spaces within

The original façade of this period villa complements the light, contemporary spaces within

Having time to tinker is an integral part of the Rakino Island escape that is, as the brochures say, “40 minutes from Auckland, yet a million miles away”. And there has been a lot of tinkering on this 10-acre property…

To counteract their busy city existence, an Auckland couple craves seclusion and the simple life. they’ve found both on the Hauraki Gulf’s Rakino Island.

One of the most challenging aspects of renovating an older home is the fact that you never know what to expect once you start pulling it apart.

Modern holiday home by architect Darren Jessop features large living area completely open to long deck

Architect Darren Jessop worked closely with the owners of this Auckland home to create the first certified Passive House in Australasia, meeting an exacting set of international standards.

To provide a seamless transition between old and new, the architect of this traditional bungalow renovation created a modern interpretation of a return veranda at the rear of the house

This house sits neatly on a limited footprint of dense, bush-clad land

This modern residence combines an architectural response to its seaside environment with an interior that offers guests an intriguing approach to the scenery