The Art of the House Plan

At Landmark Homes, creating a beautiful home is all about personalisation. “One of the very first steps in the process is to fully understand the site,” says Steven. “We always want to make the most of what the location has to offer – from natural light and views to privacy and easy access.

“We start by looking at how we’re going to enter the section. That includes everything from where the driveway goes to how the garage and front entrance should be positioned.”

From there, clients can start visualising their new home by exploring Landmark’s 100-plus Ready to Build plans. These plans aren’t just fixed templates – they’re flexible starting points that clients can shape to fit their lifestyle and vision.  

“We usually guide clients to pick three plans they like the look of,” says Steven. “That way, we can start to see a pattern – whether they’re drawn to gable roofs, pavilion layouts, or mono-pitch designs. It gives us a feel for the look they’re after.”

Each Landmark plan has its roots in a specific architectural style – from barn style to modern mid-century – but they’re all designed to be adaptable. This means clients can start with a look and feel they love and then make it their own by customising details to suit their tastes and needs.

By the time a plan is chosen and tailored, the client has a design that makes the most of the site, checks all the practical boxes, and, most importantly, feels like a home that’s uniquely theirs.

At Landmark Homes, our designs are always evolving to reflect what clients want in a modern home. The current trend toward mid-century modern has put clean lines, simplicity, and elegant functionality at the forefront – creating a style that feels both nostalgic and relevant. 

A key feature of this trend is a low-pitch roof, which has gained popularity not only for its sleek aesthetic but also due to practical considerations in urban planning and construction.

“From a land perspective, people don’t want big, high rooflines anymore,” says Steven. “And with most available sites now being contoured rather than completely flat, height restrictions are being applied to keep rooflines lower, so they don’t overpower the landscape.” 

These lower rooflines pair well with open-plan layouts, creating flexible spaces that support family time and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. “Kiwis are leaning toward that more open-plan, Australian style of living,” says Steven. 

New materials and construction advancements play a role too, allowing for larger, more open spaces. “Materials now can span bigger spaces and add drama without breaking the budget,” Steven says. 

Maximising natural light is also key, with layouts designed to welcome sunlight throughout the day. Strategically placed windows, skylights, and glass doors create an airy, open feel that enhances everyday comfort.

Landmark’s designs don’t just focus on the interiors – they’re all about making the most of the surrounding environment, too. New builds are oriented to capture the best views and bring in natural light, whether that means looking out on a coastal horizon, lush greenery, or a cityscape. 

“And with the sun getting harsher in New Zealand, we expect the next big trend will be more covered outdoor spaces to enhance this flow and help us make the most of our year-round indoor-outdoor lifestyle.” 

By blending indoor and outdoor elements, Landmark ensures that the home’s environment isn’t just a backdrop but an integral part of the design, adding warmth, energy, and appeal to each space.

As New Zealanders’ lifestyles continue to evolve, Landmark’s Ready to Build plans are evolving right alongside them, offering practical and versatile options that meet a wide range of needs. Today, these plans are crafted to support everything from multi-generational living to the trend of downsizing – all while keeping functionality and style front and centre.

A prime example is the Mangawhai – Landmark’s first two-bedroom plan. Designed in response to a growing demand for smaller, efficient homes, the Mangawhai is ideal for those who want a beautifully styled, functional space without unnecessary size. “Building costs are up, so people are taking a harder look at what they really need,” says Steven. “Do they really want a 250 m2 home with three or four bedrooms? Maybe all they need is one spare bedroom. They can still have the lovely open-plan living space, a beautiful outdoor area, and a luxurious bathroom, but the overall floor plan might only be 110-120 m2.”

The Mangawhai is not just a great choice for downsizers; it’s also perfect as a ‘granny flat,’ holiday home, or even as an upmarket Airbnb rental. With its compact yet open layout, it offers a cost-effective, comfortable space that doesn’t compromise on style or quality – perfect for those who want a smaller footprint that still feels inviting and complete.

With every plan and design detail, Landmark’s commitment to quality and adaptability shines through. But it’s not just the plans that set Landmark apart – it’s their decades of experience and the hands-on approach they bring to every project. When clients build with Landmark, they’re getting the benefit of an expert team that’s been perfecting the art of home design for years.

Steven explains that, unlike many builders, Landmark is very involved in the design phase. “We keep our finger on the pulse right from the start,” says Steven. “Understanding design limitations and possibilities is key because our goal is to produce homes that are truly exceptional.” This means Landmark homes don’t just look good – they’re built to last, combining style with durability.

Landmark’s experience lets them push creative boundaries without losing sight of what’s practical. They know how to make the most of a site’s unique features, choose materials that work, and design homes that match each client’s vision. For clients, it means peace of mind – knowing every detail has been thought through and that their home is built to stand the test of time. With Landmark, you get a home that’s the perfect blend of style, function, and lasting quality.

Ready to start making plans for your dream home? Contact your local Landmark Homes team today and let’s make it happen.