Positioned to take in views of the water and the Southern Alps to the west, the soaring, double-height interior is lined with PlyPlay Blonde Ambition by Bates Surfaces. The UV-coated panels are laid in a brick pattern, featuring negative detailing to emphasise their depth and pattern.

Combined with polished concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling glazing on the gabled end, "It’s a stunning, beautiful home," says David Reid Homes director Nikki Mackay, "a design we haven’t built before that’s unique to the homeowners."

PlyPlay and steel

The blonded PlyPlay lines the ceiling and walls, contrasting with the rustic, exposed steel beams. For builder Aaron Mackay, using the prefinished panels made easy work of the installation.

"We pinned and glued it straight on top of the plasterboard, no finishing needed," says Aaron. "The panels had really nice faces that were uniform over the whole pack, so we got a consistent finish throughout the space."

The Blonde Ambition finish contains a delicate pearl sheen that builds on the natural warmth of the timber and is protected by a plastic film throughout the installation. "The protective film prevents dings and finger marks on the face. After it’s in place you remove it to expose the low-sheen timber face," says Aaron.

UV-cured means near zero VOCs

PlyPlay’s prefinished surface has a proprietary UV-cured coating, protecting it from the harsh New Zealand sun and preserving both the wood and the lustre of its satin finish. UV-cured also means near zero VOCs, no solvents, and greater energy efficiency in manufacturing.

Collaborating with designers and building teams from the design stage, Bates Surfaces can advise on detailing and installation tips for the panelled interior finish. For Nikki and Aaron at David Reid Homes Waitaki and South Canterbury, that meant bringing the character and warmth of natural wood to a high-end loft-style home in a beautiful rural setting.