Feature article

A stunning alpine Wānaka retreat

Designed by Interior Architecture firm Strutt Studios.

Homestyle
Last updated: 17 September 2025 | 3 min read
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Designed by Strutt Studios, this stunning Wānaka retreat was inspired by the alpine landscape after a chance visit by its owners. The home, clad in Dulux Lichen Colorsteel, features three interconnected volumes and uses honest materials like timber and concrete.

Inside, the palette reflects Wānaka's earthy tones, with key features including a sunken lounge, a versatile mezzanine, and a separate main suite. A collaboration with architect Ricky Booth, the home is available for holiday stays via Scout Wānaka.

With its frameless corner picture window, a view of the Southern Alps lured Sophie and Josh across the Tasman to build, and the sunken living room offers a front-row seat. Designed around the proportions of a modular Ethnicraft N701 sofa, this space is a retreat with a real sense of place.

Josh is the main cook and has a rule: nothing on the benchtop. “For me the key to the success of the kitchen is a butler’s pantry, tucked in underneath the staircase,” says Sophie. The Dekton Marmorio countertop is teamed with Laminex Velveteen. cabinetry in an Organic finish and handleware in tumbled brass from Lo & Co. A South Drawn UV Fold Linear pendant ensures enough light on the subject.

Sophie, a keen bather, channelled the onsen vibe in the ensuite with a generous tiled tub. “We now affectionately call it the indoor pool as it holds more water than our outdoor bath,” she says. A Finley shower rail set from ABI Interiors brings more luxury to the space but the oriented strand board ceilings and flooring in I Cocci Siciliani terrazzo keep things a little more casual.

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