Coastal elegance

Nestled within the relaxed coastal landscape of Whangamatā, the Pipi Road Residence stands as a testament to meticulous interior design, blending durability with understated luxury. Although a new build, its emotional resonance is profound — a home that captures the spirit of a beloved family bach while offering a contemporary haven for generations.

At its core, this residence epitomises the beauty of refined materials curated to withstand the demands of a coastal environment. The interplay of timber, stone and layered neutrals defines a calming yet texturally rich atmosphere, echoing the site’s natural beauty. This restrained palette, rooted in durability and aesthetic simplicity, creates a cohesive narrative throughout the home.

Kathrine McDonald Design was the inspiration behind the interior design. “Our intention was to create a home that feels effortless to live in, while still delivering a strong and considered design outcome,” Kathrine says.

Kathrine underscores the importance of spatial flow in her design approach. “Our focus was on creating interconnected spaces that open seamlessly to the outdoors, a deliberate strategy that enhances natural light, air and movement, and thus shapes daily living.” The design by Jon McAlpine Architecture emphasises clarity and simplicity, with generous openings and thoughtfully designed zones. The goal was to balance social spaces and retreats, fostering a sense of calm and warmth that remains undisturbed through the seasons.

The interior design responds beautifully to the coastal surroundings with lines that are modern yet understated, grounded in a material palette that ages gracefully. “Wall linings used as a feature, along with sculptural lighting, emphasise subtle contrast, from matte to polished finishes, to bring depth without overpowering the architecture,” she says.

The choice of textures plays a pivotal role. Timber floors by VidaSpace, complemented by Bremworth pure wool carpets, create warmth underfoot. The timber’s natural grain echoes the coastal landscape, while the wool adds softness, inviting tactile interaction.

The interior palette is restrained yet layered, favouring materials that age well and maintain their appeal over time. The living space features cabinetry accented with natural sea-green hues in beautiful, durable stone, an element that subtly echoes the ocean’s palette. This material selection underscores the importance of longevity and resilience, especially in a seaside setting.

In the kitchen, a large scullery supports practicality and aesthetic clarity. It allows the main kitchen to remain sleek, with integrated appliances and a porcelain-covered extractor fan serving as functional design features.

“The porcelain slab covering the extractor fan is a simple detail that elevates the entire space,” Kathrine notes. Recessed glass doors enable natural light to flood through, optimising the space’s openness while maintaining thermal efficiency.

Attention to detail is evident throughout. Concealed storage and interior doors hide everyday items, ensuring the clean lines and minimal aesthetic are preserved. Bandsawn textured wide timber wall linings serve dual purposes: elevating ceiling heights and masking storage behind. These elements exemplify how material choices can serve both form and function, fostering a sense of calm and order.

The home’s spatial planning delivers strong indoor–outdoor relationships. Large-format sliders and generous patios blur the line between interior and exterior, fostering a lifestyle rooted in connection with nature.

“The natural light movement through the house accentuates tone and texture at different times of day, making materiality feel alive,” Kathrine says.

Interior shutters from Santa Fe Shutters further enhance this connection, allowing the owners to control light, air and privacy while adding a layer of refined detail that complements the home’s understated aesthetic. Such features bolster the home’s practical and aesthetic versatility.

The stone surfaces throughout, from kitchen countertops to cabinetry and console pieces, were brought to life by Pacific Stone, whose craftsmanship adds a tactile depth and coastal connection that flows through every space.

In the living areas, careful material layering contributes to a lived-in yet polished feel. Natural stone countertops with hues reminiscent of sea green, combined with warm timber textures, create a harmonious palette that feels refined yet relaxed.

The cabinetry, crafted from durable, textured stone, promotes longevity while maintaining a tactile quality, further reinforcing the connection to the coastal landscape.

Jon McAlpine says the architectural approach aimed for a straightforward yet robust form, designed to endure the challenges of the coastal environment. “The design and materials are intentionally robust to withstand the harsh beachfront environment,” he states. The external façade employs Nuwall aluminium cladding and STO plaster, offering minimal maintenance and resistance to salty air and moisture while maintaining a sleek, contemporary appearance.

Forte Millboard decking provides longevity and ease of care for outdoor living spaces, complementing aluminium screens and architectural shrouds that contribute both aesthetic appeal and functional shelter. These choices reflect a commitment to sustainable, low-maintenance materials aligned with the coastal context.

Internally, tactile warmth is achieved through Forte timber wall linings and a striking oak cantilevered staircase, a sculptural element that anchors the home’s interior architecture. The selection of natural textures and materials ensures the home remains inviting yet durable through years of seaside living.

Every element in the interior design demonstrates a commitment to both form and function. Eastwood Kitchens supplied bespoke joinery, which encompasses the kitchen, window seats, cabinetry, storage systems, bathroom vanities, and mirror cabinetry, as well as laundry cupboards.

This level of custom joinery allows for seamless integration of function and refinement, ensuring practical needs are met without compromising aesthetic integrity,” Kathrine says.

The home’s intelligent planning is evident in its hidden storage solutions and concealed doors, which keep clutter out of sight, enhancing the clean, minimalist aesthetic. Band-sawn textured wide timber wall linings are used expansively, creating visual continuity and pushing the ceiling heights, further enhancing spatial perception.

Flow and tactility are prioritised, with VidaSpace timber flooring in living and main areas, and Bremworth carpets in bedrooms. These textures contribute to the home’s calming, cosy atmosphere, aligning with Katherine’s goal of an effortless living environment. The use of natural stone, with hues evocative of the sea, in cabinetry and console pieces adds subtle depth and a strong tactile connection to the coastal landscape.

The design thoughtfully incorporates aspects of the clients’ lifestyle. For instance, a dedicated train room reflects their passions, while practical features such as concealed storage and layered textures support everyday living. The home’s zones are designed for both social interaction and retreat, ensuring a resilient and adaptable family home.

“Everyone involved walked away from this project with a feeling of delivering a home that evokes memories of the original bach while standing the test of time in usability and visual impact,” she says.

Luke from Beach House Builders says the build was: “An enjoyable, and at times challenging, process that brought intriguing design features to life through collaboration and craftsmanship.” The partnership between builder, designer and architect ensured that the sublime architectural intent was realised fully, with attention to detail and craftsmanship transforming the vision into reality.

The project demonstrates that combining careful planning, material intelligence, high craft, and sustainable principles results in a residence that is both highly functional and aesthetically refined. Its elevated position captures spectacular ocean views without sacrificing privacy or practicality. The result is a home that balances modern coastal elegance with enduring durability.

The Pipi Road Residence exemplifies how interior material choices and craftsmanship can elevate contemporary coastal homes. From the subtle tonal variations of wall linings and finishes to the selection of resilient, tactile materials, every detail was conceived with longevity and beauty in mind. Its seamless indoor-outdoor flow, layered textures, and strategic material palette reflect an understanding of coastal living’s demands while celebrating natural beauty.

This home fosters an environment of warmth, comfort, and understated luxury; proof that thoughtful materiality and skilled craftsmanship create timeless interiors that evolve harmoniously within their landscape.

Contact Details
KM Interior Design
+64 21 608 451
hello@kminteriordesign.co.nz