Description
Measuring roughly thirty by twenty feet (about 600 square feet), the Whakatipura accommodates four to six people. Its floor of fitted planks and seven-foot walls of woven flax panels create a warm, breathable interior resistant to salt and wind. The peaked roof of thatch and cordgrass extends past the walls, keeping rain off and offering shade, while windows and vents maintain airflow and comfort in all weather.
Inside, space is open but divided by woven partitions. The central living area holds a stone-lined hearth beneath a smoke hole where families cook and gather, surrounded by mats for seating. Sleeping platforms line the walls, slightly raised for airflow and storage beneath. Shelves, baskets, and chests throughout the home keep tools, food, and belongings organized, while a small workspace near the entrance supports crafts, net repair, or other family trades.
Rain-catching vessels provide clean water, and washing areas sit near the entrance or under the eaves. Families personalize exteriors with carvings, paint, shells, or trellised plants, and the space around each home often becomes a small garden, play area, or outdoor kitchen. These touches create a sense of individuality while keeping families visually and socially connected across the raised platforms of the settlement.
Maintenance is a family duty and an expression of pride, with neighbors helping during larger repairs. Beyond shelter, the Whakatipura represents belonging, a private refuge that strengthens family bonds yet remains open to community life. Its consistent but varied designs lend the settlement a harmonious look, and new homes are built through communal effort, ensuring every family begins its life within the shared rhythm of cooperation and care.
Benefits
Each Whakatipura that the duke buys generates 1 Prestige, as providing stable family housing demonstrates the settlement's success and commitment to supporting family life. The dwelling comfortably houses a family of four to six people, providing them with a secure and private space that contributes to overall community morale and stability. New citizens can purchase their house out of their own pocket, or lease one through Haven.