French Oak in Westmere
Project: Forever Home
Location: Westmere, Auckland, New Zealand
Product: Chateau Collection // Oak Chambord
Case Study: Oak Metz Flooring at Mindful Adventures, Waiheke Island
Project: Waiheke Horizons Retreat
Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Product: Oak Metz – Smoked European Oak Flooring
Client: Lisa Markwick, Founder of Mindful Adventures
Perched on a coastal ridge overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Horizons is a serene loft-style retreat designed to offer rest and renewal. The space, curated by leadership coach and facilitator Lisa Markwick, embodies simplicity and elegance, providing guests with a tranquil environment to unwind and reconnect.
Why Oak Metz Was Chosen
The selection of Oak Metz flooring was integral to achieving the retreat’s calming ambiance. This smoked European oak, finished with natural oil, offers a smooth, tactile surface that complements the retreat’s minimalist aesthetic. Its subtle smokey tones and natural grain harmonise with the organic materials and textures found throughout the space, from the linen bedding to the sheepskin accents.
The flooring’s durability ensures it withstands the varying conditions of an off-grid setting, while its sustainable European craftsmanship aligns with the retreat’s commitment to environmental mindfulness.
Enhancing the Retreat Experience
Guests at Waiheke Horizons are invited to slow down and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Waiheke Island. The Oak Metz flooring contributes to this experience by providing a warm, grounding presence underfoot, enhancing the overall sense of comfort and relaxation.
Lisa’s thoughtful integration of materials and design elements, including the choice of Oak Metz, reflects her dedication to creating spaces that support personal growth and well-being.
For more information about the retreat and its offerings, visit Mindful Adventures.
Case Study: A Serene Escape in Wanaka, Featuring Sazerac Prime Grade Flooring
Tucked away in the peaceful surrounds of Wanaka, this elegantly refined residence showcases the meticulous work of Auckland and Queenstown-based design practice Studio Studio and the exceptional craftsmanship of our European-made Sazerac planks in Prime Grade. This project embodies calm sophistication, where the flooring plays a defining role in shaping the tone and rhythm of the home.
The home is finished with Sazerac oak planks in a rare Prime Grade—the highest level of timber grading, where visible knots, splits and natural imperfections are nearly absent. The result is a smooth, understated surface that allows the natural grain to take centre stage. Crafted entirely in Lithuania, from harvesting to finishing, this engineered timber flooring reflects the strength of local European timber knowledge and production. The planks are 180mm wide, bringing a generous, contemporary scale to each room.
The tone of Sazerac is subtle yet warm, with creamy natural oak notes and a gentle luminosity that plays beautifully with the abundant light in the home. The name ‘Sazerac’ pays tribute to the world’s first recorded cocktail, symbolising the foundational nature of this product within our Distilled Collection. Just like its namesake, Sazerac flooring is complex, timeless, and enduringly appealing.
Studio Studio, known for their clean lines, intentional simplicity, and soothing material palettes, have designed a home that feels composed and balanced. Their design approach prioritises mood and light, which pairs harmoniously with the soft elegance of the Sazerac flooring. Natural daylight shifts through the home, revealing different tonal qualities in the timber—from golden warmth to cool neutrality.
Photography by Biddi Rowley captures the tranquil atmosphere and subtle textures of this Wanaka home. The images tell a story of stillness, softness and cohesion, and the flooring plays a quiet but pivotal role in that narrative.
Product Highlights:
- Prime Grade European Oak – minimal knots, ultra-clean aesthetic
- Engineered timber boards made and finished in Lithuania
- Wide 180mm plank for a modern scale and visual consistency
- Natural, soft colouring that shifts with changing light
- Part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection
Explore more about Sazerac or get in touch with us to discuss your project.
Why Size Counts in Timber Flooring
Vienna Woods: Prioritising Quality and Aesthetics
At Vienna Woods, we uphold a strict standard: none of our engineered timber flooring products contain more than 17% short boards. Many of our collections, such as the Foundation Collection and Distilled Collection, feature fixed lengths, ensuring no short boards at all.
This commitment contrasts with the industry norm, where short board content is usually 25% or even 33% (and sometimes more). Excessive short boards can disrupt the visual harmony of a floor, especially in open-plan spaces.
