Oceanview oasis

Every material, every line, every surface of this Mount Maunganui has been carefully considered. The result? A home that is as tactile as it is visually compelling. Visitors are led along stone pathways flanked by lush plantings to a striking semiframeless glass pivot door, the perfect counterpoint to rich Travertine stone.

The home’s exterior is wrapped in STOArmour Facade Panels with Stolit MP Natural texture, flowing over parapets, soffits, and even into the interior to blend inside and out. Complementary Abodo timber cladding and Travertine punctuate the façade, enhancing its organic warmth, while Vitrocsa exterior joinery frames expansive, uninterrupted views. Concrete forms a solid, grounded structure that harmonises with the raw, earthen palette.

The Mount Maunganui home was honoured with two commendations at the 2025 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards in the Home Interiors and New Home over 300m² categories. The ADNZ judges praised Oceanview for its balance of strong exterior forms with calm interiors.

Camouflaged by stone cladding, the ground floor has a concealed entrance to the guest suite. A generous garage, self-contained guest area, and a large rumpus room for the family to enjoy also feature on the ground floor. There’s an effortless humility about this home, but beneath that is a thoughtfully considered, expertly curated forever home.

Jon McAlpine Architecture has a diverse architectural portfolio spanning projects such as this stunning home designed for a young, busy family of five to renovating a 100-year-old country villa. Yet, no matter the project, they remain intimately engaged and hands-on from the first plans to the final touches.

“This was an extremely complex project, not just structurally and architecturally, but in every detail,” Jon McAlpine says. “This is a project I’m really proud of.”

Involved with the client, builder, engineer and everyone else on deck, McAlpine celebrates the teamwork that realised this home. “Communication is everything in this industry. The owner really pushed us (and all involved) to achieve seamless perfection. This certainly shows,” McAlpine says.

The brief was a home that could adapt to the clients’ needs, those of a growing family. The lasting, flexible living environment created exudes attention to detail, albeit much of it hidden.

Perched on a natural dune, the elevated home’s main living spaces are housed on the first floor to soak in stunning views of the ocean to the north and the lights of Tauranga Port and inner harbour to the west. A cantilevered oak staircase takes you to a spacious, open-plan living and kitchen area. Easy living comes as impeccably as the interior spaces flow, but this accessibility is balanced by the option to completely separate and enjoy privacy when desired.

Understated and refined, at the heart of the home sits a long bespoke Eastwood Kitchen that emulates the horizon, with precise cabinetry and joinery that excel in form and function.

Courtesy of the Tauranga-based custom kitchen specialists, the kitchen anchors daily living with a quiet elegance. A bar and breakfast nook further induce relaxation. Keeping the process streamlined and collaborative, Eastwood helped the clients directly from concept to installation.

The master suite occupies the home’s most private position, capturing continuous water views and soft morning light. Children’s bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged on the eastern side of the home, ensuring sun-filled spaces throughout the day, while the evening lounge is oriented to gather the last warmth of the setting sun, creating an inviting retreat.

Concealed behind a wall of cabinetry, a hidden door reveals a retractable roof opening onto an expansive rooftop deck, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views across the surrounding landscape.

Designed with longevity in mind, the structure has been future-proofed to accommodate a potential third storey, allowing flexibility as the family’s needs evolve. Internally, materials echo those used outside, with rendered finishes applied to walls, ceilings, and doors to establish a cohesive, tranquil environment.

Interiors by Gezellig write home a carefully considered narrative of comfort, restraint, and enduring design. Led by Annique Hessen, this considered approach enhances everyday living while reinforcing the home’s calm, understated aesthetic.

Sustainability is a core element of the design ethos, with a photovoltaic solar system and battery storage powering the home and reducing reliance on external energy sources. This forward-thinking approach delivers an energy-efficient, eco-conscious residence that aligns with the clients’ vision for sustainable, future-proofed living.

Outdoor living is elevated through Johnson & Couzins’ premium louvred roof systems, designed and made for New Zealand since 1866, providing adaptable shelter and year-round comfort while maintaining architectural clarity. It’s this mindful balance that saw the ADNZ judges praise this home for its confident yet organic exterior forms and calm, restrained interiors.

With its integrated spa, deck and lush lawn, the pool area reinforces this indoor-outdoor dialogue. Covered al fresco dining next to the pool, complete with retractable roof and automatic shutters, connects with the sauna and pool bathroom to form a dream wellness zone. This premium flexibility allows restorative peace, whatever the weather.

The home’s design focuses on connectivity between interior and exterior spaces, and the pool area is no different. A generously sized sprayed concrete pool, complete with a sun ledge and built-in spa, continues the Californication outside.

Travertine tile surfacing grounds the luxurious pool zone. Colourvision bubblers and LED lights offer night-time function and a little whimsy. Experts in concrete pool construction and renovation, design, hardscaping, and landscaping, the Del Tutto team flawlessly achieved the clients’ vision.

The ADNZ judges commended the use of soft neutrals, warm stone, and crisp detailing, which together form a calm, modern and effortless palette. “Getting the colours right makes all the difference,” they said. “Each element works together to let the design breathe and the light carry through naturally.”

“The inviting veranda spaces, hidden roof terrace, and spa-inspired palette layered with detail create a sense of serenity and respite.”

Keryn Davis, CEO of ADNZ, says the stellar efforts of Bay of Plenty and Waikato designers were well deserving of high praise. “What appeals to me about these award winners is the unique nature of the projects and the complex approach from these talented designers.”

Contact details:

Jon McAlpine Architecture
07 281 1052
jon@jonmcalpine.com
www.jonmcalpine.com