The exterior of this island beach house project is finally complete—here are the details of the exterior palette.

This architectural build perched on the edge of the waterfront, was always going to be about connection—connection to the sea, to the light, to the land, and to the unique calm that Waiheke living offers. From the very beginning, the goal of the owners, architect, builder and myself was to create a home that sits gently within its natural surroundings, with an exterior palette that feels grounded, textural, and utterly at peace with the beach just steps away. The home was designed by MacIntosh Harris architects, while SF Studio completed the full interior interior design, and consulted on the exterior palette. The build was done by Tony Page Builders.

A Palette Inspired by the Coast

We took cues directly from the surrounding beachscape—driftwood tones, sea-sprayed rocks, silvery grasses, and the ever-changing sky. The tones had to be soft, layered, and tactile, evoking the relaxed, sun-bleached charm of coastal living without ever shouting for attention. This led us to a carefully considered mix of materials and finishes that work in harmony with both each other and the environment.

Urban Grey Euramax Aluminium – Quiet Strength and Beauty

For the roof and the side cladding, we selected Euramax pre-coated aluminium in Urban Grey, satin finish at 30% gloss, sourced through Ambro Metals. This architectural-grade material brings so much more than sleek aesthetics. Its durability in a harsh coastal environment is exceptional—it resists corrosion, requires minimal maintenance, and offers a long life span, which is essential in a location that faces wind, salt, and sun in equal measure.

The satin sheen adds just the right amount of softness, capturing the light without glare. The colour—Urban Grey—reads almost like wet sand on a cloudy day: refined, moody, and beautifully grounding against the sky and sea.

Cedar Cladding with a Silvery Patina

To warm and soften the architectural lines, we paired the aluminium with Hermpac cedar cladding, finished in WOCA Denmark Exterior Oil in Silver. This finish was chosen specifically to echo the sun-aged timber tones you find naturally along the coastline. It allows the cedar to retain its natural texture while developing a soft, silvery patina over time—perfectly in sync with the beach below.

WOCA’s oil finish not only enhances the grain of the timber but also protects it from the intense UV exposure typical in New Zealand’s coastal regions. It’s an environmentally conscious choice too, offering deep nourishment to the timber without synthetic coatings or heavy chemicals.

Covered Front Deck

One of our favourite features of this home is the covered front deck, designed for long summer lunches and cosy winter evenings alike. The cedar-clad ceiling, complete with recessed gas heaters, adds warmth and intimacy, making this space usable all year round.

A custom-designed outdoor kitchen, clad in durable Dekton stone colour Albarium, includes a built-in BBQ and hidden storage—blending function with beauty. We've paired this with a long timber dining table and woven, textural chairs, creating a relaxed, tactile setting for entertaining right on the edge of the ocean. It’s the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience, and a true extension of the interior’s coastal elegance.

The Result: Coastal Harmony

Together, the combination of Urban Grey aluminium and silvered cedar creates a layered exterior that feels grounded and calm. It shifts gently with the light, appearing slightly different at each time of day—sometimes warm and sunlit, sometimes cool and moody.

As an interior designer, I always believe the exterior of a home should set the tone for what’s to come inside. This one does just that: understated, refined, and deeply connected to the environment around it. It's a home that feels like it belongs here, nestled into the coastal landscape of Waiheke with a quiet confidence.