The Rationale Behind Short Boards
Manufacturers include short boards for several reasons:
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Maximising Timber Yield: Utilising shorter lengths reduces waste during production.
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Cost Efficiency: Short boards are less expensive to produce and transport.
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Installation Flexibility: Shorter boards can be useful in smaller spaces or for starting rows.
However, overuse of short boards can compromise the floor’s aesthetics and integrity.
The Impact of Excessive Short Boards
Aesthetic Disruption
A high percentage of short boards can lead to a fragmented appearance, breaking the continuity of the wood grain and making spaces feel cluttered.
Increased Head Joints
More short boards mean more joints, which can be visually distracting and may affect the floor’s stability over time.
Installation Challenges
Incorporating numerous short boards can complicate the installation process, potentially leading to increased labour costs and material wastage.
The Advantage of Longer Boards
Longer boards offer several benefits:
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Enhanced Visual Flow: They create a seamless look, ideal for open-plan designs.
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Reduced Joint Visibility: Fewer joints mean a cleaner appearance.
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Reduced Waste/ Cost: Long boards can provide more efficient consumption of material without compromising on aesthetics.
Vienna Woods’ Commitment to Excellence
Our dedication to quality is evident in our product offerings:
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Foundation Collection: Features fixed-length boards for a uniform look.
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Distilled Collection: Offers premium, European-made, long-length boards with distinctive finishes.
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Icons Collection: Showcases unique designs with longer lengths and strictly controlled short board content.
- Petit Chateau: Shows that even cost-effective solutions can still offer quality where it counts (not more than 17% shorts).
- Chateau Collection: Extra wide and long planks with interesting stain options and no more than 17% shorts.
- Admonter: One of the best engineered flooring manufacturers in the world, Admonter offers strictly fixed lengths only.
Key Considerations When Selecting Timber Flooring
When evaluating timber flooring options, consider the following:
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Short Board Percentage: Aim for products with less than 17% short boards.
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Board Lengths: Consider appropriate plank size for the length of your space.
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Fixed-Length Options: If it fits with your budget, pt for collections offering fixed-length boards for consistency.
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Manufacturer Standards: Choose suppliers adhering to recognised quality standards.
Board length isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a design decision that affects the feel, flow, and finish of every space. Whether you’re specifying for a high-end residential project or curating textures for a commercial interior, understanding how short boards impact the outcome gives you a sharper edge. At Vienna Woods, we’re always happy to talk shop. If you’re navigating flooring choices for a project, or just want to understand the finer details of what sets premium engineered timber apart, we’d love to hear from you.
Case Study: Raftwood Yukon in Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs
Project Overview
A recent residential project in Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs required a timber floor that would complement the home’s architectural design while providing durability and character. The client sought a flooring solution that would resonate with the natural surroundings and the home’s aesthetic.
Selection of Raftwood Yukon
After evaluating various options, the decision was made to use Raftwood Yukon Rustic Wood Flooring. This product, part of Vienna Woods’ Raftwood Collection, is known for its rich texture and deep tonal variation. The natural imperfections, such as knots and cracks, add to its rustic charm.
Installation Details
The Raftwood Yukon planks were installed throughout the main living areas, including the open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces. The flooring’s natural oil finish enhances its durability and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Additionally, the product’s compatibility with underfloor heating systems ensures comfort during Auckland’s cooler months.
Architectural Integration
The Raftwood Yukon’s rustic appearance harmonises with the home’s contemporary design elements. Its textured surface provides a tactile experience underfoot, while the varying shades of the wood add depth and warmth to the interiors. The flooring serves as a unifying element, seamlessly connecting different areas of the home.
Sustainability and Origin
Raftwood Yukon is crafted from French oak, reflecting Vienna Woods’ commitment to sourcing sustainable and high-quality materials. The wood’s origin and the manufacturing process ensure that each plank carries a unique story, adding character to the home.
The use of Raftwood Yukon Rustic Wood Flooring in this Auckland Eastern Suburbs residence exemplifies how thoughtful material selection can enhance architectural design. The flooring not only meets functional requirements but also contributes to the home’s overall aesthetic and ambiance.
Explore More
At Vienna Woods, we specialise in premium engineered timber flooring designed to elevate architectural spaces. If you’re looking to integrate high-quality oak flooring into your next project, contact us today or visit our showroom.