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building a luxury home in auckland: planning for coastal living

When you stand on the ridgeline in Orakei, tucked between Hobson Bay and Waitemata Harbour, it’s easy to see why so many Aucklanders dream of building here. Home to the prestigious Coates Ave and Fenton Circus, Orakei’s ocean views, proximity to the city, and sense of exclusivity make it one of Auckland’s most sought-after suburbs. Residents enjoy easy access to coastal walks like the Ōrākei Basin walkway and the scenic Tamaki Drive, perfect for cycling or a morning jog.

Building a home in this coastal enclave comes with unique opportunities as well as challenges.

At Bare Construction, we’ve worked with clients and architects to build high-end homes throughout the Eastern Bays. If you’re planning to build your dream home here, here’s what you need to know to ensure it’s not just beautiful, but built to last.

coastal conditions demand smarter design

Orakei’s elevated, coastal position offers beautiful views, but also exposes homes to the full force of Auckland’s seaside climate. High winds, salt spray, humidity, and intense UV can degrade materials quickly if not planned for.

That’s why we prioritise:

Durable cladding and roofing materials like treated timber, engineered metal, or composite systems designed to resist salt corrosion

High-performance joinery, including thermally broken, powder-coated timber or aluminium joinery that stands up to sea air and retains internal temperatures

Proper flashing and waterproof detailing, especially around decks, balustrades, and window junctions

These technical elements don’t detract from design. When executed well, they make your home feel more seamless, clean, and contemporary.

the council process

Being a high-value and well-established suburb, Orakei projects often require thorough interaction with Auckland Council. This includes:

  • Resource consent (especially if you're in a special character or viewshaft area)
  • Geotech and drainage assessments
  • Building Consent. 
  • Adherence to Auckland Unitary Plan regulations (height-to-boundary, impermeable surfaces, etc.)

At Bare Construction, we take care of all Council communication and documentation. We’ll guide you through the consent process and liaise with surveyors, engineers, and planners to make sure your project doesn’t get bogged down in paperwork.

the finer details

Luxury isn’t just about expensive materials. It’s about bringing thoughtful design to life.

Some of the finishing touches we like to include in our builds:

  • Full height, double glazed glass doors for generous sunlight
  • Outdoor living spaces with Oak pergolas and integrated fireplaces
  • Smart home technology that allows you to manage indoor temperature, security and home access from your phone
  • 2.7-metre ceilings for added spatial drama Integrated kitchen appliances for a spacious, clean aesthetic
  • LED sensor lighting for staircases, bathrooms and storage spaces

Each element of the home should feel bespoke and contribute to the overall vision of your lifestyle.

build with confidence in orakei

Our team will work closely with you from day one to create a home that is durable and crafted for the life you want to live.

Whether you already have a concept plan or need help starting from scratch, we offer end-to-end service: design, consent, construction, and beyond.

Book an appointment with our team today to start your coastal home journey.

Bare Construction currently has a boutique development of five architecturally designed homes emerging in Coates Avenue. Please visit elevencoates.nz for more information.