Hilltop haven
Words Milly Nolan
In the idyllic countryside of Hakaru, just outside of Mangawhai, stands a striking testament to sustainable living and innovative architecture – the Smith’s family home, aptly named Hilltop.
Situated on four-and-a-half-acres, Hilltop has been a labour of love for Nick and Shannon and their two young sons. The journey began seven years ago when they acquired the land, which included the neighbouring house. Determined to bring their unique vision to life, the Smiths embarked on a subdivision project that would eventually lead to the creation of their dream home which they moved into two years ago.
Nick, a seasoned builder and the owner of Smith Construction, played a pivotal role in bringing their vision into reality. “We knew what we wanted and we put a lot of thought and time into the planning of the house, before employing Warren Perry from Perry Architecture & Design to help refine the concept and bring it to life,” says Nick. “We wanted it to be a fully functioning family home that was both robust and inviting.”
The result is a breathtaking combination of refined rusticity, featuring an array of organic materials, including steel, timber and concrete. Sustainability was a major priority throughout the construction process for Nick and Shannon, with a focus on repurposing and upcycling materials wherever possible. For instance, salvaged bricks from Auckland’s iconic Real Groovy Records store now adorn the kitchen, while the countertops are crafted from neolith porcelain. The internal walls of the house are made from recycled Rimu roof sarking that has weathered over eighty years, while polished concrete floors with Rimu and Kauri inlays provides a harmonious connection between the use of different materials throughout the house. Even the Millboard decking is a sustainable premium product, resembling wood but crafted from innovative Polyurethane resin, ensuring no harm to forests. The exterior showcases charred Japanese cedar from Sugi NZ - a cleaner, non-toxic natural cladding choice for environmental sustainability.
Every detail of the four-bedroom house, from the kitchen cabinetry by Mangawhai Design to the repurposed materials, reflects the couple’s dedication to creating a home that is both unique and welcoming. Nick acknowledges that their taste might be seen as quirky, but to them, it’s an expression of their personality. Even the custom-made steel range hoods in the kitchen bear the mark of uniqueness, hand- finished with a blowtorch to create a striking blue-steel patina.
One of the standout features of Hilltop is its open-plan design and abundant floor-to-ceiling windows. This design not only floods the interior with natural light but also blurs the boundaries between indoors and the breathtaking natural surroundings. Oriented strategically to bask in the warmth of the northern sun, Hilltop is a sunny and welcoming abode to both live in, and for friends and family to visit. Offering the family the best of coastal living, the property comes replete with panoramic rural views and an array of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, vegetable gardens, a sprawling lawn and a lush paddock surrounded by native bush – an endless adventure playground for their two boys.
Operating locally for 12 years, Smith Construction’s specialty is building high quality architectural homes, predominantly for clients in Mangawhai, Langs Beach and Waipu. Nick’s dedication to workmanship and nurturing strong client relationships, along with his dedicated team, has propelled the business to great success. “For me, a partnership can begin very early in the process even down to helping select land packages,” says Nick. “From the initial concept stage right throughout the build process I liaise closely with architects and designers, along with project management right through to landscaping advice and the smooth handover of keys.”
