06 Grounded Addition
House Alteration & Extension
Te Atatu Peninsula / consenting
Minimal intervention with a high spatial impact.
Proving that a small extension can deliver a profound impact, this residential alteration intelligently maximizes space with minimal structural intervention. By fitting neatly beneath the existing soffit, the new addition preserves the original roofline and external walls while completely transforming the home's livability. A newly introduced ground-level lounge serves as a relaxed living space that connects effortlessly to the outdoors. At the heart of the home, a reconfigured central kitchen acts as a vibrant hub, complete with a separated laundry and an east-facing breakfast bar designed to capture the morning sun.
House Alteration & Extension
Te Atatu Peninsula / consenting
Minimal intervention with a high spatial impact.
Proving that a small extension can deliver a profound impact, this residential alteration intelligently maximizes space with minimal structural intervention. By fitting neatly beneath the existing soffit, the new addition preserves the original roofline and external walls while completely transforming the home's livability. A newly introduced ground-level lounge serves as a relaxed living space that connects effortlessly to the outdoors. At the heart of the home, a reconfigured central kitchen acts as a vibrant hub, complete with a separated laundry and an east-facing breakfast bar designed to capture the morning sun.
Collaborators
Structural Engineering JNG Engineers Ltd
05
Palm Beach Coastal Retreat
Waiheke Island / under construction
Architectural ambition. A realistic budget. A design shaped around its owner.
Conceived to maximise design impact on a strictly controlled budget, this coastal retreat balances architectural clarity with resourceful material selection. The exterior is wrapped in a cost-effective ply and batten cladding system, complemented by a fine-grained narrow shiplap lining the deep architectural recess to create rich textural depth. Inside, an open-plan layout anchors the living spaces around a central kitchen illuminated by a skylight positioned precisely above the kitchen island. Water tanks tucked below the house maintain a seamless, uncluttered relationship with the surrounding terrain.
New Home
Waiheke Island / under construction
Architectural ambition. A realistic budget. A design shaped around its owner. Conceived to maximise design impact on a strictly controlled budget, this coastal retreat balances architectural clarity with resourceful material selection. The exterior is wrapped in a cost-effective ply and batten cladding system, complemented by a fine-grained narrow shiplap lining the deep architectural recess to create rich textural depth. Inside, an open-plan layout anchors the living spaces around a central kitchen illuminated by a skylight positioned precisely above the kitchen island. Water tanks tucked below the house maintain a seamless, uncluttered relationship with the surrounding terrain.
Collaborators
Planning Planorama
Project Management AS Construction
Civil Engineering Ground Projects
Structural Engineering TD Structures Ltd
04
New Holiday Home
Waiheke Island / under construction
A seamless integration of solid masonry and lightweight timber, designed for effortless modern living.
This striking home contrasts a solid lower level with a lighter upper volume, utilizing a prefabricated timber construction set upon a block work base that is rendered both inside and out. The ground level is dedicated to a generous open-plan living space, thoughtfully detailed with bespoke built-in furniture. At its heart, the kitchen integrates a built-in heat pump system and features a practical pass-through to the adjacent scullery. Large range sliders dissolve the boundary between inside and out, opening the living spaces entirely to the expansive deck. A refined floating stair leads to the upstairs private quarters, where a cozy snug offers access to an exterior balcony that crowns parts of the solid base below.
The Stacked Pavilion
New Holiday Home
Waiheke Island / under construction
A seamless integration of solid masonry and lightweight timber, designed for effortless modern living.
This striking home contrasts a solid lower level with a lighter upper volume, utilizing a prefabricated timber construction set upon a block work base that is rendered both inside and out. The ground level is dedicated to a generous open-plan living space, thoughtfully detailed with bespoke built-in furniture. At its heart, the kitchen integrates a built-in heat pump system and features a practical pass-through to the adjacent scullery. Large range sliders dissolve the boundary between inside and out, opening the living spaces entirely to the expansive deck. A refined floating stair leads to the upstairs private quarters, where a cozy snug offers access to an exterior balcony that crowns parts of the solid base below.
Landscape Design Xanthe White Design
Planning Isle Land Planning
Civil Engineering Ground Projects
Structural Engineering TD Structures
Main Contractor Brad Green
Stairs Stairworks Ltd
03 The Hovering Veil
New Home & Pool
Waiheke Island / completed 2025
A precise architectural volume wrapped in a continuous timber veil, hovering lightly above the hilltop to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Crafted for clients who had a clear vision of their ideal home, this project translates their precise requirements into a refined architectural form wrapped in a striking timber rain screen. The design centers around a dramatic lounge with a very high ceiling that opens up to an extended outdoor area, flanked by bedrooms on one side and the kitchen and dining spaces on the other. The continuous exterior timber rain screen unifies the form, creating a light, floating box that hovers just above the the rendered solid base and the summit of the hill. Outside, an extended living area flows seamlessly into a natural pool, grounding the elevated form in its organic landscape.
New Home & Pool
Waiheke Island / completed 2025
A precise architectural volume wrapped in a continuous timber veil, hovering lightly above the hilltop to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Crafted for clients who had a clear vision of their ideal home, this project translates their precise requirements into a refined architectural form wrapped in a striking timber rain screen. The design centers around a dramatic lounge with a very high ceiling that opens up to an extended outdoor area, flanked by bedrooms on one side and the kitchen and dining spaces on the other. The continuous exterior timber rain screen unifies the form, creating a light, floating box that hovers just above the the rendered solid base and the summit of the hill. Outside, an extended living area flows seamlessly into a natural pool, grounding the elevated form in its organic landscape.
