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

Waiheke Horizons

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.

Oak Metz lightly grey smoked oak wood flooring

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.

Oak Metz lightly grey smoked oak wood flooring

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.

Greenbelt House Stairs, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring
Oak Metz lightly grey smoked oak wood flooring

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.

Greenbelt House, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring

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.

Greenbelt House, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring

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.

Greenbelt House Kitchen, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring

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.

Greenbelt House Stairs, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring
Greenbelt House Stairs, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring
Greenbelt House Stairs, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring

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.

Greenbelt House, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring
Greenbelt House, showcasing Vienna Woods Sazerac Prime Grade Wood Flooring

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.

 

Case Study: Modern Architectural Design at Westmere House

A Modern Architect’s Approach to Transformation

Westmere House, designed by Matt Robinson of HMOA Architects, stands as a striking example of modern architectural design. Originally a modest 75m² state house, the property has been transformed into a refined, contemporary home. Through a carefully considered renovation, the design balances heritage elements with bold modern interventions, seamlessly integrating the existing structure with a striking new extension.

modern architecture Westmere home

The Role of European Oak Flooring in Modern Architecture

Central to the renovation is the use of high-quality European oak flooring from Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection. Selected for its warmth, texture, and timeless appeal, this flooring enhances the home’s refined material palette. The natural oak tones contrast beautifully with the crisp, modern detailing, grounding the space with an inviting warmth.

Throughout the home, precise negative detailing and clean architectural lines complement the soft, organic beauty of timber flooring. In this modern architectural design, the flooring plays a pivotal role in connecting different spaces, unifying the home’s contemporary and traditional elements.

modern architecture - west mere home - natural wood flooring

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

A key feature of Westmere House is its strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Expansive glass sliders blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, a hallmark of modern architecture. The warmth of the engineered oak flooring extends throughout these open-plan spaces, reinforcing the sense of continuity between the indoors and the natural environment.

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

Thoughtful Design Enhancements

The renovation introduced carefully considered interior refinements, including ceiling-height doors and an elegant material selection that reinforces the home’s contemporary yet welcoming aesthetic. The kitchen serves as a key transitional space, its clean lines and sculptural elements reflecting the overall design philosophy. Each detail—down to the choice of flooring—was meticulously planned to enhance both form and function.

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

Capturing the Essence of Modern Architecture

Photographer Jackie Meiring expertly captured the home’s architectural details, showcasing the synergy between modern design principles and natural materials. The play of light, texture, and contrast highlights how the European oak flooring enhances the spatial experience, adding depth and character to the interiors.

natural wood floor in modern architecture

A Testament to Modern Architectural Design

Westmere House exemplifies the power of modern architecture to transform a space while retaining warmth and livability. The integration of Vienna Woods’ European oak flooring is a defining element, bringing both aesthetic refinement and long-term durability to this architecturally significant home. 

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

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.

Photography by Jackie Meiring
Architect: Matt Robinson, HMOA Architects
Builder: Justin Langdon, Carpintero Builders

White Oak Hardwood Flooring at Hilltop Haven

A Stunning Blend of Architecture and Nature

An excellent showcase of how white oak hardwood flooring can bring a refined and subtle sophistication to a space.

Hilltop Haven, perched in the breathtaking surrounds of Lake Tarawera, Rotorua, epitomises harmony between design and nature. Created by Box Design and brought to life by Tailored Builds, this family home embraces the natural landscape while offering a contemporary retreat. Its elevated position captures expansive lake views, while clever architectural elements ensure maximum sunlight throughout the day.

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

The Elegance of White Oak Flooring

At the heart of the interior is the exquisite white oak hardwood flooring from Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection. Selected for its clean, natural aesthetic, the prime grade oak features minimal knots and a soft grain pattern. This creates a seamless, refined look that enhances the home’s modern design.

