These four walls

Sitting high above the Kapiti coastline, Rochelle and Sam’s home represents years of planning and collaboration. They sought a sleek, industrial design that required minimal styling.

“We wanted the design, features, and craftsmanship to speak for themselves,” Rochelle says. “Hamish from ETAL did a great job translating our ideas.”

“Organised into four quadrants of living, sleeping, studio apartment, and garage, the layout unfolds around a central spine, allowing each space to function independently while maintaining a strong sense of internal connection,” Director of ETAL Architecture, Hamish White, says.

This central spine integrates Abodo timber, polished concrete, and clever storage, including a hidden under-stair area and laundry chute between floors. Skylights and picture-frame windows at each end of the upper-level hallway flood the space with natural light, framing pastoral views and creating a gallery like feel. Large barn slider doors separate zones when privacy is needed.

Hamish says the design was conceived to flex with the changing dynamics of family life. “The house can be lived in as a cohesive whole, or easily reconfigured to accommodate a semi-independent rental unit or multi-generational living, thanks to its clear spatial zoning.

Elevated to the second floor, the primary living areas take full advantage of the landscape. Raking ceilings and skylights prove grand without sacrificing intimacy. A formed concrete wall anchors the space. A window seat and lantern-style lighting balance industrial elements with warmth.

The couple’s wish list was clear: spaces that felt generous, adaptable, and easy to live in. Storage was carefully considered, circulation kept simple, and each space was designed with flexibility in mind.

As both the homeowner and the builder, Sam’s role saw personal details and care realised. Hamish says it was a deeply collaborative effort.

“In terms of compromises, we didn’t really have to make anything substantial,” Rochelle says. “We were always conscious of our budget, so being realistic with design and material choices from the outset was key. Sam’s knowledge and experience were invaluable, as they meant we were setting ourselves up for success with decisions and choices that were made.”

Framed by a generous dining area, the galley-style kitchen has a large island with ample space for cooking and hosting. Complete with an oven at standing height and a proper coffee machine, it’s the homeowners’ dream kitchen. This leads to a covered deck that is more of an outdoor room. When its double-stacker door is fully open, Rochelle says the indoor-outdoor flow creates the perfect space for summer entertaining. An exposed steel portal lines the angled roofline.

The choices for paint colours, flooring and tiles were deliberately kept quite neutral and classic, Rochelle says.

“I really enjoyed working on this project with Build 2.0,” Colour Lane owner and project colour coordinator Hannah Coulson says. “The home, with its modern and industrial feel, was a fantastic canvas for design. We opted for a neutral palette to highlight the different materials and textures used throughout the build.”

Externally, Colorsteel Ebony was chosen for the roof, joinery, and front door, contrasting with the Dulux Okarito bagged brick and natural Abodo timber cladding. Internally, walls painted Dulux Mt Aspiring Half complement exposed steel beams, tying together the industrial aesthetic.

The covered, battened outdoor room, with a built-in barbecue area and bar fridge, is perfect for the Wellington weather. The space balances openness with a cosy sense of seclusion, Hamish says. “It’s a sun-soaked retreat, protected yet permeable.”

With such a hands-on team, the building process was largely stress-free. “It’s so critical to have a team you can rely on and trust to have your best interests at heart,” Rochelle says. “It’s knowing they want to achieve the best outcome for you as the client.

“Sam and his team put a lot of effort into the craftsmanship, and there were a lot of areas they went over and above to get things looking slick.”

“We’ve had a couple of summers in our home now, some good nights and weekends celebrating and sharing it with our nearest and dearest. It’s awesome.”

Contact details:

Etal Architecture
020 4059 0154
hamish@etalarchitecture.com
www.etalarchitecture.com