MANU

Manu Bay, Raglan
2025

Nestled among the manuka and rimu-swept ranges of Mount Karioi with sweeping views over Manu Bay, this architectural family residence by Elmore Booth seamlessly integrates contemporary design with the rugged coastal landscape.

Modern black building with vertical slats and rectangular windows, against a backdrop of green trees, hills, and a clear blue sky. Raglan, NZ. Elmore Booth
Modern house with dark exterior walls and large windows, overlooking a swimming pool with a reflection of the house, surrounded by trees and a partly cloudy sky. Raglan, NZ. Elmore Booth

Manu challenged our construction team to embrace innovative techniques and materials, pushing beyond conventional building practices. The dramatic cantilevered master bedroom and surrounding deck extends into the forest canopy, creating an intimate connection with the native landscape.

Close-up of modern building with dark vertical wood panels and glass windows, under a partly cloudy sky. Raglan, NZ. Elmore Booth
Entryway with white painted brick walls, a dark ceiling, and a tile floor leading into a curved brick hallway. Raglan, NZ. Elmore Booth

The exterior showcases vertical timber screening and a sophisticated material palette, creating a visual connection to the surroundings. Exterior cladding in Alaskan yellow cedar was selected to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while providing natural resistance to the elements – ideal for this exposed coastal location.

Upon entering the home, you're welcomed by striking curved walls finished in Novacolor-splashed brick veneer. Timaru bluestone pavers underfoot guide you through the living areas and bedrooms, framed by handcrafted rimu doors.

View through a modern hallway with stone and brick walls, leading to an outdoor terrace with a large tree and scenic landscape in the background, illuminated by soft natural light. Raglan, NZ Elmore Booth

A striking floating staircase lined with Forté timber leads to the upper level, where the main living area unfolds around a spectacular rimu-dressed kitchen.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing anchors the space, capturing northern sunlight and panoramic West Coast views, while carefully constructed reclaimed timber features add warmth and character throughout.

Wooden stairs against a white brick wall with a small green plant on one of the steps. Forte Flooring. Raglan NZ Elmore Booth
Modern interior hallway with black paneled wall on the left, adorned with decorative wall lamps, and a natural wood wall on the right. At the end, there's a window revealing greenery outside. Raglan, NZ Elmore Booth
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a countertop, a window showing trees outside, and a small bookshelf inside the cabinetry. Raglan NZ. Elmore Booth
Interior of a room with a window view of trees and the ocean, a green cushioned seat, a beige pillow, and a decorative pillow with a southwestern pattern, and a built-in bookshelf with books. Raglan, NZ Elmore Booth

Building our forever home in Manu Bay was a dream many years in the making, and the Hoult Construction team brought it to life with care, craftsmanship, and a camaraderie that made the whole journey a pleasure.

They delivered within the timeframe, kept communication sharp, and treated our project as if it were their own. We’d happily work with Hoult Construction again — creating a home is a big leap of faith, and they proved themselves worthy of that trust.

— Chris & Shinobu

A modern fireplace with a black chimney pipe, dark tile surround, and a glass front, situated in a room with wooden and tile flooring.Raglan, NZ Ollie Booth
Interior view of a modern living space with wooden floors, black vertical panel walls, and a ceiling with white beams. A sliding glass door opens to a balcony with a view of a tree and a body of water in the distance. Raglan. NZ
Bathroom vanity with a green tiled wall, a white vessel sink, a wall-mounted faucet, a small potted plant, a wicker basket with towels inside, and neatly folded towels on a wooden shelf. Raglan NZ. Ollie Booth
Modern bathroom with green tiled wall, wooden accents, white countertop with vessel sink, and neatly folded towels on a wooden shelf. Ollie Booth. Raglan
Close-up of a bedroom with a wooden panel headboard, a bedside black shelf with potted plants, green bedding, a dark wall with a decorative fan, a wall-mounted black reading lamp, and an indoor plant with variegated leaves. Raglan

What truly sets the team apart is their understanding of intent. Throughout the build there were critical relationships and detailed elements that required complete buy-in to be executed well. They understood this deeply and could see exactly what was needed in the short term to ensure a perfect final result. What they have produced is something we are enormously proud of, and we hope to continue working together long into the future.

— Oli Booth, Elmore Booth

This unique family home pushes the boundaries of residential construction while creating spaces that nurture daily life and celebrate the West Coast landscape
of Aotearoa.

Manu stands as testament to what is possible when architectural vision, construction expertise, and natural beauty converge in perfect harmony.

View through a modern house hallway showing an open door leading to an outdoor patio with a tree, distant hills, and a body of water in the background. Ollie Booth. Raglan

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