The sooner we’re brought in, the better. Early involvement lets us run site-feasibility checks, flag council constraints, and optimise orientation before costly redraws. Most clients contact us as soon as they secure land or receive the LIM for an existing site.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
A home’s exterior should be more than attractive; it must sit comfortably on its land, respect the neighbourhood, and meet every planning rule first time. Build NZ brings architectural insight, environmental sensitivity, and regulatory know-how to every new build or renovation, guiding you from the earliest sketches through to the finished façade.
WHY THOUGHTFUL EXTERIOR DESIGN MATTERS
Our design team weaves regulatory requirements, neighbourhood character, and site-specific constraints into a cohesive concept while still foregrounding your individual style. By carefully modulating height and massing, selecting claddings and colour palettes that echo the local vernacular, and sculpting rooflines and window rhythms to complement surrounding architecture, we create a home that belongs to its landscape rather than competing with it.
- Lower earth-works and construction costs by working with natural contours
- Protect your investment with council-compliant setbacks, heights, and view shafts
- Capture sun, breezes, and views for long-term comfort and energy efficiency
- Enhance resale value by complementing the neighbourhood’s scale and character
BUILD NZ EXTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
- Concept and developed design – iterative massing models and immersive virtual walk-throughs that help you visualise scale, form, and materials before consent drawings are produced.
- Council and developer submissions – preparation and lodging of resource-consent packages, covenant approvals, and full Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEE), with follow-up to handle council RFI requests.
- Cladding and roofing specification – selection of long-life, low-maintenance systems matched to coastal salt spray, alpine snow loads, or high-wind zones, complete with flashing details and colour schedules.
- Landscape integration – cohesive plans for decks, retaining walls, permeable driveways, water-sensitive planting, and outdoor living zones that anchor the home naturally into its terrain.
- Construction supervision – end-to-end quality control, from verifying foundation set-out through cladding installation to final paint finish, ensuring the built result aligns precisely with design intent.
NAVIGATING PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
Every district plan sets limits on height, building envelope, boundary setbacks, and site coverage; heritage zones or developer covenants add further layers. Build NZ liaises directly with council planners, arranges pre-application meetings, and prepares the documentation you need for resource or building consent—saving you time, fees, and potential redesigns.
FITTING IN WITH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
A carefully considered exterior can boost property values across an entire street, so Build NZ designs each home to complement its surroundings. We align roof form and pitch with neighbouring profiles, keep overall height and bulk in proportion, and ensure the house not the garage commands the front façade.
REDUCING SITE IMPACT
01
HOME SIZE & FOOTPRINT
Smaller, well-planned homes require fewer materials and cost less to heat. Multi-level designs cut roof and floor area, improving thermal performance and leaving more garden.
02
FOUNDATION & LANDFORM
On sloping sections we favour pole houses, piled footings, or bank-embedded designs to minimise excavation. Where earth-sheltered wings make sense, we exploit south-facing slopes for stability and extra usable land.
03
RUN OFF & VEGETATION
Large areas of hard paving increase storm-water run-off. We recommend permeable pavers, gravel paths, and planted swales, while retaining mature trees wherever possible for erosion control and natural beauty.
04
FLOOD & HAZARD CHECKS
Before concept design we order your Land Information Memorandum, check flood overlays, and confirm safe finished-floor levels—crucial for insurance and lender approval.
OUR PROCESS
Ready to shape an exterior that is as practical as it is beautiful? Contact Build NZ today for a no-obligation consultation and start designing a home in harmony with your site, your neighbourhood, and your lifestyle
- Discovery Call & Brief – outline goals, budget, and timeline.
- On-Site Consultation – evaluate slope, soil, outlook, and neighbourhood character.
- Concept Design – present sketches, 3-D massing, and indicative costings.
- Planning Approval – prepare and lodge resource or building consents.
- Detailed Design – finalise claddings, colours, roof details, and joinery.
- Build & Handover – manage trades, complete council sign-offs, and deliver a home that fits both you and its environment.
EXTERIORS BUILD NZ FAQ
DO YOU HANDLE CONSENTS?
Yes. We prepare and lodge all resource- and building-consent documents, including Assessments of Environmental Effects and covenant submissions, then manage council queries through to approval.
CAN YOU WORK WITH MY TEAM?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with clients’ preferred architects, engineers, and builders—providing site analysis, cladding specs, and construction supervision while fitting seamlessly into the broader project team.
EXTERIOR DESIGN QUICK CONTACT FORM
ADDRESS
PO Box 412, Silverdale,
Auckland 0944
62/36 Peters Way Auckland,
New Zealand 0932
CONNECT
E: info@buildnz.co.nz
T: 0800 BUILDNZ (0800 284 5369)