At TAWA Architecture, we love working with clients who are deeply invested not just in the home they’re building, but in the way it will shape their life for decades to come. Recently, we sat down with Greg and Maree, the proud owners of one of our high-performance SIPs homes located just outside Hamilton. Their story is one of family, forward-thinking, and the kind of living that connects people and place.
Returning Home to the Waikato with Purpose
Greg and Maree's story begins in the South Island, where they lived for nearly 25 years after leaving the Waikato in the early ‘90s. But with both their sons settling back up north - and grandchildren now in the picture - the draw to return was too strong to ignore.
"I said, I’m coming back," Greg tells us. "My brothers and sisters are here… it’d be quite nice to live somewhere rural or semi-rural, but where we could live in reasonable proximity to one another."
Their vision wasn’t just about lifestyle - it was about creating a space where family could thrive together, where after-school hours might mean a visit to the grandparents instead of daycare.
Inspired by Efficiency and Sustainability
As an accountant, Greg brings a pragmatic lens to building. But it’s clear his motivation for choosing a SIPs home goes beyond the numbers.
"I’ve got deep pockets and short arms," he jokes, "so I’ve always liked the idea of not paying a big power bill every month."
Greg’s long-standing interest in sustainable and passive house principles naturally aligned with the performance benefits of SIPs. While the final dollar-for-dollar comparison may be complex, the value of a home that’s warm, efficient, and built to last was undeniable.
A Design That Resonated
When the initial design concept was presented, Greg and Maree immediately connected with it.
"I certainly looked at the design and thought, oh, I could live in that house."
They were drawn to the open plan layout, indoor-outdoor flow, and the thoughtfulness behind every spatial decision - including a simple yet meaningful request: a view of the river from the kitchen sink.
"That’s when I think I’d look at the view the most."
This detail - small in isolation, yet deeply personal - encapsulates the essence of their journey: a house not just as shelter, but as an extension of life’s rhythms.
High-Performance Highlights
Location: Semi-rural setting just outside Hamilton
Home Type: High-performance SIPs construction
Key Architectural Design Features:
Open-plan living with strong indoor-outdoor connection
Thoughtful orientation for sunlight and views
Kitchen with river-facing aspect by request
Outdoor living zones designed to respond to wind direction
Private yet interconnected spaces ideal for multigenerational family life
Performance Benefits:
Excellent thermal efficiency and airtightness
Low ongoing running costs
Comfortable, consistent indoor temperatures year-round
Future-ready sustainability embedded in the building envelope
Ready for What’s Next
With move-in day approaching, the anticipation is building. From the flexible outdoor spaces shaped by prevailing winds, to the promise of a warm, efficient interior, Greg and Maree are ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives - rooted in family, comfort, and smart design.
"Really, I’m looking forward to living in a house like that," Maree says, a smile in her voice.
We’re honoured to have been part of their journey, and we can’t wait to see how this home supports and grows with their family for years to come.
High-Performance home utilising Formance SIPs panels
Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Waikato River
Appreciating the stunning Waikato river views from the kitchen window
Formance SIPs panels