Crafted into the coastline

Sitting beautifully in Kaiteriteri is a three-storey build recently completed by MK Builders, showcasing how a home can be both aesthetically pleasing and seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings. Matthew Krammer, from MK Builders, says what sets this build apart from others they’ve done is “the stunning location and being on a steep hill. We love a challenge, so having the opportunity to build at such a scale and complexity was exciting to us.”

The main challenge, he adds, was the narrow and steep site. To overcome this, the team had to construct a six-metre-high retaining wall driven six metres into the hillside. “We had to work from the top down, cutting dirt away as we worked towards the ground level before starting the house. We had to be strategic when working out this plan, as it also consisted of using hiabs to lift diggers up and down the hill to backfill the retaining wall.”

The final layout makes impressive use of the site. A large garage sits on the lower level, while the middle floor comprises several bedrooms. The top storey, where views are maximised, houses the kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and laundry, delivering both functionality and flow across all three levels.

The home’s striking exterior showcases a blend of Truewood vertical timber cladding, stria, and plaster, carefully chosen for their textural contrasts and long-term durability. “We also incorporated West Coast schist columns on the lower level, which add a really nice touch,” says Matt.

These materials were selected not only for their visual appeal but also to create an earthy, grounded aesthetic that reflects the coastal surroundings and the client’s desire for a warm, welcoming feel. Inside, high-end finishes and meticulous attention to detail ensure the home is as functional as it is beautiful, truly a statement of craftsmanship and design integrity.

Contact details:

MK Builders
027 540 2439
mattkrammerbuilders@gmail.com
www.mkbuilders.co.nz