The flooring’s engineered construction ensures superior stability and resistance to environmental changes, making it ideal for New Zealand homes. Its adaptability to underfloor heating further cements its place in high-performance architectural projects.

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

Why White Oak Hardwood Flooring Was the Perfect Choice

The light tones of the white oak complement the natural surroundings, reflecting the serene beauty of the bush and lake. The durable finish withstands the demands of family life while maintaining its timeless elegance. Whether bathed in sunlight or softened by the evening glow, the flooring adds warmth and depth to every room.

White oak hardwood flooring in open plan living dining with timber ceilings and a view

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

This project exemplifies the power of collaboration. Tailored Builds delivered exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring every detail aligned with the architectural vision. Photographer Sophie Heyworth beautifully captured the interplay of light, material, and form, showcasing the home’s timeless appeal.

A Haven That Inspires

Hilltop Haven demonstrates how thoughtful design, paired with premium materials, creates a home that feels at one with its environment. The combination of Box Design’s architectural expertise and Vienna Woods’ high-quality white oak hardwood flooring results in a home that is both functional and inspiring.

For more details on the Foundation Collection and the white oak hardwood flooring used in this project, visit our product page.

Featured Flooring: Oak Pureline

Architect: Box The Architect Builder

Builder: Tailored Builds

Flooring Consultant: Razvan

Light and Natural Wood Flooring in Auckland: A Coastal-Inspired Retreat

Natural oak timber flooring creates a warm inviting ambiance.

Nestled in Auckland’s picturesque Eastern suburbs, the Temple Street Project stands as a beacon of contemporary coastal design. This new two-storey property, designed to offer a serene retreat for a bustling young family, showcases the exceptional collaboration between Sage and Nook Interiors, Milieu Architecture, and KN Construction. Vienna Woods is proud to have contributed to this exquisite home by providing our premium Pureline timber flooring.

light natural wood flooring in open plan kitchen

Design Concept

The design concept of the Temple Street Project centers around creating light-filled, airy spaces that evoke a relaxed, beachside feel. The interior is a blend of soft neutral palettes accented by natural textures like timber, stone, and layered textiles. This approach creates a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe that is both inviting and timeless.

Natural oak flooring in lounge

Flooring Solution: Pureline Oak

Sage and Nook Interiors, our esteemed client, chose Vienna Woods’ Pureline oak flooring for this project. Pureline is a prime grade European oak, meticulously crafted in Europe to meet the highest standards. This choice of flooring seamlessly integrates with the design vision, adding warmth and elegance to the overall aesthetic.

light oak floor tv room

Natural Timber Flooring Brings Interior Harmony

Upon entering the Temple Street home, the spacious open-plan living area unfolds, embodying Scandinavian design principles of simplicity and functionality. The cohesive palette of whites and neutral tones, complemented by wood finishes and touches of greens and blues, fosters a calm and inviting environment. The light oak flooring from our Pureline collection enhances the airy scheme, adding a touch of natural warmth that aligns perfectly with the coastal-inspired design.

Natural wood floors with light filled kitchen

Functional Elegance with Durable Wood Floors

The focus on practical solutions and multi-purpose zones ensures that the home meets the dynamic needs of a young family while providing a relaxing sanctuary. The use of wood flooring throughout the ground floor not only contributes to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also offers durability and ease of maintenance, essential for busy family life.

Natural wood floors with light filled kitchen

Collaboration and Excellence

Vienna Woods is honored to have worked with Sage and Nook Interiors on this remarkable project. Their ability to combine contemporary design elements with classic influences has resulted in a harmonious, functional interior that feels both stylish and lived-in. Milieu Architecture and KN Construction also played pivotal roles in bringing this vision to life, ensuring every detail was executed to perfection.

Natural oak flooring in lounge

The Temple Street Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of prime grade European oak flooring. Vienna Woods’ Pureline flooring has played a crucial role in realizing the coastal-inspired design, providing a foundation of warmth, elegance, and durability. We are proud to have been a part of this project and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality timber solutions for exceptional homes.

