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Tucked into a growing subdivision in Taupō, Beautè Noir at 39 Raupo Crescent is anything but ordinary. This striking showhome by Design Builders Taupō proves that size doesn’t define presence.
From the moment you step inside, the home challenges expectations. Though modest in footprint, it delivers a remarkable sense of scale through soaring ceilings, carefully curated sightlines, and an intentional play on light and shadow. Designed to capture views across the neighbouring reserve while maintaining privacy on a tight site, every window placement has been considered, every detail deliberate.
With its dark, moody palette and layered textures, Beautè Noir delivers a boutique, architectural feel to everyday living. In this Q&A, we sit down with Matt Corleison, Managing Director of Design Builders Taupō, to explore the inspiration, challenges, standout features, and the philosophy behind creating this one-of-a-kind home.
Design Builders are known for creating one-off homes. What makes this showhome special?
Everything about this home is special, but what stands out most is how it defies its footprint. It’s not a large home, yet it gives you an incredible sense of space. Through clever design, height and natural light, we’ve created real volume, it feels much bigger than it is.
Tell us about the orientation of the home. How does it make the most of light, sun, and the surroundings?
The home is designed to draw your eye straight toward a reserve and the view beyond. We’re on a tight section in a built-up subdivision, but once you’re inside, you wouldn’t realise it. That’s down to careful window placement that directs your view outward.
Those windows also work hard seasonally, they bring the winter sun deep into the home to help warm it, while protecting it from the harsher summer sun. We’ve used a lot of clerestory windows to the west as well, which brings borrowed light back into the centre of the home in the afternoon.
What was your inspiration behind the design brief?
Dark and moody sums it up, but it’s more than that. The idea was to play with light, shadow, and texture so every room has a bit of drama and a real sense of place.
This home has wide appeal. Who would feel most at home here, and why?
Everyone who walks through loves it. Whether they could live in it is another story, but I think an empty nester or professional couple would really enjoy calling this home. It’s great for entertaining friends and family, with enough space for guests to stay when needed.
There are always challenges on every project. What did you have to overcome during the build?
The biggest challenge was the tight site. We also had neighbours who weren’t initially willing to sign off on the resource consent, so we had to revisit the design and come up with clever solutions to overcome those issues. It pushed us to think differently, and the result is better for it.
Can you tell us about some of the stand-out features in the home?
For me, it’s the ceiling height. From the entry right through to the living room, that vertical volume gives the home its grand feel. That’s the standout feature.
What is your favourite part of the home?
The dark media room. The concept evolved from a project we did for a client previously, and it continues the dark, moody aesthetic, making it a cozy, immersive space. It can also be repurposed as an additional room or office if needed, giving the home extra flexibility.
Why was it important to involve an interior designer in this project?
There were so many elements I wanted to incorporate into the home, and the only way to make it feel cohesive was to involve Donna from the beginning. Having her work on the project from conception through to completion ensured every detail tied together.
This is especially evident in the master suite, which sits on a mezzanine. From here, you can see elements of the home below, and with the lounge, bedroom, walk-in robe, and ensuite all carefully coordinated, the space comes together with a luxurious, boutique feel.
What is your approach to working with clients throughout the design and build process?
I’m very hands-on with all clients, from our first meeting on site right through the design and build. I spend time understanding how they want the home to function for them and their family.
From there, we work with our in-house design team to bring that to life, incorporating special features and spaces that make the home uniquely theirs, something you won’t get from a standard set plan.
Once construction starts, I keep a close eye on the build to make sure those details are being executed the way the client intended.
What advice would you give someone considering building?
Any builder can build a house, but the most important thing is to start by doing your research. Think about what you actually want, whether that’s a set plan with a group home builder, working with an architect and builder separately, or a one-off, fully custom home designed and built under one roof. Consider what will work best for the way you live and how you want to use your site, sun, or view.
If you’re considering building with us, engage early, even before you purchase a section. We handle both the design and build, coordinating every detail under one roof and keeping the budget aligned from the start. We can meet you on site, talk through what’s possible, and help you understand the design potential of your land from the outset. And it’s always helpful to have a “must-have” list and a “nice-to-have” list ready.
Ready to start your own journey? Download our Design & Build Steps to discover how we create a home built around you, a process designed for great results and a journey you’ll enjoy.
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