Urbo Homes – Award-Winning Excellence
Urbo Homes has been recognised for Environmental and Sustainable Excellence at the House of the Year National Awards, alongside winning Gold at the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau Regional Awards.

Resting on the tranquil shores of a Rotorua lake, this home is far more than a house—it is a sanctuary. For the homeowners, long-time lovers of this extraordinary setting, the vision was simple yet deeply meaningful: a home that embraces the lake’s beauty, supports an active, outdoor lifestyle, and wraps its inhabitants in comfort and warmth through every season. Partnering with eHaus NZ, that vision became a reality - an exquisitely crafted passive home, where energy efficiency meets effortless elegance.

At its heart, this is a home shaped by the principles of passive design. Every detail, from orientation to insulation, has been considered with intention. The house captures the sun’s warmth throughout the day while shielding itself from the prevailing winds. High-performance joinery, airtight construction, and a mechanical ventilation system create a living environment of clean, consistent air. The result is a home that feels naturally warm in winter, refreshingly cool in summer, and intimately connected to its surroundings - quietly performing, yet always comforting.

From the moment first light spills across the lake, the home frames nature’s serenity. Clean, modern lines and low-maintenance materials allow the landscape to take centre stage, while solar capability and energy-efficient systems ensure the house works with the environment, not against it. Every space has been designed for living: open-plan interiors flow seamlessly onto sunlit decks, a glimmering lap pool invites daily ritual and reflection, tucked-away nooks offer moments of peace or shared laughter with friends and family.

Built for a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle, the home offers security, ease, and resilience - perfect for owners who spend their days cycling Rotorua trails, paddling its lakes, or wandering through its bush. After adventure, they return to a home that is always welcoming, warm, and dry - a retreat that restores as much as it shelters.
This lakeside sanctuary proves that passive performance, architectural elegance, and a love of the outdoors can coexist in perfect harmony. It is a home that celebrates life by the water, nurtures body, mind, and spirit, and stands as a timeless testament to modern, sustainable living.