From the covered-portico entry, through the gallery-style hall, past the private lounge/media room, and out to the open-plan living/kitchen/dining area with its airy sloping ceilings. This light-filled zone opens up into the home’s tall, luxurious rear pavilion, which is all about relaxed, all-season entertainment.

“The generous indoor-outdoor living area really is the star of the design. Here, the space opens to views of the sparkling Whitianga waters, but the design could be positioned to showcase any water or bush outlook.”

The feature living-pavilion wing is matched by the adjacent master bedroom, which also extends towards the scenery at the rear of the home. The two parallel wings are connected and enclosed in the centre, thereby creating a sheltered open-air space.

To complete the picture of a home that’s been designed to weave into its setting, the master wing is separated from the media lounge by another shady pavilion.

For those looking to work from home, the floor plan includes a private, tucked-away office, while those who love to cater for a crowd will thrive in a modern, designer kitchen that keeps the chef in touch with the setting – thanks to the kitchen splashback, which doubles as a panoramic window.

Honouring the site’s outdoor features, the Coromandel brings natural light and warmth into the home at every turn through an extensive use of high ceilings and sliding stacker doors, complemented by an airy, warm-toned colour palette on the interior décor.

“There is a real warmth to the Coromandel that makes you feel welcome – often new homes can be bit stark and uninviting, but this one feels like a home from the get-go.”

At 262m2, this is a far cry from the classic Kiwi bach, but bigger homes set by the beach are becoming the new norm, says Will.

“We have seen a real cultural shift. Living by the beach was once thought to be for holiday homes. Now, people still build here with the intent of achieving a holiday home first, but with a view to one day moving and retiring here. ”