The Adagio plan began with a practical challenge: how to deliver great design on a smaller site, and within an affordable level of investment.

In 2021, Landmark Homes needed a new Showhome for a compact site in Whakatāne. It was the second Showhome the local franchise had built in the region, and with less space to work with, the team had to be strategic about every detail.

“We couldn’t over-capitalise on the section,” says Kristy. “So we designed something that would be cost-effective but still get the ‘wows’.”

From the start, the goal was to include the features clients consistently asked for, open-plan living, strong indoor–outdoor flow, and a layout that felt spacious without pushing the floorplan too far.

“It was a relatively small footprint, so we had to be clever,” says Kristy. “We knew we had to maximise the living space and the flow, while still making it feel generous and functional.”

The Adagio sits in that sweet spot between classic and contemporary, a home that feels familiar, but fresh. Its modern villa-inspired look gives it broad appeal, with classic lines and a layout that feels instantly comfortable. 

The H-shape floorplan makes the most of the sun and naturally separates living from sleeping. “It works beautifully for a family,” says Landmark Homes Taupō New Homes Consultant Kristy Lafferty. “And no matter which way you place it on site, the flow still feels right.”

At 196m², it fits a lot in: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, and a central kitchen that anchors the whole home. It’s a layout that ticks the boxes, and then invites you to make it your own.

The media room is one of the first places people get creative. “We’ve added offices, sewing rooms – even just extra storage,” says Kristy. “Some people want a second lounge they can close off, others need a quiet workspace. The media room adapts easily.”

The laundry is another zone that homeowners like to personalise. While the standard plan places it in the garage, it’s still designed with elegance and aesthetics in mind. “We carpet the garage, tile the laundry area, and make it feel like part of the home,” Kristy says. “In some versions, we’ve moved it into its own room off the hallway, which works really well.”

The master suite often gets a tweak, too. One of the most requested changes? Swapping the position of the walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. “The original design opened everything up, but many homeowners prefer to close those spaces off, which is easy to do.”

Some clients take the whole plan and simply scale it up. “We’ve had people push it out to over 240 square metres without changing the overall shape,” Kristy says. “They just wanted more space – wider hallways, bigger rooms, extra storage. The plan handled it really well.”

Across New Zealand, Landmark’s Adagio builds prove just how versatile this plan really is. From subtle layout changes to bold styling choices, these homes highlight the many ways the Adagio can be tailored to suit site, lifestyle, and level of investment.

Taupō – bold and architectural

With its striking black exterior and bold architectural styling, this Taupō home makes an instant impression. It’s a confident take on the Adagio plan, staying true to the core layout while introducing clever upgrades throughout

A full scullery has been added to support the generous open-plan kitchen, and a dedicated office offers flexibility for working from home. The laundry has been moved out of the garage into its own space, and attic stairs provide access to discreet, built-in roof storage, a practical touch made possible by the home’s pitched roofline.

This version shows how the Adagio can be dialled up without losing its compact efficiency, balancing clean lines with thoughtful extras that make daily living easier.

This was the very first Adagio – the original Showhome that proved how much you can achieve with a smaller footprint and a smart layout.

Built on a compact section, the home combines relaxed coastal styling with thoughtful design choices that make the most of every square metre. Inside, the open-plan living area is light, airy, and perfectly connected to the outdoors, while a tucked-away media room offers a quiet second space when needed.

The kitchen includes one of the home’s most clever features: a sliding glass splashback that opens to reveal a full-length, 3-metre scullery. It’s a stylish and practical way to keep the space open, yet functional.

Compact, coastal, and cleverly detailed, this version of the Adagio shows how the right plan can deliver flexibility, flow, and wow factor – all without going big.

Previously located in Feilding, the Manawatū Showhome reworked the core Adagio layout to feel both practical and personal.

The covered outdoor area has been shifted to better suit the site, creating an easy connection between indoor and outdoor living. Inside, the scullery has been repositioned and includes a servery window to make it more accessible, opening up the kitchen and improving the overall flow.

Other smart additions, like a built-in bar in the dining area and a compact study nook in the hallway, add extra function without adding size. It’s a great example of how the Adagio can be reshaped to reflect how people really live, without losing the simplicity that makes it so appealing.

One of the key reasons the Adagio is so popular? It offers exceptional value, without cutting corners.

As part of Landmark’s Encore Range, the plan is pre-costed, meaning clients get a clear starting point when it comes to cost. That makes it a great fit for those who want the confidence of a fixed design with room to make it their own.

The layout itself is smart and efficient, designed to maximise usable space, minimise waste, and deliver everything people need in a compact, well-balanced footprint. Whether you build it as-is or add your own touches, it’s a solid starting point for a home that feels anything but basic.

Inspired by the Adagio?

The Adagio continues to stand out for one simple reason, it works. It’s flexible, functional, and proven across a wide range of lifestyles, sites, and budgets.

Whether you're starting fresh or downsizing with purpose, it's a solid foundation for a home that feels truly yours.

Take a closer look at the Adagio plan – or contact your local Landmark Homes team today to explore how the Ready to Build range could work for you.