The charm of Wellington’s character homes with a coastal twist was the brief for this five-bedroom Waihi Beach home from A Knight Design & Build. The exterior exudes this classic aesthetic with wide, rusticated weatherboards, a gable-pitched roof and a welcoming front porch. Expansive windows and glass doors flood the interior with natural light while providing panoramic vistas of the coastline. Privacy and sociability was of equal importance and this was achieved by incorporating a sunny, glass-roofed porch, west-facing outdoor living to take in the coastal vistas, a secluded master suite and interior bi-folds to close off and create a secondary living space to retreat to.

The vibe inside is rustic and warm, with modern touches: pitched raftered ceilings, grooved panelling, hardwood flooring and a neutral colour palette. Contemporary fixtures and open-plan living spaces cater to the demands of modern lifestyles. The living spaces open up so the coastal breeze can flow through, and the outdoor areas are ideal for taking in the sunsets. Environmental considerations include the expansive solar panelling for water and heating, a Tesla Solar storage bank, a low-energy heating and cooling system, two 3000L water-retention tanks to collect stormwater and timber weatherboard on the exterior, chosen for its renewable properties and a lower carbon footprint.