Project overview

This coastal residential project by Sojo Design demonstrates how carefully specified timber flooring can become the foundation for an entire interior concept.

Designed as a refined coastal residence, the home balances warmth, natural texture and timeless design. From the earliest stages of the project, the design team selected Vienna Woods European oak flooring to anchor the palette and guide the material language used throughout the space.

The result is an interior that feels layered, relaxed and quietly luxurious — a home designed to feel welcoming, enduring and deeply connected to its beachfront surroundings.

The brief

The client’s vision was to create a true “home away from home.” The space needed to feel elevated and beautiful, while still remaining relaxed and comfortable for everyday living.

Key design objectives included:

• A warm and welcoming atmosphere
• Timeless design that would age gracefully
• Comfort and practicality for guests of all ages
• A refined coastal aesthetic without feeling over-designed

Achieving this balance required careful material selection, beginning with the floor that would run consistently throughout the home.

Why Sojo Design chose Vienna Woods

For the Sojo Design team, flooring is never an afterthought. Their process begins from the ground up — selecting materials that establish the tone for the entire interior.

Vienna Woods was chosen for several key reasons:

• Extensive selection of refined European oak flooring
• Generous plank dimensions that enhance spatial flow
• Warm natural tones suited to coastal interiors
• Authentic timber texture that adds depth to minimalist palettes

Once the flooring was selected, the rest of the interior palette evolved naturally around it.

“It all started with Vienna Woods.”

Design approach

The interior concept focused on creating a layered and sensory experience — a home that feels calm, welcoming and connected to its surroundings from the moment visitors arrive.

To achieve this, the design team introduced:

• Contrasting fabrics and furniture against the warmth of the timber flooring
• A mix of textures and natural materials for visual depth
• A restrained palette that avoids visual clutter
• Carefully balanced detailing that supports the relaxed coastal aesthetic

The flooring plays a central role in this composition, quietly anchoring the space while allowing the architecture and interior elements to remain the focus.

Standout moments

For the Sojo Design team, some of the most memorable moments occurred during the construction and completion phases of the project.

• Visiting the site midway through the build
• Returning for the final project photography
• Experiencing the scent of timber combined with fresh ocean air
• Seeing the full design vision realised in the finished space

Because interior designers are not always present at the final stages of a project, witnessing the completed home made this project particularly rewarding for the team.

Interior Designer Interview — Material Selection

In this short interview, the Sojo Design team discusses how material selection — particularly timber flooring — helped define the tone and atmosphere of the project.

“The flooring became the foundation for the entire interior palette. It introduced warmth and texture while still feeling calm and restrained.”

The outcome

The finished residence delivers exactly what the brief set out to achieve — a home that feels warm, welcoming and timeless.

Anchored by Vienna Woods flooring, the interior achieves a refined coastal aesthetic that feels both luxurious and deeply liveable.

The project demonstrates how carefully specified timber flooring can shape the entire character of an interior — supporting architecture, enriching material palettes and delivering enduring performance in everyday living environments.

Project collaborators

• Interior design: Sojo Design
• Flooring: Vienna Woods Distilled Oak Flooring Collection
• Project type: Coastal residential interior
• Location: Waiheke, Auckland, New Zealand
• Builder: Tight Lines Developments
• Photographer: John Williams Photography

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High-End Coastal Living, Grounded in Natural Warmth

Nestled among lush greenery with sweeping views of the ocean, this Waiheke Island residence captures the essence of refined coastal living. Interiors designed by Sojo Design and built by Tightlines Developments, the home combines architectural precision with a deep connection to its natural surroundings. The project reflects a harmonious balance between contemporary luxury and relaxed coastal living.

At the heart of the interior lies Manhattan from Vienna Woods’ Distilled Collection.  A premium European oak flooring that delivers timeless elegance with a hint of urban sophistication.

Where the Outside Flows In

Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and surrounded by native greenery, the home blurs the line between indoors and out. The gentle texture and natural grain of the Manhattan flooring echo the organic palette of Waiheke Island, creating harmony between architecture and landscape.

Soft, sunlit interiors transition effortlessly to outdoor spaces, grounding the design in nature. The flooring brings warmth to the modern form, inviting a sense of calm and connection throughout the home.

The Perfect Foundation

Chosen for its ability to balance urban refinement with natural charm, Manhattan provides a strong foundation that enhances both the design and the way the space feels to live in. Its warm tone and versatile grain pattern ground the open-plan living areas in a sense of calm and cohesion, while its lacquered surface ensures durability and easy maintenance for high-traffic zones.  This makes Manhattan a natural fit for the Waiheke project, where understated luxury meets everyday functionality.

About Manhattan

Part of Vienna Woods’ Distilled Collection, Manhattan brings timeless elegance with a touch of urban chic. Inspired by the Manhattan cocktail, it carries the same sense of heritage, confidence, and classic appeal.

Equally at home in coastal retreats and contemporary city spaces, Manhattan flooring offers strength, style, and enduring beauty that elevates any interior.

Key Features

• Refined Coastal Aesthetic: Warm tones and subtle texture complement natural surroundings.

• European Oak Quality: Sustainably sourced and crafted for strength and longevity.

• Versatile Design: Suitable for both contemporary and timeless interiors.

• Durable Finish: Lacquered surface for easy care and lasting performance.

Project Partners

Design: @sojodesign

Build: @tightlinesdevelopments

Photography: @johnwilliamsphotography

The Distilled Collection celebrates craftsmanship, natural beauty, and the quiet sophistication of European oak.  Each plank is thoughtfully refined to showcase the material’s inherent character, designed to age gracefully while elevating any space it inhabits.