Award-Winning Martinborough Home Blends Light and Dark Design

Architectural designer Cam Moore has received acclaim for his newly built home in Martinborough, a town in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. Recognized with three regional awards in the 2025 Master Builders House of the Year competition, Moore’s residence stands out for its unique approach to interior design, contrasting dark elements with abundant natural light.

Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted by a sense of brightness, a surprising quality given Moore’s preference for darker colors in his design choices. “I’m quite drawn to darker colours,” he explains. The interior’s warm timbers, velvety fabrics, and textured surfaces glow under the sunlight, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels vibrant even during the coldest winter months.

Moore’s journey to creating this architectural gem began when he decided to transition from a modest 80m² house, built in the 1980s, to a more substantial family home for himself and his six-year-old daughter, Charlotte. His old house, which served primarily as a weekend retreat for visitors from Wellington, lacked the design sophistication he desired.

Innovative Design and Layout

Determined to improve upon his previous living situation, Moore focused on developing a T-shaped layout that optimizes sunlight for each room. The design wraps around an expansive pool, with the back of the house—comprising the hallway, garage, and working spaces—positioned away from neighboring properties. “I wanted to make sure every room got lots of sun, was warm, and had a nice outlook,” he shares.

Frosted windows along the left side of the house allow natural light to pour into the hallway while maintaining privacy. Meanwhile, all rooms on the right side face the pool, reflecting light and evoking images of summer enjoyment year-round. This connection to outdoor living is further emphasized by the terrace room, which serves as a multifunctional space that can be both an outdoor entertaining area and a cozy winter retreat with an open fire.

Moore’s design philosophy incorporates coziness, drawing inspiration from alpine lodges. Elements such as a mounted stag head, rustic black timber cladding, and a tongue-and-groove ceiling contribute to an inviting environment.

Collaboration and Customization

Collaboration played a critical role in the home’s design. Moore partnered with interior designer Stephanie Bruce of Wall St Designs to finalize the color scheme, notably the deep green that defines the entrance hall and kitchen cabinetry. “I didn’t want the house to be stark and white,” he emphasizes, pointing out how the green serves as a neutral backdrop that harmonizes with various other design elements.

Additionally, interior stylist Shontelle Coley assisted in sourcing lighting and decor, while landscape architect Hamish Moorhead was brought in early to ensure that planting schemes complemented the home’s design. Moore’s proactive approach to landscaping helped avoid budget constraints that often delay final touches on such projects.

Throughout the design process, Moore prioritized accommodating existing furniture. “I wanted to make sure it was all going to function and not be too tight,” he explains. This attention to detail not only enhances the home’s usability but also helps to manage costs effectively.

Beyond the aesthetic achievements, Moore acknowledges the personal growth he experienced throughout this project. Designing and building his home has made him a more informed and capable designer. “You learn along the way, what’s gone wrong and what you can do better,” he notes, recognizing the value of applying these lessons to future client projects.

As for practical insights, Moore offers several tips for prospective homeowners. He stresses the importance of considering furniture placement and its impact on the functionality and atmosphere of a space. He advocates for adding texture to materials and furnishings to create warmth, and advises careful selection of interior finishes to align with budget constraints.

Reflecting on the project, he celebrates meeting the construction timeline, a notable achievement in the industry, and highlights the pool as a crucial feature for summer enjoyment in the hot Martinborough climate.

Moore’s home stands not just as a personal refuge but as a testament to thoughtful design principles, blending light and dark elements in a harmonious fashion. It is a space that invites both relaxation and connection, embodying the spirit of its vibrant surroundings.