Precision, Quality and Sustainability: Matt and Dan's Sanctuary in Tauranga

Matt and Dan, owners of New Zealand product and homeware brand Made of Tomorrow, embarked on a three-year journey to turn their picturesque land near Tauranga into the canvas for their dream home—a project where design excellence, connection with nature and commitment to sustainability were at the forefront.

The project began in December 2019 when Matt and Dan first set foot on the land that would house their dream home. With half a decade spent working in the interior design industry, they found themselves with the exciting opportunity to craft a haven of their own. Nestled a ten-minute drive from the bustling city of Tauranga, the land presented sweeping views of the serene harbour and the distant silhouette of Mount Maunganui. Their overarching objective was to forge a sanctuary that seamlessly melded with the natural surroundings, evoking a sense of tranquil retreat.

“When it came to choosing and working with suppliers one that came to mind straight away that we knew we'd like to work with was Laminex New Zealand. They've got such a good name in the industry, and they've been around for so long that we really trusted them.”

Entering the home, views of wetlands and native plantings draw visitors in. The kitchen, made from tactile materials in natural tones, mirrors the natural beauty found outside. Featuring Laminex Woodgrain Collection Umber cabinetry, the rich woodgrain grounds the space while the stranded grains evoke the coastal grasses just a stone’s throw away.

With its seamless cube design, the Caesarstone Cloudburst kitchen island anchors the space. At first glance, Caesarstone Cloudburst may appear simply as an off-white slab, but upon closer examination, its intricate detailing and texture comes to life, like looking under a microscope at the aquatic life nearby.

Further accentuating the space is a splashback of artisan ceramic square tiles and limewashed walls. In every detail, from the wetlands to the coastal grasses, from the woodgrain to the Cloudburst, this space celebrates the beauty woven into the natural world surrounding it.

In the dining area, a custom dining table takes the spotlight, created from the durable Laminex Alucci Apex in Black. With its distinctive organic shape and stainless-steel tubular legs, this table adds a playful touch, offering a welcoming spot to enjoy meals or take in the view.

Further into the living area, a feature wall clad in Surround by Laminex Scallop 45 interplays with thoughtfully installed lighting, allowing the texture to take centre stage. As the day goes by, just as the changing tides leave their mark on nearby marshland, the changing light against the Surround by Laminex metamorphoses the wall into a living work of art.

Continuing into the home, the master suite is a testimony to Matt and Dan's unwavering commitment to detail, with a custom day bed and desk combo made from Melteca Planked Urban Oak, an equally functional and beautiful piece.

In their unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and connection with nature, Matt and Dan have not just built a home; they've created a sanctuary that beautifully blends with its natural surroundings. The home is a testament to the artistry of design and connection between human ingenuity and the environment - a sanctuary that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Contributors
Designers and Homeowners: Matt Genefaas and Dan Craig, Made of Tomorrow
Photographer: Jahl Marshall