If ever a luxury home showcases the skills of builders at the top of their game, this is it. Hayes Building delivered a large project – 466sqm of floorplan and 700sqm of roofing – and an extremely complex one for its owners. The five-bedroom home, for instance, steps down no fewer than seven levels on its sloping site. Yet, thanks to meticulously installed cedar cladding, it blends into its sensitive environment beside kauri forest on Auckland’s rugged west coast. The five-bedroom home was built as family central for semi-retired owners, who wanted guest bedrooms with ensuites and a bunk room for the grandchildren. A

‘broken’ plan with separate wings on several levels was used to articulate a series of delightful rooms, all with generous gallery spaces. Each room enjoys a different aspect and special views. The configuration also helps with protection from ferocious westerly winds. Sloping ceilings are Birch Elite ply with the scotia, architraves and skirting in American oak. Scrupulous detailing from Mercer and Mercer Architects allowed the builders to focus purely on quality, such as the ash fireplace surround. Craftsmanship from the garage to the sitting room is top notch. The Hayes team has delivered on its promise to produce a finish like no other – humble, honest and full of character arranged in a clean modern way.