Tasman & Nelson builders since 2006

Premium architectural builders, Nelson Tasman.

We build Passive Homes: bespoke architectural homes and luxury design-and-build projects across Nelson, Tasman, Motueka, Mapua, Richmond and Kaiteriteri.

Strong foundations

Every great home starts with a strong foundation, and so does every good build. When you design and build with us, open-book, you see exactly where every dollar goes, from the first sketch to the final invoice. That honesty and full transparency is what puts us on the same team as you: no surprises, no hidden margins, just one group of people working to the same plan and the same budget. That is the solid foundation a great design and build journey is poured on.

Aerial view of the concrete foundation of an Ecotectural home in Nelson Tasman. — A poured foundation in Nelson Tasman, where every Ecotectural home, and every Ecotectural relationship, begins.

About Ecotectural Home Builders

We create high-performance homes for clients who value craftsmanship, intelligent design and a seamless building experience.

Ecotectural are premium Tasman builders specialising in bespoke architectural homes and luxury design-and-build projects throughout the region. We build Passive Homes, engineered to feel better to live in: warm, healthy, energy efficient and economical to run.

Our approach is highly personalised and relationship-driven, with a strong focus on quality, transparency and long-term value. By engaging Ecotectural early, clients benefit from complete project leadership, architectural collaboration, and a carefully managed construction experience tailored to their vision and lifestyle.

Daryl Combes overseeing the Ecotectural crew on an insulated foundation slab laid with underfloor heating loops, Tasman — Daryl and the crew on slab day, underfloor heating laid and ready for the pour

Why clients choose Ecotectural

Architectural homes built with precision, transparency and long-term value.

Architectural precision

Every Ecotectural home is carefully designed and built with refined craftsmanship and long-term performance, so it feels timeless, functional and deeply connected to its environment.

Built for Nelson Tasman

We understand the region's environment, climate and lifestyle. Our homes respond to their site through durable materials, natural light and site-responsive construction.

Complete project leadership

From concept to completion we guide every stage with clear communication, structured project management and ongoing value management, so your budget is protected the whole way, not just at quote time.

Exceptional craftsmanship

Premium homes are defined by precision in the details. From refined finishes to construction accuracy, every element is executed with care, consistency and pride.

Passive House expertise

We build Passive Homes: healthier, quieter and more energy-efficient homes designed for exceptional comfort, reduced running costs and long-term sustainability.

A personalised experience

Every client journey is tailored, collaborative and relationship-driven. We prioritise communication, transparency, and a calm building experience from start to finish.

Our team

The team behind every Ecotectural home.

The team is what makes Ecotectural strong.

Daryl Combes Founder and Managing Director

Daryl founded Ecotectural in 2006 and leads the parts of your build that shape the outcome most: the design, the pricing, and your relationship with the team. He works closely with you to get the design right, so your home suits how your family really lives day to day, and he sets and protects the budget from the very first sketch. Through construction he stays across every job, meets you each month to make sure you're getting exactly what you asked for, and checks the quality himself. He built the team around him so his focus stays on your home, not on any one site's daily labour.

daryl@ecotectural.co.nz Arrange a consultation →

Michael Nelson General Manager

Michael is Ecotectural's General Manager and lead project manager. He's university-qualified in quantity surveying and project management, with 18 years overseas running large residential and commercial builds. He keeps every site on programme and on budget and holds subtrades to their timeframes and costs, so your project stays on track and open-book from start to finish.

Ian Cook Site Manager and Lead Foreman

Ian manages the work on site and leads the building teams. He solves the practical problems that come up on every build, and where there are several ways to do a job, he chooses the one that's sound, cost-effective and fast. He checks the work against the plans, supports each site, and holds the standard of finish Ecotectural is known for.

Melanie Combes Office and Brand Director

Melanie co-owns Ecotectural with Daryl and leads the office and brand. She oversees the administration team that keeps every project organised behind the scenes, and looks after how Ecotectural looks and communicates, so your experience of the company is as considered as the homes it builds.

Elanor Mister Administration Coordinator

Elanor coordinates the day-to-day running of every project and is often your first point of contact for the practical side of your build. She manages billing and reporting and runs our client portal, where you can log in any time to follow your build's progress, view your plans, and see where every dollar is going. She keeps the details moving so nothing slips.

The Cedar House under construction on timber piles, Motueka — On the tools: The Cedar House taking shape above its timber piles, Motueka

Ecotectural homes

Beautifully considered, exceptionally crafted, built for modern living.

We build Passive Homes: luxury architectural homes that combine timeless design, energy efficiency, comfort and premium craftsmanship. Every home is tailored specifically to the client, the site and the surrounding environment. From contemporary coastal retreats to sophisticated rural residences, we work closely with clients and architects to deliver homes that are visually striking, high-performing, and built without compromise.

Marble ensuite with twin mirrors and double vanity at The Blue House — Marble ensuite with twin mirrors, The Blue House

Our promise

Honest building, from the first conversation.

Since 2006 we have built the way we would want to be built for: real numbers, proactive communication, and a team that takes full responsibility from the first sketch to long after you move in. We call it Built in the Open, and it runs through everything, right down to ongoing value management that keeps weighing every decision against your budget all the way through the build, not just at the start. That is what boutique means to us: fewer projects, done properly, for people we get to know well.

Dark-clad gable home under construction with full-height timber-framed glazing under a blue Tasman sky — Full-height timber joinery going into the black gable at Tasman View

Good questions

About Ecotectural, answered.

Who is Ecotectural Home Builders?

We are a boutique design-and-build studio crafting bespoke architectural homes across Nelson and Tasman since 2006. We build Passive Homes: warm, dry, healthy and economical to run.

Who will I deal with during my build?

One accountable team, led by founder Daryl Combes and our management team. From the first sketch to handover there are no handoffs and no gaps, and you always know who is responsible.

Where are you based?

Our office and workshop are at 79 Rowling Loop, Upper Moutere, and we design and build throughout Nelson and the Tasman District.

Are you Registered Master Builders?

Yes. Ecotectural Home Builders Ltd is a Registered Master Builder and a member of New Zealand Certified Builders, and we offer Master Builders, Certified Builders and Built-In guarantees, including the Halo 10 Year Residential Guarantee.

Do you build energy-efficient homes?

Yes, we build Passive Homes. Every home we design and build goes well beyond the minimum the New Zealand Building Code requires.

Black and oak kitchen with pendant lights and a timber island at The Cedar House, Motueka

Ready to start your architectural home journey?

Speak with the Ecotectural team about your project, design ideas, site or Passive House goals across Nelson Tasman.

Arrange a consultation