Fit for Family: Matakana Build
Home Details:
Who lives here: Holly and Stu and their 3 kid Olive (8), Ted (7) and Bo (5) Thomas
Plan: A modified Greywacke
Clients favourite feature: The scallop panelled kitchen island and the terracotta feature tiles
Most commented on feature: The cedar cladding – ‘at first we weren’t so sure about it, as its quite a knotty product but now we love it for it’s uniqueness and character’
Where Function Meets Family
Built for a growing, active family, this home was designed to keep up with busy days, social weekends and everything in between. Stylish and practical, it achieves the perfect balance between open, social spaces and quiet retreats. At its heart is a bright and spacious open-plan living area that flows effortlessly onto the deck and planned pool area – perfect for entertaining, relaxing or kids endlessly coming in and out.
Room to Live, Play and Recharge
Clever design elements are tucked into every corner of this house. The kids have their own dedicated lounge – perfect for movie nights or quiet time – with their bedrooms located just off it to give them a sense of space and independence. A sunny window seat off the kitchen, that makes the most of the surrounding rural views is the perfect spot to relax and read a book or enjoy a coffee.
With the home now listed on Airbnb, storage was a key focus. Discreet, well-thought-out storage solutions keep everything tucked away, ensuring the home always looks tidy and stays functional.
Design-Forward, Budget-Friendly
True to our style, we set out to achieve an architectural look and feel – without the usual price tag. Clever design choices throughout the build helped us create a high-end finish while staying budget-conscious. One such decision was using knotty grade Western Red Cedar cladding – full of texture and character and a more affordable alternative to smooth grade cedar. It made such an impression that even local builders stopped by to ask what it was.
In the kitchen, a terracotta tile splashback – a bit of a splurge – adds warmth and character, while swapping a porcelain benchtop for stone helped create a designer look without the designer price tag. Smart swaps like these meant we could splurge where it counted, while keeping the overall budget in check.
Scandinavian Simplicity Meets Smart Sustainability
True to the Fraemohs ethos, this home embodies Scandi simplicity and style, brought to life with natural materials and an environment that feels light, spacious and calm. But it’s not just good-looking – this home is also built to be healthy, dry, and energy efficient, proudly earning a 6 Homestar rating.
The result? A home that feels good to live in year-round, and leaves a lighter footprint on the planet.
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