Crafting character

Making the most of panoramic Hawke’s Bay views of the ocean and farmland, this new build by Drinkrow Homes offers ideal, easy living for a young family. Its rural setting required a team intimately familiar with the site’s qualities to achieve the precise, high-quality architectural finish envisioned. The homeowners sought a family home with character that sat naturally into its surroundings, avoiding the cookie-cutter to create a home that was unmistakably their own.

The heart of the home is a spacious, open-plan living space that flows to expansive kwila decking. The kitchen features a scullery and a built-in bench seat that forms a cosy dining nook. From the main living area, the hallway splits in two directions.

One wing leads to the master suite, which features a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom, and a private deck. The other hallway provides access to three generously sized bedrooms, the family bathroom, a powder room, a dedicated media room, and direct internal entry to the garage.

Crisp v-groove linings, cabinetry, and feature ceilings give the home a timeless personality. “The v-groove internally demanded a high level of craftsmanship. It’s not a forgiving product — if your lines are out, it shows immediately,” Michelle Drinkrow says, adding that the v-groove detailing inside and the precision with which it was executed stand out as work the Drinkrow team and wider project crew are proud of. “Our team executed it perfectly.”

A covered portico with exposed feature trusses frames a generous deck. The integrated mix of Stria cladding and weatherboard adds a defined textural character. Architects Concept 2 Construction Ltd skilfully balanced multiple design goals: flexible outdoor entertaining areas, a spacious open-plan layout for family living, and a private master deck that provides a serene retreat for the parents.

“The project as a whole is a testament to teamwork. The combination of trusted trades, clear communication, and sequencing meant everything ran smoothly and the project was delivered on time.”

Choices such as Laminex Melteca cabinets in Snowdrift and Moduleo Transform flooring build a calming atmosphere. Striking feature lights and expertly placed fixtures, executed by Aeon Electrical, elevate the home’s clean, country aesthetic.

“This build is a good reflection of what we do best: clear communication, strong attention to detail, focus on efficiency at all times, and working with a network of trades we trust,” Michelle says. “For us, building isn’t just about construction, it’s about creating a home that feels right for the family and making the process smooth and enjoyable for them.”

Practical rural solutions, such as water storage, on-site wastewater treatment, and power supply, were seamlessly integrated into the build process to ensure that the remote location did not compromise quality, technology, or modern amenities.

“Rural builds always have additional considerations, but we’ve developed systems for handling them,” Michelle remarks. “On this project, the use of RAB board on the exterior allowed us to progress with the interior trades while still working outside. That sequencing kept everything efficient and ensured we finished on time.”

The Caroma Cupid bath anchors the bathroom, lined in light grey terrazzo. Refined fittings, such as Methven Turoa tapware, complement. Owen Plumbing played its part in ensuring the bathroom spaces continued the chill interior vibe. As is the case across the home, natural light fills the space through carefully positioned windows. Family needs and a sense of sanctuary go hand in hand.

“The clients had a clear sense of what they wanted the house to look like, and our role was to make sure those choices were practical and achievable,” Michelle says. “Everyone involved delivered excellent work, which is exactly why we continue to work with the same trusted small teams — we know the quality will be there every time. “Seeing them move in and enjoy their new home is always the most rewarding part for us.”

Contact details:

Drinkrow Homes
0274 273 137
admin@drinkrowbuilding.co.nz
www.drinkrow.co.nz