Elemental Design and Build

03/09/2026

A closer look at the Rameka. 🌿

There’s something special about stepping inside a finished timber frame and seeing how the structure, materials and natural light come together.

The Rameka’s interior showcases the warmth and character of natural timber, with exposed framing and carefully crafted timber lining creating a space that feels connected to its surroundings.

Rather than covering the structure up, this approach celebrates it. Every beam, joint and grain becomes part of the interior, giving the building a sense of warmth, simplicity and permanence.

For us, this is what natural building is about: creating spaces that feel good to live in, using materials that age beautifully and craftsmanship that can be appreciated for generations.

Elemental Design & Build
Build Beautifully. Live Naturally.

01/09/2026

The beauty is in the details.

Traditional timber framing is all about precision, patience, and letting the structure speak for itself.

Here, a carefully cut timber joint is being prepared to receive its wooden peg, creating a strong mechanical connection without relying on modern fixings to do all the work.

It is a beautiful reminder that good building is not just about what you see when a project is finished. It is in the craftsmanship hidden within the structure, the careful layout, the hand-cut joinery, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

At Elemental Design & Build, we believe in building beautifully, with materials and methods that connect us to the natural world.

Build Beautifully. Live Naturally.

31/08/2026

Every project has its own story.

This East Tākaka build is a little different from the projects we’re best known for, but that’s exactly what makes it worth sharing.

At Elemental Design & Build, we believe good building starts with understanding the project, the people, and what’s possible. Our experience across timber framing, natural building and conventional construction means we can adapt our approach to suit the job, without compromising on craftsmanship or attention to detail.

From the first idea to the finished build, we’re here to make good spaces, thoughtfully built.

Build Beautifully. Live Naturally.

📍 East Tākaka, Golden Bay

16/08/2026

Two timber-framing traditions. One beautiful structure.

Earlier this year, Elemental Design & Build hosted a special timber framing course in Golden Bay, bringing together two craftsmen from different continents and different lineages of the craft.

Benito Steen of Canelo Project in Arizona joined Graeme Scott, co-founder of Elemental Design & Build, to share their knowledge of traditional timber framing with 14 students from Aotearoa and beyond.

Over the week, students explored the fundamentals of mortice and tenon joinery — learning to read and mark timber, translate plans into three-dimensional structures, work with hand and power tools, and develop traditional scribing techniques.

But the real magic came when all those individual pieces came together.

On the final day, the frame was raised, revealing how every carefully crafted joint became part of something much greater than itself.

The course was about more than timber. It was about sharing knowledge, keeping traditional craft alive, and building community around the work.

The result is a beautiful timber guest house, built from locally grown and milled lusitanica — and 14 people who left with new skills, new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the craft.

We’ve just published the full story, with more photographs and reflections from the course.

🌿 https://www.elementalbuild.nz/blog/timber-frame-course-collaboration-ebanz-article

And to learn more about Benito’s work, courses and natural building projects, visit the The Canelo Project.

11/08/2026

Before the walls are lined, before the finishes are applied, there's a moment when the craftsmanship speaks for itself.

The Rameka reveals the beauty of traditional timber framing in its purest form. Every post, beam and joint is carefully handcrafted from locally sourced timber, where centuries-old techniques meet modern engineering to create a structure that is as enduring as it is beautiful. It's where art meets craft, and craftsmanship meets engineering.

Every line has a purpose. Every joint tells a story. Every detail reflects the pride and precision of the builders who bring these structures to life.

Whether you choose a complete build or a traditional timber frame kit, each Rameka is handcrafted in Golden Bay before being shipped anywhere in New Zealand, ready to become your sleep-out, studio, office or retreat.

Built with intention. Crafted with care. Made to last for generations.

10/08/2026

Not every project needs to be a grand timber frame to showcase exceptional craftsmanship.

This beautifully crafted entrance porch is proof that even the smallest structures deserve the same care, precision, and attention to detail. Every joint, every timber, and every finish reflects the pride that goes into our work.

