Future-Proof Your Home with Bob Simpson
Thinking about building, renovating, or creating a home that will serve your family well for years to come? Visit registered architect Bob Simpson at the Southland Home Show and discover how great design can make everyday living easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
With decades of experience designing practical, accessible, and attractive homes, Bob is passionate about creating spaces that adapt to people’s changing needs. He’ll be on hand to discuss the principles of good home design and share ideas on how thoughtful planning can add comfort, functionality, and long-term value to your property.
Bob will also be showcasing an exciting land and home package currently available at 120 Bourke Street, Windsor. This beautifully designed home demonstrates many of the features that have become hallmarks of Bob’s work, including accessibility, excellent sun orientation, sheltered entrances, spacious living areas, and smart, future-focused design.
The home features three generous bedrooms, two accessible bathrooms, versatile living spaces filled with natural light, and a large double garage designed to accommodate larger vehicles with ease. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered to provide comfort, convenience, and independence for years to come.
If you’re planning your dream home, renovating for the future, or simply looking for inspiration, make sure you stop by and chat with Bob Simpson at the Southland Home Show on 15-16 August.
There will be a Deadline Treaty, finishing on 10 September 2026, 4pm. (prior offers considered). Contact Real Estate South (Licensed REAA 2008) www.realestatesouth.co.nz
Section at 120 Bourke Street, Windsor
In 1997 Bob designed this two-storey, accessible home, for his wife Margery and himself in central Invercargill.
On the ground floor there are two double bedrooms and a bathroom with a wet area shower and a large two car double garage with space for storage and a work bench. On the first floor there is a kitchen-family room which receives east, north and west sun, and a separate adjoining living room, the main bedroom and two bathrooms, one includes the laundry.
The design made provision for a future hydraulic lift, which was installed in 2012. There is a concrete ground floor and a concrete first floor.
In 2004 Margery was diagnosed with a neurological condition like Parkinsons. When Margery was disabled Bob drove her to the North Island, to visit family and friends and they experienced many places without level accesses, or accessible toilets or wet area showers. Margery went into residential care in Invercargill in 2009 and died in August 2013.
The Bob Simpson toolkit: for Accessible, Comfortable, Modest, Elegant Homes. (ACME Homes), and to Future Proof in case of accidents, mobility challenges, sickness and eyesight problems.
Bob prefers and has designed many homes with a north south orientation so the living spaces can receive sun all day and provide welcoming entries, which are sheltered from the prevailing weather.
Bob prefers L shaped or farmhouse kitchens in a family room; separate living rooms with a glazed door from the family room; access to an outdoor area, separate bathrooms with wet area showers; good quality electric panel heaters: adequate storage, good sized garages with room for cars, storage and a workshop bench.
Definitions:
Accessible Homes: Suit people with a range of disabilities; are affordable buy, to build, alter or rent, and have modest lifetime operating costs.
Comfortable Homes: provide space which is not too hot and not too cold, with good levels of natural and electrical light, without glare, with good sound absorption, and modest levels of sound transmission.
Elegant Homes: complement the environment they are built in, and have good proportions, use good materials, and use good colours and have some artwork and an entry door with art glass.
Modest Homes: provide adequate space for the occupants and visitors.
