The Paper House

A Small Footprint That Thinks Big Designed by Crosson Architects and brought to life by Ze Build, The Paper House sits proudly on a narrow site in Westmere. Its distinctive A-frame silhouette, light-filtering facade, and compact footprint challenge conventional suburban living, proving that smart design can achieve more with less. A Play of Light, Privacy and Form Clad in corrugated iron with a striking triangular screen of perforated metal, the home cleverly balances privacy with an openness to the sun and sky. Internally, the vaulted ceilings and soaring voids deliver a surprising sense of space, while soft, indirect light dances throughout the interior. Purpose-Driven Simplicity With sustainability and affordability in mind, this two bedroom home was built with precision and restraint, offering a thoughtful housing model for first home buyers or urban downsizers. The carefully curated material palette and crisp detailing echo the home’s minimalist ethos while adding richness and warmth. Award Winning Innovation The Paper House has received widespread acclaim for its inventive approach to small site living, including recognition in the Best Design Awards. It is a showcase of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between architect, builder and client - and a commitment to purposeful, crafted design. Project Highlights Sculptural origami-inspired form with asymmetrical pitched roof Perforated steel screen facade for light control and visual interest Double height, north facing living space that maximises daylight Efficient 80 m² footprint delivering generous spatial feel Completed on a $600K budget in under 9 months Winner – 2024 NZIA Auckland Small Project Architecture Award When you build with Ze, you build with family. Trusted to deliver bold ideas and fine details.