Alex & Corban's Whananaki Beach Retreat

There’s a little bit of history with how this home came to be here in Whananaki, can you tell us about that? 
We’ve owned the property for 12 years and actually built the house ourselves back then. The structure you see today was originally the Mini Cooper garage on Ponsonby Road. It was made up of 20 German-made shipping containers, beautifully crafted, and I’m still amazed by how Corban managed to purchase the entire building. We carefully transported all the containers to this site and reassembled them here.
Originally a two-story building, we transformed it into two separate dwellings, designed to comfortably accommodate 16 people. What I love about it is how we’ve created two distinct spaces, offering plenty of privacy for anyone staying here. It was a huge project, and Corban did most of the work himself, with a little help from friends.

What was the driving force behind this latest renovation? 
The main motivation behind this latest renovation was the heavy wear and tear the house experienced over the years, especially since we’ve had it as an Airbnb. With frequent use, the floors and other elements started to deteriorate. For example, the real timber floors, which were already secondhand and soft, became quite damaged. We initially built everything on a tight budget, so over time, things naturally needed replacing. The intention has always been for this to be our forever beach home, something we hope to pass down to our children. Now that we’ve renovated it, we’re finally able to make that dream a reality.

Tell us about your design vision for the beach house? 
Our design vision for the beach house was centred around durability and a timeless appeal. Since we hope to keep this home for generations, selecting long-lasting materials was a top priority. Aesthetically, I wanted to blend my love for mid-century design with modern influences. This vision comes to life through a carefully curated palette of 70s-inspired colours and furniture, complemented by high-quality, durable finishes. The result is a home that not only reflects our style but is also built to stand the test of time.

Where did you seek inspiration from? 
I drew a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, spending hours exploring different styles and ideas. While the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, I focused on curating a cohesive vision centred around a 70s aesthetic. The beautiful brick we incorporated became a key design element, influencing the colour palette, the softness of the drapes, and the overall furniture selection. Everything came together organically, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

What did you have to compromise on? 
With any renovation, budget is always a major factor, and we definitely had to make some compromises along the way. To manage costs, we decided to complete the project in stages, with the exterior still to come later. One design element I had to let go of was the idea of having wall lights throughout the hallways—I loved the look, but it just wasn’t feasible within our budget. That said, we got creative with our choices, and having Corban take on so much of the work himself meant we could maintain most of our design vision without sacrificing too much. We're really happy with the end result.

What were your non-negotiables for this project? 
Our biggest non-negotiable was durability—this house needed to stand the test of time. The project started with the floors, as they were the biggest issue, and it was essential to choose a material that would last for decades. From there, the scope naturally expanded, and we decided to tackle everything at once to avoid revisiting major renovations down the line. Ultimately, our goal was to create a home that could withstand years of family holidays and rental use while maintaining its beauty and functionality.

What space are you most proud of?
The space I’m most proud of is our open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. It’s everything I’ve ever envisioned, from the brickwork to the flooring and furniture—it all ties together beautifully. Beyond aesthetics, I’m incredibly proud of how Corban and I worked as a team. I focused on the vision and design, and he brought it all to life. Seeing our ideas come together so seamlessly has been really rewarding, and this space truly feels like the heart of our home.

Is there anything you would do differently next time? 
If we were to do it again, the biggest thing we’d change is how we managed the renovation process. Corban had to take on most of the work himself, which meant being away from home for six months while I stayed back with the kids, designing from a distance. It was an incredibly challenging time for our family. Looking back, I think we would have moved up together and tackled the project as a team. Not only would it have been less stressful, but being on-site would have helped catch small mistakes before they happened.

What advice would you give to someone undergoing a renovation right now? 
My biggest advice for anyone undergoing a renovation is to start with a clear vision. Create a mood board from the beginning to establish the overall look and feel you want to achieve. If planning isn’t your strength, consider getting professional help to refine your ideas.
Take your vision with you wherever you go—whether it’s for flooring, paint, or fixtures. I personally keep a clear box in my car filled with samples of everything I’ve chosen, which helps ensure that all elements work together seamlessly. Having a well-thought-out plan from the start prevents last-minute, rushed decisions and helps create a cohesive, beautiful result.

What design trends are you loving at the moment?
Right now, I’m loving the blend of old and new in interior design. I’ve always been drawn to mid-century influences, and seeing those classic elements reimagined in a modern way really excites me. Earthy tones are a big part of that, especially the rich, reddy browns that are having a moment—they feel so warm and nostalgic yet completely fresh. The mix of vintage-inspired forms with contemporary finishes creates a timeless, layered look that I don’t think I’ll ever tire of.

How did you come to choose your hard flooring for this project? What were you specifically looking for?
We chose Parky Summit European Hardened Timber in 'Ivory Oak' for our beach house because it offered the perfect balance of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability—essential for a home that will also be rented on Airbnb. While many might shy away from timber in a rental, we were confident in its strength after seeing how resistant it was to scratches and dents.
Another key factor was the plank size. With our large, open space, we wanted flooring that would enhance the sense of scale. The Parky Summit range features extra-long planks (2050mm), which create a more seamless, expansive look. Plus, its sustainability was a huge bonus—it requires 10 times less timber to produce, aligning with our goal of using eco-friendly materials. In the end, it was the perfect choice for a home built to last.

How did you come to choose your carpet? 
We chose the Genesis range in the colour 'Eaves' for our bedrooms, and I love it for several reasons. First, it aligns perfectly with our sustainability focus—it’s made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, which is 100% recycled yarn made from waste such as old carpets and fishing nets — this makes it an eco-friendly choice that feels great to have in our home.
Beyond sustainability, practicality was key. The loop pile design not only gives a beautiful, textured look but also makes it incredibly durable and easy to maintain—essential for an Airbnb where we can’t control how guests use the space.
Standout feature are its stain and fade resistance. Being right by the beach, our home gets drenched in sunlight, and many carpets struggle with fading over time. The Genesis range is designed to withstand that exposure, ensuring it stays looking fresh for years to come. Plus, the colour we chose ties in seamlessly with our overall palette, making it both a practical and stylish addition to the space.