At the foot of a mountain, with views over clear waters, the couple Coen and Lana are building their new life. Soon, they will trade the city life of Amsterdam for the rugged landscape of New Zealand, where they are having a sustainable and self-sufficient home built. For Format, this project is special, not only because of the unique location but also because it is our first international project. A complete interior design developed from 18.000 kilometers away.

Lana & Coen currently live in Amsterdam with their two young daughters. Lana grew up in New Zealand, Coen in the Netherlands. They met abroad, moved together to the Netherlands, and are now preparing for a new chapter. Five years ago, they bought a plot of land next to Lake Hawea. For the first concept design, they enlisted New Zealand’s renowned architectural firm Fearon Hay. Together with a local architect, the plan was developed in detail. Then the search began for the right partner to design the interior. Through connections, Lana found Format. What started as a kitchen design quickly grew into a full interior plan: kitchen, bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, and bedrooms all tailored to their lifestyle.

This house is build for the long term. Everything is focused on sustainability, quality, and practical use. Because the house will be off grid, material choice was key from the start. For example, the insides of all cabinets are made of water-resistant plywood, ideal for ocean shipping and durable enough for New Zealand’s climate. They chose walnut wood for the living areas and light oak in the bedrooms to create a calm atmosphere. The kitchen will feature Fusion WOW, a strong quartzite with striking patterns. Bathrooms are finished with Patagonia, a quartzite rich in nuance and character. The result is an interior that fits the landscape and can withstand the test of time.

The interior reflects the typical Format signature with clean lines, clever solutions, and attention to detail. The use of natural stone and warm woods gives the space a personal and inviting feel. The clients wanted a timeless interior with a colourful character, not too minimalist but clear and organized. We collaborated closely on layout, materials, colors, and finishes down to the smallest details. Since the house is so remote, every element needs to fit perfectly and function flawlessly.

Working with Lana and Coen has gone smoothly from the start. From our base in the Netherlands, we worked intensively on the interior design, technical drawings, and material choices. The rough construction begins in September and is scheduled to be finished by next September (fingers crossed!). After that, we will take precise measurements to start producing the custom interiors in the Netherlands. Everything will then be shipped by container to New Zealand. It is a complex process, but one we approach with confidence and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to take you along on this special journey. More updates soon, stay tuned!