We need to build smaller, high quality, high density homes, according to the winners from last night's Architectural Design Awards in Wellington.
For the first time, a small home has won the overall 'supreme' award which industry leaders believe is proof that downsizing doesn't mean compromising on design.
At 74m2, Mitchell Coll's Madras Street home in central Christchurch is no mansion.
"I think the main thing is if we design a lot more higher density and a lot smaller we have more money to spend on higher quality things. Instead of having 400m2 house where we're pushing the budget we can have quite a small place and spend the money on quality fit out," Mr Coll said.
That downsized high spec formula has proven to be a winning one. The two bedroom compact cottage with an adjoining property took away the coveted ADNZ supreme award last night at Te Papa.
Astrid Anderson, CEO of Architectural Designer New Zealand says, "people want to live in small homes, they want to live in a medium density environment but it's just not available. We still keep building large 4 or 5 bedroom homes".
In regards to the environment, it's the best way to go. With space running out in New Zealand it is time to get creative and start building up instead of out.
These small award winning homes prove that a house can be a castle no matter what the size.
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