Collaborators
Planning Envivo Ltd
Civil Engineering GWE Consulting Engineers
Geotechnical Engineering Mark Kiryakos
Structural Engineering TD Structures
Swimming Pool Natural Pools NZ
02
The L Pavilion
New Holiday Home
Waiheke Island / completed 2025
A lofty, light-filled retreat, seemingly carved from a single block of solid timber.
Defined by its striking geometric form, The L Pavilion balances a sharp, minimalist exterior with a profoundly warm interior. Clad in dark vertical timber, the structure presents a quiet silhouette that sits harmoniously within its landscape.
Inside, high ceilings bring scale and light to the expansive open-plan living area. Finished entirely in plywood - from the walls and ceilings to the bespoke cabinetry. This rigorous, singular application creates a cohesive warmth, giving the distinct impression that the internal volumes were carved seamlessly out of a solid block of timber.
An intuitive L-shaped floor plan separates the private sleeping quarters from the main living pavilion. Extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves the boundary to the outdoors, allowing the space to spill effortlessly onto the terraced garden while framing the natural context.
Defined by its striking geometric form, The L Pavilion balances a sharp, minimalist exterior with a profoundly warm interior. Clad in dark vertical timber, the structure presents a quiet silhouette that sits harmoniously within its landscape.
Inside, high ceilings bring scale and light to the expansive open-plan living area. Finished entirely in plywood - from the walls and ceilings to the bespoke cabinetry. This rigorous, singular application creates a cohesive warmth, giving the distinct impression that the internal volumes were carved seamlessly out of a solid block of timber.
An intuitive L-shaped floor plan separates the private sleeping quarters from the main living pavilion. Extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves the boundary to the outdoors, allowing the space to spill effortlessly onto the terraced garden while framing the natural context.
Collaborators
Landscape infinitelandscape
Planning Isle Land Planning
Civil Engineering GWE Consulting Engineers
Geotechnical Engineering Mark Kiryakos
Structural Engineering TD Structures
01 Waipu Hideaway
New Holiday Retreat
New Holiday Retreat
Waipu / completed 2024
Minimalistic design and level threshold all around providing an effortless indoor- outdoor flow.
Inspired by the pure geometry of Donald Judd, this minimalist coastal hideaway sits high above the water, offering complete privacy while framing sweeping eastern views of Bream Bay. Level thresholds provide an effortless indoor-outdoor flow, connecting the refined interior to two distinct outdoor zones. With a covered northeast terrace featuring an open fire and a sheltered northwest courtyard beside the swimming pool, the architecture ensures a perfect retreat regardless of the weather.
Inspired by the pure geometry of Donald Judd, this minimalist coastal hideaway sits high above the water, offering complete privacy while framing sweeping eastern views of Bream Bay. Level thresholds provide an effortless indoor-outdoor flow, connecting the refined interior to two distinct outdoor zones. With a covered northeast terrace featuring an open fire and a sheltered northwest courtyard beside the swimming pool, the architecture ensures a perfect retreat regardless of the weather.
Landscape Design Jared Lockhart
Civil Engineering WaterFlow NZ Ltd
Geotechnical Engineering Hawthorn Geddes
Structural Engineering TD Structures
About
Studio Martin Berweger is an architectural design practice based in Leigh, working with clients throughout New Zealand and Switzerland. We are driven by a deep respect for the landscape and the communities within it. Operating at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and construction, our interdisciplinary approach ensures we always strive for the best possible outcome for both the client and the unique conditions of the site.
We believe in breaking design down to its essence. By stripping away the superfluous, we focus on the rigorous selection of the right materials and honest, enduring construction methods.
For us, true sustainability means evaluating every project through a holistic lens, carefully considering its social contribution and environmental footprint, to create spaces that are as responsible as they are refined.
Curriculum
Martin Berweger is an architectural designer bringing nearly thirty years of comprehensive experience across concept design, documentation, and both project and construction management.
Trained in Switzerland, Martin’s foundation in the built environment is deeply rooted in practical craftsmanship. Before graduating with a BA in Architecture from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in 2011, he completed a rigorous draughtsman apprenticeship and worked directly on the tools alongside highly specialised manufacturers and contractors. This early hands-on experience fundamentally shapes his technical expertise and meticulous approach to detailing today.
During his time in Switzerland, Martin worked with prominent St. Gallen practices, including Peter Lüchinger Architektur and Forrer Stieger Architects, delivering residential, civic, and commercial projects of varying scales.
Since relocating to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017, Martin has continued to expand his architectural footprint. His New Zealand portfolio includes working with the acclaimed Cheshire Architects, developing projects for a modular housing company, and operating as a sole trader for a diverse mix of Swiss and local clients.
In 2026, he launched his own independent studio, Studio Martin Berweger, and achieved his Licensed Building Practitioner certification, offering clients a unique blend of Swiss precision and New Zealand design sensibilities.
Contact
56 Barrier View Road
Leigh
Auckland 0985
+64 27 549 4449
martin@martinberweger.com