Featured Flooring: Oak Pureline 

Interior Designer: Sage & Nook

Architect: Milieu Architecture

Builder: KN Construction

Flooring Consultant: Damon

Oiled Timber Flooring in Christchurch Passive Home

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

In the picturesque coastal suburb of Sumner, Ōtautahi, a groundbreaking home is setting a new standard for sustainable, high-performance living with its oiled timber floor. Designed by Aaron Jones, director at Urbanfunction, this project, aptly named “Peak Performance,” demonstrates how energy-efficient principles can harmoniously coexist with architectural elegance. The home is a testament to the evolving vision of residential design in Christchurch, emphasising environmental responsibility without compromising on comfort or style.

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

Vision and Execution

The brief for was clear: create a near-passive house that serves as a warm, inviting family home. This was a personal project for Aaron, as the clients were his sister and her husband. Having designed their previous home, Aaron was determined to exceed expectations with this new build. The result is a meticulously crafted 300sqm residence that integrates durable, natural materials and cutting-edge energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of this home is its use of a naturally oiled European oak timber floor, supplied by Vienna Woods and crafted by Admonter in Austria. This high-quality engineered oak flooring is not only visually striking but also contributes significantly to the home’s sustainability and indoor air quality.  The homeowner was quite particular about avoiding harmful chemicals and an oiled timber floor was the obvious choice.  See another NZ home with Admonter oiled floors here.

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

The Role of Oiled Timber Flooring

An oiled timber floor plays a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the Peak Performance home. The choice of a naturally oiled finish over traditional lacquers aligns perfectly with the project’s emphasis on health, sustainability, and durability.

Oiled timber floors offer several benefits:

  • Natural Look and Feel: The oil penetrates the wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture, giving each plank a unique and organic appearance.
  • Durability: The oil finish provides a robust protective layer that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy family home while being easy to maintain and repair.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Unlike some finishes that can off-gas harmful chemicals, natural oils are non-toxic, supporting the home’s goal of low to no off-gassing.
  • Sustainability: The oil used in finishing the floors is derived from natural sources, aligning with the home’s overall eco-friendly ethos.

These benefits were particularly important for the homeowners, who desired an airtight home with low to no off-gassing. The natural oiled finish of the Vienna Woods European oak flooring ensured that the indoor environment remained healthy and sustainable.

Read more about the benefits of naturally oiled wooden flooring here.

Havane 301 Distressed Timber Flooring

Collaborative Excellence

The success of the Peak Performance project was the result of a collaborative effort involving several skilled professionals. Aaron Jones and the team at Urbanfunction worked closely with suppliers and craftsmen to ensure every detail met the high standards required for a super high-performance home.

  • Architect: Aaron Jones, Urbanfunction
  • Bespoke Cabinetry: Podocarp Cabinetry, responsible for the custom-made kitchen cabinetry and American oak joinery, which complemented the natural aesthetic of the oiled timber floors.
  • Photography: Stephen Entwisle of Right Angles Photography, capturing the beauty and functionality of the home with stunning visuals.

Sustainable Design Features

In addition to the oiled timber flooring, the Peak Performance home incorporates several innovative features aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability:

  • Twin-Skinned Timber Framing: Thicker than standard building code requirements, providing superior insulation.
  • Cross-Laminated Panel Flooring System: Enhances the structural integrity and thermal performance of the home.
  • Triple-Glazed Windows: Imported from Lithuania, these windows optimize natural light and solar gain while minimizing heat loss.
  • Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR): Ensures optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency by continuously exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

This home in Sumner stands as a beacon of what’s possible in sustainable residential design. With its naturally oiled European oak timber floors from Vienna Woods, it exemplifies the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. As more homeowners seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the principles and practices demonstrated in this project will undoubtedly lead the way, showcasing the immense potential of super high-performance house design.