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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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