Tom’s House is a very clever piece of work that meets the needs and relatively modest budget of the client while challenging the design rules and constraints of an upmarket residential estate near Queenstown. Spatially and formally rich, the building is inspired by the traditional shed, but the architect has twisted the type with an asymmetrical gable that creates dynamic elevations that relate to the local mountain landscape. The organisation of space and selection of materials are carefully controlled and the detailing is rigorous but, as indicated by the tall chimney that asserts itself against the building’s horizontality, there’s drama to go with the discipline.