Based on  the Cardrona Ready to Build plan – with a few smart adaptations to suit the elevated Kāpiti site, this three-bedroom, two-level home spans 200m² and offers a beautifully resolved take on modern New Zealand living.

“One of our goals was to showcase emerging trends as well as a few bold design concepts,” says Kim. “We wanted to try things that felt fresh but still timeless.”

Helping bring that vision to life was interior designer Vanessa Webb from Dress My Nest, a long-time collaborator with the Landmark Wellington team. Vanessa led the full interior concept, from colour palettes and material selections to styling and finishes, creating a home that feels considered at every level.

Based on  the Cardrona Ready to Build plan – with a few smart adaptations to suit the elevated Kāpiti site, this three-bedroom, two-level home spans 200m² and offers a beautifully resolved take on modern New Zealand living.

“One of our goals was to showcase emerging trends as well as a few bold design concepts,” says Kim. “We wanted to try things that felt fresh but still timeless.”

Helping bring that vision to life was interior designer Vanessa Webb from Dress My Nest, a long-time collaborator with the Landmark Wellington team. Vanessa led the full interior concept, from colour palettes and material selections to styling and finishes, creating a home that feels considered at every level.

From the street, the home’s Central Otago influence is immediately recognisable. A mix of El Dorado stone, cedar-style vertical panelling, and Corten steel accents lend a warm, solid presence. The natural palette gives the home a strong sense of place, sitting comfortably within its coastal Kāpiti surroundings.

Exterior materials were chosen not just for their aesthetic, but for their durability. “They’re all hard-wearing, natural products with earthy tones that suit the site and the climate,” says Kim.

Practical requirements have also been worked in with care. The Kāpiti region’s need for on-site water storage, for example, is cleverly handled by concealing the tank beneath the front deck, which is framed with timber slats to blend it into the overall design.

Thanks to its elevated position, the upper-level captures sweeping views out to Kāpiti Island and, on a clear day, even Mount Taranaki. The kitchen, dining area and main lounge all open onto a generous deck – an idyllic spot for soaking up the afternoon sun or watching it set over the ocean. On the opposite side of the lounge, a Juliet balcony opens the space up to the view and brings in natural light from another angle.

The main lounge is designed to feel slightly separate from the kitchen and dining zone and sits beneath a striking black chapel-style ceiling. 

“Painting the lounge ceiling black adds an instant sense of cosiness, despite the high pitch,” says Kim. “But it also means you get the best of both worlds, the volume and openness, but also a feeling of intimacy.”

The atmosphere is carried through with olive-toned walls and a textured dark feature wall that frames the fireplace and built-in TV. Together, they give the room a rich, layered feel. Soft wool carpet dials up the comfort factor, while natural light keeps the space feeling open and balanced. 

Built by Chatswood Kitchens, the kitchen’s dark cabinetry combines with vertical timber panelling on the island, giving a subtle nod to the home’s exterior cladding. The look is modern and with clean lines and just enough texture to add warmth and interest. Underfoot, wide-plank timber-look flooring adds a natural, grounded feel that ties the kitchen in with the rest of the open-plan space.

Above the island, three large skylights are paired with sleek black spotlights in place of traditional pendants. This setup allows for plenty of natural light during the day and focused light in the evening. 

“It was a deliberate design move not to use pendants so we could maximise the view,” says Kim. “It works really well both in practical terms and for the overall aesthetic.”

To the right of the main kitchen area, a large scullery with open shelving and stone benchtops offers generous prep space and additional storage. And to the left, a built-in study nook adds everyday functionality. 

“It can be used for work, storing recipe books, or just keeping the gear out of sight – it’s one of those little practical touches that make the space easy to live in,” says Kim.

Tucked away in its own wing, the master suite offers a quiet retreat with direct access to the deck and those same expansive views. Large sliding doors connect the space to the outdoors, creating a strong sense of openness while still feeling private and contained.

Inside, soft textures and a dark, moody feature wall add depth and warmth, complemented by sculptural pendant lighting that gives the room a refined, contemporary feel

A generous walk-in wardrobe and private ensuite complete the space, continuing the home’s cohesive palette and calm, considered design.

It’s a refined, restful space, and a great example of how thoughtful design can elevate everyday living.

Both the family bathroom and ensuite continue the home’s natural, earthy tones. In the ensuite, large grey tiles are paired with a soft green wall-hung vanity and brushed gunmetal tapware, along with a fully tiled walk-in shower that feels simple and modern.

In the main bathroom, olive green finger tiles add a touch of contrast against the same grey tiling, creating a soft, organic feel. A freestanding white bath and brushed nickel fittings keep the space feeling light and balanced, while LED mirrors and floating vanities help keep things clean and contemporary.

The Wellington Showhome stands as a showcase of what’s possible with Landmark’s Ready to Build plans, particularly when working with complex or compact sites. 

“Since we opened, we’ve had several people fall in love with it and want to adapt it to their own sites,” says Kim. “That’s the beauty of a plan like Cardrona, it’s incredibly adaptable.”

Located at 37 Ruapehu Street, Kāpiti, the Showhome will be open to the public for the next 12 months. Landmark Homes Wellington invites you to contact us to explore ideas, talk to the team, and see the quality of a Landmark home up close.