Ahi House

A refined 40m² architectural retreat designed to prove that small living does not mean compromising on design.

Ahi is a compact one-bedroom home designed around simplicity, warmth and connection to the outdoors. Every square metre has been carefully considered to maximise natural light, functionality and a sense of space.

With its striking pavilion form, dramatic full-height glazing and restrained material palette, Ahi feels calm, contemporary and surprisingly generous for its size. The open-plan living area extends seamlessly to an outdoor deck, while the separate bedroom and bathroom provide privacy and comfort.

Designed for New Zealand's changing housing needs, Ahi works equally well as a minor dwelling, holiday retreat, downsized home, guest accommodation or investment property.

Ideal For

Homeowners wanting a high-quality minor dwelling
Downsizers seeking simple, low-maintenance living
Holiday homes and coastal retreats
Rural accommodation and vineyard stays
Backyard homes for family members
Airbnb and short-stay accommodation
Developers exploring compact housing opportunities
Sites where a smaller footprint is preferred

House Details

1 full-size bedroom
1 full bathroom
Open-plan kitchen, dining and living
40m² internal floor area
Feature full-height glazing and outdoor connection

Purchase Ahi 40 Build Ready Plans for $3,495 + GST NZD

Flexible Pathways

Ahi is available as a ready-to-purchase architectural plan set, providing a simple and accessible way to build a beautifully designed small home without the cost and time of starting from scratch.

You can purchase the plans ready to hand directly to your builder, or work with MAV to adapt the design to suit your site, budget, orientation, council requirements or intended use.

For some clients, the standard design is exactly what they need. Others choose to customise elements of the home to better suit their circumstances.

Optional add-ons and support can include:

Site-specific feasibility checks
Minor layout or window changes
Cladding and material selections
Consent and council guidance
Builder pricing support
Interior selections and finishes
Additional rendering packages
Project coordination assistance
Access to trusted builders and consultants within the MAV network

The goal is flexibility. A simpler starting point, with the option for more support where needed.

Materials & Performance

Ahi has been designed around durable, low-maintenance materials suited to New Zealand conditions.

The exterior combines simple architectural forms, vertical cladding and generous glazing to create a strong connection to the outdoors while bringing natural light deep into the home.

Inside, the focus is on warmth, simplicity and timeless design, with natural materials and a carefully considered layout that makes the most of every square metre.

The home is designed in line with current NZ Building Code requirements for insulation, glazing and thermal performance, helping create a comfortable home year-round.