At Elemental Design & Build, we work with locally sourced timbers and natural materials wherever possible, combining traditional woodworking techniques with thoughtful design to create structures that are both beautiful and built to last. Whether it's a handcrafted front porch, a bespoke pergola, a full timber frame, or your dream home, every project is approached with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Because great craftsmanship isn't measured by the size of the build—it's measured by the care that's poured into every piece.

📍 Handcrafted in Golden Bay, New Zealand.

09/08/2026

The Parapara is where timeless craftsmanship meets modern living.

Handcrafted here in Golden Bay from locally sourced Douglas Fir, each Parapara is built using traditional timber framing techniques, with classic mortice and tenon joinery secured by offset hardwood pegs—meaning no nails or screws are needed to hold the frame together. Every piece is finished with natural oils, celebrating the beauty of real timber while creating a structure that's built to last.

Designed as a stunning pergola or event space, the Parapara also comes as a kitset, making it easy to transport and assemble almost anywhere in New Zealand. Whether you're creating an outdoor entertaining area, a glamping retreat, a wedding venue, or the beginning of your own natural building project, the possibilities are endless.

Handcrafted. Sustainable. Naturally beautiful.

Built in Golden Bay. Delivered nationwide.

26/07/2026

Some of the most important people on a building site aren't always the ones swinging a hammer.

Meet Liv Scott — Co-Director of Elemental Design & Build, the engine behind so much of what happens before, during and after every project.

If you've ever called Elemental, chances are Liv was the friendly voice on the other end of the phone. She's the one coordinating suppliers, keeping projects on track, solving problems before they become headaches, managing the day-to-day operations of the business, and making sure every moving part works together seamlessly. It's a role that requires organisation, patience and an incredible ability to juggle a hundred things at once.

And when the job calls for it, she's never afraid to roll up her sleeves.

This photo was taken during the final clean of our East Tākaka build, where Liv swapped her office hat for a cleaner's hat to help put the finishing touches on another beautiful home. Because at Elemental, no task is too small when it comes to delivering a home we're proud to hand over.

The craftsmanship you see in our builds is supported by countless hours of planning, communication and care behind the scenes. Liv is a huge part of that, and we're incredibly grateful for everything she brings to the team every single day.

Thanks, Liv, for keeping the wheels turning and reminding us that great buildings are built by great people. 💚

23/07/2026

Timber framing isn't just a way of building—it's a craft that has stood the test of time.

For thousands of years, skilled craftspeople have created beautiful, enduring structures using carefully shaped timbers, traditional joinery, and craftsmanship instead of relying on metal fasteners. Many of these buildings are still standing today, a testament to the strength, beauty, and longevity of this ancient building tradition.

At Elemental Design & Build, we're passionate about keeping these time-honoured skills alive. By combining traditional timber framing with natural building techniques and modern design, we create healthy, sustainable spaces that honour the past while serving the future.

Curious about where this incredible craft began and why it's experiencing a revival today? Read our latest blog to explore the fascinating history of traditional timber framing.

👉 https://www.elementalbuild.nz/blog/a-short-history-of-traditional-timber-framing

Have you ever been inside a traditional timber-framed building? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. 🌿

This article was originally written in 2017 for the booklet of our first Timber Framing Course, it has been updated and revised in 2026.

26/06/2026

Some views never get old.

Standing on this deck, looking out across the upper Tākaka Valley, it’s easy to remember why we love building in places like this. Across the valley, the rugged limestone bluffs and native bush of the western ranges catch the changing light throughout the day, creating a landscape that feels alive in every season. Beyond them, the hills rise toward the wild country that makes this corner of Golden Bay so special.

A home here is about more than timber, steel, and concrete. It’s about framing a landscape, creating shelter without losing connection to the land, and building spaces that let nature become part of everyday life.

This is one of those projects where the view does as much of the talking as the craftsmanship—and we’re proud to help create homes that belong in places as remarkable as this.