A home to grow with: Clarissa & Darren’s signature Build
Custom built for family, framed by nature
Clarissa, Darren, their little ones Maaike and Flynn, and their four-legged friends Ralph and Russell, set their sights on something special - a peaceful, semi-rural section in Matangi, Waikato, surrounded by established trees and nature at every turn.
Their dream? A warm and welcoming home that could grow with their family - and truly feel like part of the landscape. They chose Signature Homes Waikato’s Design & Build service, partnering with our award-winning design team to bring their ideas to life and craft a home that feels like it’s always belonged.
The Brief: space, flow, and flexibility
For the Maxwells, it was all about creating a highly liveable home with flexibility for the future. They wanted room for their young family to thrive, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and the option to extend later on if needed.
Working with our Signature Homes design team, they landed on a striking Pavilion-style layout. The high-pitched ceilings and open-plan living areas give the home a light, spacious feel, with multiple access points to the outdoors - perfect for sunny days, muddy boots, and family life.
The Plan: made for family living
The Maxwell design was born- offering four bedrooms, flowing living areas, and plenty of connection between indoors and out. It’s a layout designed for togetherness, but with enough space to spread out when needed.
From morning coffees on the deck to lively family dinners in the open-plan kitchen and dining space, this is a home that works for real life.
The look: natural, warm, and wonderfully Waikato
Clarissa and Darren wanted their home to blend with the beautiful surroundings. The exterior pairs dark brick with warm timber detailing—shiplap cedar adds texture and contrast to the gable ends, entryway and covered outdoor areas.
Inside, they worked with our Signature Homes interior designer and colour consultant to create a calm, cohesive palette. The result? A fresh mix of cool whites and moody tones in the kitchen that perfectly complements the natural beauty just beyond their windows.
The Build Experience
“Signature Homes Waikato were recommended to us by family,” says Darren. “We were so impressed by their advice and their ability to take our ideas and turn them into a design that made the most of our site.”
From the first sketch to move-in day, it was a team effort - guided by local know-how, creative thinking, and care for every detail. Now, the Maxwells are enjoying a home made just for them, with space to grow and the great outdoors right on their doorstep.
