COOL,BOY. REAL COOL.
In a world where architectural innovation is celebrated, CoolHouse by Jessop Architects is a masterclass in blending creativity with sustainability, a true celebration of thoughtful design. Architect Darren Jessop and his team have established a philosophy that champions living beautifully and responsibly. Their mission is clear: create homes that inspire, leaving a light footprint on the environment. With each home, they encourage the “living cool” ethos—a lifestyle that’s refreshing, sustainable, and utterly stylish. The journey to CoolHouse began with Jessop’s groundbreaking project: Australasia’s first certified Passive House. This experience fueled his passion for energy efficient design, and the CoolHouse collection takes this vision even further. Built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard and inspired by modernist and Palm Springs vernacular architecture, each CoolHouse home delivers exceptional thermal performance through airtight construction. This design eliminates the need for active heating or cooling, ensuring a consistently comfortable indoor temperature year-round. As the demand for smaller, more sustainable homes grows in New Zealand, CoolHouse meets the moment with a range of designs that are compact, functional, and exquisite. With the option of having the CoolHouse
prefabricated in the factory, delivered across New Zealand, weather- related delays commonly associated with onsite builds can also be effectively avoided. Each model, from the minimalist ‘Mini’ CoolHouse at 25m2 to the family-friendly ‘Master’ CoolHouse at 200m2, is crafted to maximize comfort, energy efficiency, and style—all while keeping environmental impact to a minimum. These homes are entirely airtight, allowing them to stay warm in winter and cool in summer without traditional heating or cooling, an achievement that lies at the heart of the Passivhaus standard.
https://vimeo.com/843097178?share=copy
A standout feature of CoolHouse is its modular flexibility. Each design is adaptable, allowing homeowners to start with a compact studio and expand as needed, or to combine models for a tailored fit.
Jessop explains, “Each CoolHouse design was created to be modular. For example, you could start with the ‘Mini’ and later add the ‘Crib,’ blending spaces to meet changing needs without sacrificing a low-impact footprint.” This modular approach offers a smart, adaptable solution for those looking to create spaces
that can evolve with their lives. Beyond functionality, CoolHouse captures the essence of streamlined, modern design, balancing a clean aesthetic with the warmth of carefully chosen materials. The design philosophy prioritizes natural light, flowing indoor-outdoor spaces, and thoughtful layouts that maximize every inch of space. The refined simplicity of each home keeps the focus on sustainability while delivering a look that’s fresh and timeless—a concept that fits seamlessly into New Zealand’s stunning
landscapes. Customization is key to the CoolHouse experience, and
every design can be tailored to reflect a homeowner’s unique vision. From layout adjustments to personalized finishes, CoolHouse is a canvas that adapts to different tastes, creating homes that are both functional and deeply personal.
“The CoolHouse process isn’t just about the final result; it’s about the journey. Working closely with our clients allows us to create spaces that feel like an extension of who they are,” adds Jessop. In the Snells Beach home featured here, built from the ‘Crib’ plan, homeowner Hilary Durant brought her sophisticated taste to the interiors, sourcing furniture from reputable brands such as Matisse and ECC to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Hilary reflects on the design process, which she enjoyed undertaking: “I handled all of the interior design from top to bottom, including the complete fit-out of the bathrooms and kitchen. We absolutely love our finished home. The design makes the most of what is actually a rather challenging site shape, creating a space that’s cozy in winter, cool in summer, and feels wonderfully connected to the activity down by the beach. At the same time, it allows for privacy whenever we want a quiet moment.” “It was an absolute pleasure working with Darren and the CoolHouse team, as well as Will and his team from The Construction Company. Their professionalism was outstanding, and the project was completed on time and on budget. If given the chance, I would happily repeat the process with the same team.” With New Zealand’s new allowances for secondary dwellings, CoolHouse has introduced the ‘Crib’ design, a compact option for sections with an existing home—a testament to Jessop’s commitment to creating adaptable, eco-conscious living solutions. “We’re not just building homes; we’re changing how people think about space, sustainability, and living well,” Jessop notes. CoolHouse by Jessop Architects is more than just a collection of homes; it’s a movement towards a future where beauty, sustainability, and comfort exist in perfect harmony. Each design is a nod to the elegance of thoughtful living, a vision for a greener, more intentional way of life.
One Response