Sponsored: House of light

Raised above the beach at Marahau to maximise the breathtaking coastal views, this home by Chris Butler Builders is a true showstopper.

Words: Adrienne Matthews | Photos: Hamish McClatchy

Architecturally designed by Leigh Briars with draughting by Matthes Bender of Draftx Design & Drafting, the house blends effortlessly into its environment through clever design features and meticulous craftsmanship that elevate it well beyond the ordinary.

The owners were committed to using as many natural materials as possible, with a vision for a home that would blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. They brought many creative ideas to the table and worked closely with the design and build teams to bring their vision to life.

On arrival, visitors are greeted by a striking charred Japanese cedar wall adorned with three beautifully crafted kayaks, a homage to the owners’ deep passion for kayaking which is echoed throughout the home.

“Templating the kayaks and then getting an engineer to weld the exact profile was a challenge,” says Chris. “Each kayak has a unique shape that needed to be precisely replicated in steel to ensure a secure mount.”

Japanese cedar was chosen for the exterior due to its renowned durability. Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, it absorbs minimal moisture, making it a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice that resists warping and splitting.

The use of both charred and uncharred cedar creates a visually compelling contrast. A traditional Japanese charring technique, known as Shou Sugi Ban or Yakisugi, was performed by Christchurch-based Chartek. This process burns the sugar from the wood, preserving it and giving it a richly textured, crocodile-skin-like finish. It also resonates with the darkened trunks of the native mānuka trees found on the property. In contrast, the uncharred cedar glows with a warm, honeyed tone.

Kayak references continue in the kitchen, where a pergola constructed from redwood timber curves gracefully over bifold windows and doors, mimicking a bowsprit. It adds a welcoming softness to the façade and casts a gentle dance of shadows throughout the day.

The decking is made from New Zealand-grown eucalyptus, while the substantial support posts are reclaimed Australian ironbark. Also reclaimed: a pair of ornate doors discovered on the owners’ travels, which Chris and his team restored and transformed into a freestanding screen panel with a hidden outdoor shower behind it.

Inside, the home unfolds as a sequence of serene, light-filled spaces. New and recycled timbers provide a sense of warmth and calm and light plays a starring role throughout.

All internal doors are recycled, as is the dramatic front door which stands approximately three metres tall. Its cedar core is wrapped in a custom-made copper skin.

The main living areas are large open plan spaces and are designed to celebrate the views. As the sun shifts throughout the day, patterns of light sweep across the walls, ceilings, and floors, bringing a powerful sense of connection to the outdoors.

Engineered timber flooring, supplied by NZ Natural Timbers, is paired with soft white walls that enhance natural light and contrast beautifully with the warmth of the timber detailing. Tongue-and-groove ceilings in Lawson Cypress provide a fine grain and golden glow.

Built-in bench seating offers generous storage under the windows and a schist hearth from South Westland anchors the wood burner. “That slab was a mission to get in!” Chris says. “It was so heavy we had to use a mobile engine hoist.”

Perhaps the most striking feature is the pop-up ceiling above the main space which cradles a kayak made from steamed cedar strips and translucent Dacron – an idea the owners were determined to realise. At night, the flick of a switch transforms it into a glowing feature light.

Alongside the handcrafted staircase, whose timber treads are carved from massive slabs, a series of custom light boxes house the family’s favourite treasures collected on their travels.

At the top of the stairs, timber relief panels from India complement colourful leadlight windows, creating a moment of artistry and warmth.

The home sits on an insulated RibRaft slab with underfloor heating, keeping it cosy in winter. Hot water is supplied via a solar thermodynamic system from The Alternative Energy Company in Māpua.

The bathrooms are personal statements in themselves, featuring carefully chosen tiles and bespoke timber vanities crafted by Chris.

The result is a home that radiates intention and joy.

“What stood out,” the owners share, “was how Chris and the team brought our creative ideas to life. They didn’t just follow instructions, they really understood what we were aiming for and brought it all to life with such skill and care. Everyone was respectful and genuinely took pride in their work. You could tell they weren’t just building a house; they wanted us to love it.”