The Maraetai Project – Harmonising Natural Beauty with European Elegance

In the heart of a picturesque coastal town in New Zealand, the Maraetai Project stands as a paragon of design that marries the tranquillity of ocean views with the sophistication of European elegance. Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection was the chosen canvas upon which the narrative of a modern, airy, and light-filled space was painted.

Client’s Vision

The homeowners, avid lovers of the sea, desired a living space that not only offered uninterrupted views of the ocean but also invited the calmness and grandeur of the coast indoors. They envisaged a home where the barriers between the natural and built environment were effortlessly blurred.

Design Objectives

  • To create a space that reflects the coastal setting through material choice and design.
  • To ensure the flooring complements the home’s modern architecture and the natural light.
  • To source sustainable and high-quality materials that adhere to European standards.

The Design Process

Melanie Sa’u, an esteemed interior designer, approached this project with a vision to create a seamless flow between the natural exterior and the home’s interior. The use of Vienna Woods’ engineered oak flooring was instrumental in achieving this. The Foundation Collection was selected for its wider planks and longer lengths, offering a contemporary look that mimics the expansive horizon of the ocean.

Solution and Implementation

The engineered oak’s natural grain and warm undertones bring the essence of the seaside indoors, offering a tactile and visual softness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, modern lines of the furniture and cabinetry by Craftsman Cabinets. JMA Builders expertly installed the flooring to maximise the continuity from indoor to outdoor living spaces, enhancing the open-plan design that allows the homeowners to entertain guests with the backdrop of the ocean.

Outcome

The result is a stunning confluence of form and function; a home that stands as a serene retreat, where the sound of the waves complements the visual harmony of the interior. The engineered oak flooring, laid out in a pattern that directs the eye to the ocean, becomes a metaphorical and literal foundation for the home’s design ethos.

Product: The Foundation Collection // Empire Oak

Interior Designer: Melanie Sa’u

Vienna Woods Project Consultant: Miguel Uribe