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By Dylan Rhynd of DPRD Studio Architecture, this beachy St Heliers build is the place to be

The family home is full of light, luxe and textural touches for maximum health and happiness.

Homestyle
Last updated: 8 July 2026 | 4 min read
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Designed by Dylan Rhynd of DPRD Studio Architecture, this St Heliers family home champions light, warmth, and healthy living. The new build features three massive skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating exceptional natural light and thermal gain.

The interior has a minimalist, beachy aesthetic with a raw material palette of concrete, French oak, and white walls. Smart home automation from Automation Associates and Japanese-inspired landscaping by SGLA complete this modern home built for ultimate relaxation.

“Being at the back of the section, the pool [by Auckland Inground Pools, styled with squabs custom-made by the Canvas Company] was one of the first structures to be built,” says Mark. “We spent two-and-a-half years looking at it, waiting to be able to dive in on the day we moved in — in the middle of winter! Needless to say, it was the shortest but most satisfying swim I’ve ever had.”

Kitchen designer Robyn Labb brought the couple’s vision for the kitchen and scullery to fruition. The island benchtop is in oak and Alarti marble from Marmotec, while the back benchtop is Corian in Glacier White. The Mood Bianco splashback tiles are from Artedomus, the integrated appliances are by Fisher & Paykel and the cabinetry was constructed by Hewe. Hayes stools from Moi On George turn the island into a second dining table that the family gathers around daily.

The house is clad in Abodo Vulcan engineered timber in Teak — a thermally treated, renewable, low-maintenance alternative to the cedar the couple had their eye on. The view from the main bedroom into the front garden is through a vertical slatted screen, a visual design element that appears in multiple places on this property.

Next to the bedroom, a walk-through wardrobe by The Wardrobe Company connects to an ensuite with a statement wall of pink marble tumbled-finish tiles from Artedomus, which Kelly was sold on at first sight. Super-Thin vessel basins by Progetto join with a Stanza Opaco vanity (topped with Biello marble from Artedomus, and the mirrors are from there too) — both from Plumbline.

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