Mann House | Te Whare Hoiho, Bay of Islands

As 2008's House of the Year, this deceptively simple-looking house presented huge building challenges. It was built to be functional enough to lock up and leave for months, yet beautiful enough to be considered a sculpture. Features like double glazing, wool insulation and sustainable materials mean Te Whare Hoiho is also easy on the environment.

 Photography by John Gollings

The Awards

• Pink Batts Ultra Energy Efficiency Award
  2008 House of the Year
• Gold Reserve Award
  New Homes ($650,000 - $ 1 million) Registered Master Builders 2008 House of the Year
• 2008 PlaceMakers Supreme Award
  2008 Registered Master Builders House of the Year
• National Winner
  New Homes $650,000 - $1 million Registered Master Builders 2008 House of the Year
• Gold Award
  2008 House of the Year New Homes $650,000 - $1 million