When a project is rooted in shared values and deep creative respect, it shows. That was certainly the case with Beachlands House – a striking coastal home brought to life through the vision of architect Lisa Day and the craftsmanship of Faulkner Construction.
Lisa is the founding director of Day Architects, a practice known for its intuitive and values-led approach to design. Her thoughtful use of colour, space and materiality has earned her national recognition – including two Resene Total Colour Awards. But more than awards, what stands out is Lisa’s clarity of purpose: designing spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them.
It’s this sense of purpose that made our collaboration such a success.
A shared philosophy
At Faulkner, we’re drawn to projects where we can build more than just homes - we help realise architectural ideas with care, attention to detail and technical excellence.
Working alongside Lisa and her team on the Beachlands House meant aligning not only on timelines and technical detail, but on a philosophy: that great architecture is born of trust, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of how people want to live.
Lisa’s design called for this kind of thinking. Every element of the build had intention behind it. From light-filled spaces that echo the surrounding coastline to the way colour flows through each room, the home was designed to both elevate daily living and honour the site.
The power of colour
One of the most compelling aspects of the Beachlands House is its carefully curated Resene colour palette. Lisa selected a series of soft neutrals and muted hues - including Resene Half Ecru White, Resene Duck Egg Blue and Resene Foggy Grey - to create flow, warmth and balance throughout the home.
Bringing those choices to life required precision in both product and process. As builders, our role was to interpret the subtle transitions in tone and texture, ensuring the finish matched the intent. Whether it was working closely with painters, managing light bounce across surfaces, or sequencing materials for consistency, this was a build where every detail mattered.
The result speaks for itself: a cohesive, calm and confident home that earned a Resene Total Colour Neutrals Award and was recently featured in BlackWhite magazine – Issue 06.
Built on trust
The best architect-builder collaborations are built on trust – and this project was no exception. We appreciated the clarity Lisa brought to every decision, and the way her team communicated expectations and ideas. In turn, we focused on delivering quality that matched their design intent, while managing site complexities and timelines with care.
That spirit of partnership is something we actively seek out. Our most rewarding builds are those where we’re part of a shared mission - working alongside architects and clients to bring unique visions to life.
Architecture with integrity
Lisa’s personal and professional journey, as shared in her BlackWhite profile, mirrors the kind of builders we aim to be: grounded, evolving, and committed to doing work that reflects what matters most.
She writes, “Architecture is about creating spaces for life… Our projects should reflect our clients’ core values and their ‘why’.” It’s a belief we wholeheartedly share.
Final word
Beachlands House was a project of precision, trust and shared values - and we’re proud to have played a role in bringing it to life. To explore Lisa’s award-winning architectural work, visit dayarchitects.co.nz.
To read more about her use of colour and philosophy on design, view the full BlackWhite feature here.
