Lakeside Retreat - Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand

We try to use Abodo as much as possible,” says Nick. “For us it's a product grown close to home in the Kaingaroa Forest and we have a good relationship with Donelley Sawmill too. Knowing the product lifecycle is pretty appealing - it follows some of the core values of our company. We keep in mind the carbon footprint of materials and don't specify things that have to be shipped long distances. And with everything else going on at the moment, it's great having a handle on shipping routes and material delays when you're trying to get these projects off the ground.”

For Nick, stability was also key, with the lakefront being exposed to all weathers. “Even though the cladding is stained black - which with a lot of timber you can't do or it starts cupping and popping fixings - we've had a really hot summer and all the boards are still dead straight and everything looks perfect.

As a bonus, the builders loved using the Abodo cladding too and found the products easy to work with.”

The architects worked alongside interior designer Yvette Jay, who used a palette of natural materials to bring a relaxed, contemporary look to the interiors. The existing ceiling, previously polyurethaned timber, was painted white to add more light and to modernise the rooms. The new kitchen features a black chevron tiled splashback and warm textured European Oak cabinetry with a hardy and sleek leathered black granite benchtop.

With its incredible views over Lake Rotoiti, this contemporary holiday home has a whole new lease on life, with a palette of materials set to last well into the future.