Te Mahoe by Daniel Marshall Architects

Set above the sandstone cliffs of Takapuna Beach, Te Mahoe by Daniel Marshall is a considered, multigenerational home that balances strength with serenity. Grounded in precast concrete yet softened by copper and custom scalloped cedar, the material palette is designed to endure the coastal environment while ageing with quiet grace.

Organised around a central courtyard, the home unfolds as a series of layered spaces—inviting movement, light, and moments of discovery—while drawing focus beyond the expected sea view to a more immersive, Asia-Pacific inspired landscape. Thoughtfully crafted for four generations, the project reflects a harmonious interplay of architecture, context, and carefully selected pieces, with ECC product seamlessly integrated throughout to enhance both atmosphere and experience.

We sat down with ECC Project Lead, Talia Indyk to discuss the thinking behind Te Mahoe — exploring the brief, key design decisions, and how lighting brings the home to life.

What was the starting point for the project? 

With the home’s striking linear architecture and incredible views, the focus was on keeping the lighting quiet and considered. Low-glare fittings were key — allowing the architecture and outlook to take centre stage without distraction.

Were there any challenges or standout moments in the project? 

The staircase was a key moment. With floating treads and folded steel sides, we worked closely with the architect to integrate LED lighting into the handrail — turning a functional element into a subtle feature.

How does lighting support the overall design? 

Lighting was designed to feel integrated rather than added. Linear LED was built into the architecture, softly washing down walls and curtains to highlight textures and finishes while creating a calm, layered atmosphere.

How does lighting enhance day-to-day living? 

In spaces like the bathroom, integrated LED within the mirror cabinetry provides soft, even light across the face — eliminating shadows and making it highly functional. In the wardrobes, a combination of linear LED and downlights was used to balance the darker finishes, creating an inviting feel while ensuring practical, even illumination.

How does the home feel as it transitions from day to night? 

Lighting has been layered to shift with the day. By night, dimmable sources and soft washes create a calm, ambient feel — enhancing the home’s sense of retreat while still supporting functional zones where needed.

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Products used:

Tiling Eave – Hunza

Light Shadow Spot — Flos Architectural

Easy Kap Downlight — Flos Architectural

Fora 70 Table Lamp — Bover

Heaven Chair — Emu

Oslo 100 Wall Light — Astro Lighting

Thin Surface Mount — Juniper

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Daniel Marshall Architects

Designers: Daniel Marshall, Shiqi Shelley Lin, Jackson Mills, Timothy Yang

Photography: Hamish Melville

ECC Project Lead: Talia Indyk