Te Wao Project
Bathroom, Laundry & Bedroom Renovation — Manly, Hibiscus Coast
Rooted in nature, inspired by the ngahere. Te Wao, meaning ‘the forest’, reflects our client’s vision to bring the grounding hues of native bush and earth into a small but powerful renovation. Nestled in Manly on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, this project proves that thoughtful design can transform even the tightest footprint.
Connection to Place. Connection to Purpose.
With space at a premium, we extended both ends of the home to create room for a reimagined main bathroom, combined laundry and a guest bedroom. At the core of the palette: dramatic green stone tiles echoing the forest, warm brass tapware that adds understated luxury, and custom timber joinery that brings soul and depth to the space.
Smart Function, Seamless Finish
A new skylight funnels natural light into the bathroom, enhancing the sense of calm and spaciousness. Every surface, junction and fitting was considered to deliver both functionality and flow.
New Life, From Front to Back
Up front, a charred Japanese timber door and custom sliding gate create a bold arrival moment. The extension was fully reclad, fitted with double-glazed joinery, and tied together with a new concrete driveway. It’s a renovation that doesn’t just look good, it performs for years to come.
Project Highlights
Bathroom + laundry renovation with skylight
Extension to rear and front ends of home
Japanese charred timber front door + entry gate
Double-glazed joinery + reclad extension
Custom joinery, brass tapware + green stone tilework
Located near the beach in Manly, Hibiscus Coast, Auckland
Built to Outperform. Grounded in craft, inspired by place.
Location
Manly Beach
Completion
June 2025 (6 months)
Project type
Renovation & Extension
Project Manager
Leesin
Suppliers
The Tile Room
Cutting Edge Tiling
Ze Plumb & Gas
Ze Spark
“Last year I engaged the services of Ze Build to renovate my home in Manly. After many meetings with Dylan to discuss costings, work and timeframe, they started right on time and launched into what would become a 6 month job.
Throughout this period I was kept up to date with progress, answered any queries I had in a way I could understand and solved all problems promptly, all done I would come to realise, with their characteristic ease, calm and consummate professionalism. Nothing was hard and anything was possible.
I had the pleasure of interacting with Ze Build builders Logan, Ryan and team, project manager Jarrod at the start and the exemplary project manager Leesin for the last part of the renovation. Ze Plumb and Gas Anthony and his team. Ze Spark and the team. Along the way as would be expected issues arose, but they were all dealt with well, especially as I was out of the country for quite some time. I did not worry while gone. I came to rely on their expertise and service, nothing was a problem.
Now that the renovation is complete, I am thrilled with the work done. It pleases me greatly to live in my home renovation that Ze built.
I have called on them since to hang art for a fussy home owner and lift and plant a big nikau palm, so I still have work to do… It is never finished and Ze Build of course are up for it.
I can’t applaud them loudly enough and should I ever do another renovation or build, they will be the first people I call, without hesitation. I have loved working with the entire team.
