Next level living

For architect Andrew Ward of Mod Architecture, the goal was to create a spacious home for the family of five, leveraging the steep Pyes Pa section to maximise space and capture views wherever possible. “A builder always comes with a level of design understanding and trust in the Architect,” says Andrew. Having worked with Mod Architecture on other hillside builds, Alex from Bespoke Construct felt confident that Andrew and his team were the right fit for their home. “The initial designs were bang on, only requiring minor adjustments,” says Alex.

“The site’s slope was quite steep. Immediately, it became apparent that a home that stepped down, flowed and followed the natural contours would feel right and also keep the cost down,” says Andrew. “The verticality of the material selections complements the form’s proportions and creates a rhythm that cascades down the site borrowing natural light from places where you wouldn’t normally be able to access it.” One example of this is the filtered western light over the scullery, into the kitchen area. “By creating multiple levels, you also create multiple zones even in open plan areas,” says Andrew. “Changes in floor level, or ceiling level, are a great way to achieve a distinct perceived change in space without introducing walls or other barriers.”

The home is clad in Abodo Vulcan vertical shiplap timber coated in Sioo:x for a beautiful grey weathered look and James Hardie vertical Linear Oblique fibre cement in Element black. Three Kwila decks on different levels, Abodo balustrades and battened soffits enhance the sense of space and connection with the outdoors. “There is a lot of natural timber cladding, battening and balustrades which required a high degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail,” says Andrew.

The four-level build presented some challenges to Alex and the Bespoke Construct team. The complex site required a highly-skilled focus on each of the levels while bringing materials down the hill and engineering the retaining wall at the base of the site. “Most of the lower level was cantilevered out. We also had structural steel over the garage to create the overhang and in the living area to open up to the living room,” says Alex.

“Team work played a big part as did being very organised with deliveries and planning of the job. We spent the time needed to make sure the set out was done right.” “Building on a slope is always a challenge requiring experience and skill. Being involved early in the design phase helped us deliver a seamless result and complete the project in under 12 months,” says Alex. Interior designer Nicola Travis had worked with Mod Architecture and Bespoke Construct on previous homes. The brief for this 4-bedroom, 224 square metre residence was to create a timeless look that would feel inviting and relevant for years to come. “Andrew from Mod Architecture always has a clear interior brief for his designs,” says Nicola. “Alex and I have a good working relationship, so we work through any design or construction issues as we go.”

Nicola worked with homeowner Faye selecting finishes, colours, materials, lighting, cabinetry details and advising on all those big decisions needed to be made throughout the building process. The interior of the home was expertly painted by Hamish Ross Painters. White was the base colour with warmer elements of brass and Hurford’s Oak timber flooring installed by Abstract Floors to elevate the interior with softness, warmth and practicality. Colour has been used sparingly, with a soft green fluted feature wall in the primary suite and a touch of black coming in from outside in the entrance feature wall that continues down a level into the kitchen area. Shades of soft grey and taupe feature in the tiles, installed by SRL Tiling and wool carpets bring timeless neutral colour.

The joinery by Pacific Coast Kitchens includes the bar area, laundry and garage storage. The kitchen benchtop is Trendstone Cala Eleganza, with Melteca Warm White satin doors and panels. The beautiful fluted feature panels on the island are a painted Laminex Surround. “The stone benchtops are practical and luxurious with waterfall edges and continue up to the splashback to give a beautiful luxurious effect while also being very practical for this busy family. Another stunning feature is the ripple panelling under the breakfast bar,” says Nicola.

The cosy sunken living room, tucked down the stairs from the kitchen is the perfect example of using this multi levelled home to full advantage, creating warm inviting spaces.

“There are a lot of subtle curves and vertical lines in this project,” says Nicola. “From light fixtures, vanities and feature walls to the tiles in the laundry and butler’s pantry. The clients wanted light and bright so we included elements of brass to bring warmth. In the laundry we added a hint of playfulness with a gorgeous blush pink tap, just something to bring a smile to the face of anyone tasked with doing the laundry.”

Bespoke Construct’s award-winning residence is fitted with a fully ducted heating and cooling system throughout. This home is a masterclass in clever multi-level design that maximises light, views and floor space with minimalist interiors with an exceptional level of craftsmanship in the build.

In the bathrooms, the homeowners wanted a soft neutral tile, nothing too dark or light. “This classic subtle terrazzo style tile works in well with the fluted vanity fronts and brass fixtures and tapware to add some more luxury and warmth to the space,” says Nicola. Brass tapware, sink plugs and draw handles complement the fluted rippled feature panels on the vanity drawers. The stone vanity tops were selected for practicality and luxury.

This Pyes Pa home earned a Top 100 Homes and Regional Gold Award in the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Competition for Builder’s Own Home in the 2025 Master Builders House of the Year awards. The judges praised the home’s smart design and skilled construction making the most of every square-metre.

Builder Alex likes how well the house flows from the entrance at the top, right down to the fourth level, along with the raked ceilings and decks that follow the house down the slope.”

“I love the kitchen and dining zone. As they say the kitchen is the heart of the home and this stunning kitchen really shows this,” says Nicola. “I love how the dining area lends itself to be whatever you need it to be. With the little built-in cabinetry, this could be a bar, TV cabinet or toy storage depending on what stage of your life you are at. It just shows how this beautiful home will be able to grow with the family as it changes through the different stages of family change.”

Contact details:

Bespoke Construct
027 884 8175
alex@bespokeconstruct.co.nz
www.bespokeconstruct.co.nz