Hataitai Custom New Build.
This custom new build in Hataitai, Wellington was designed as a high-spec home with a strong focus on architectural lighting, smart controls and premium electrical finishes.
The owner is a property developer and wanted the electrical installation to match the quality of the rest of the build, with careful attention given to lighting design, automation, data, audio, heating and future-proofing.
Throughout the home, PDL Iconic switchgear was used alongside custom-labelled switches, smart push-button dimmers, integrated LED strip lighting and high-quality fittings supplied by ECC Wellington.
Rather than relying on a standard grid of recessed downlights, the lighting design used a combination of pendants, wall lights, feature fittings, concealed LED strip lighting and minimalist recessed spotlights to create a more architectural result.
The property also includes a Sonos audio system, alarm system, underfloor heating, extensive outdoor lighting, hard-wired data, USB charging outlets and provision for a future EV charger.
Project Summary
Project: Custom residential new build
Location: Hataitai, Wellington
Scope: Complete electrical installation
Key Features: Architectural lighting, smart dimming, Sonos audio, LED strip lighting, data, underfloor heating and outdoor lighting
Future Provision: EV charger cabling installed ready for future use
Adjustable Recessed Spotlights
These compact recessed spotlights provide a clean and minimal appearance when pushed back into the ceiling.
The cylindrical light fitting can also be pulled down and angled to direct light where required, making them ideal for highlighting artwork, furniture or architectural features.
At only around 25 mm in diameter, the fittings provide a much more discreet alternative to a standard recessed downlight.
Integrated Bedside Lighting
The bedside lights were selected to provide both function and a clean designer finish.
When not in use, the cylindrical light sits neatly against the wall. Pulling the light outward activates it and allows the fitting to be positioned for reading.
Each light also includes an integrated USB charging outlet, providing convenient phone charging beside the bed without requiring additional chargers or cables across the bedside table.
Integrated LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting was used extensively throughout the property to provide concealed feature lighting.
In the kitchen and display shelving, LED strips were integrated directly into the joinery to highlight glassware and create a warm ambient light without visible fittings.
The LED drivers were grouped together inside an accessible storage area, making future maintenance and replacement much easier than hiding individual drivers behind finished cabinetry.
Designer Lighting
Lighting was a major feature of this project and was carefully considered throughout the design.
Rather than filling the ceilings with conventional downlights, a range of designer fittings was used to create a softer and more architectural feel. These included wall lights, pendants, LED strip lighting and small recessed fittings selected to blend into the ceiling.
Most of the lighting circuits were connected to push-button dimmers, allowing the homeowner to adjust light levels throughout the house and create different moods depending on the time of day.
Moon Pendant Light
A feature pendant known as the Moon was installed above the stairwell to create a strong visual focal point.
The pendant adds another layer to the lighting design and helps reinforce the architectural feel of the home, while providing soft illumination through the stair area.
Recessed Step Lighting
Low-level recessed lights were installed into the walls beside the stairs.
These provide practical illumination for moving through the house at night while keeping glare to a minimum.
Using dedicated step lighting also reduces the need to turn on brighter overhead lighting during the evening.
Sonos Audio System
A high-quality Sonos audio system was integrated into the property with speakers built discreetly into the ceilings and walls.
The amplifiers and associated equipment were installed inside a dedicated cupboard, keeping the main living areas free from visible audio equipment while still allowing easy access for servicing or future upgrades.
This creates a clean, built-in audio system throughout the home.
Induction Cooktop with Extraction
The kitchen features an induction cooktop with a built-in downdraft extraction system, eliminating the need for a conventional overhead rangehood.
This was considered early during the building and kitchen design stages so the required power supply and extraction ducting could be incorporated before the kitchen was installed.
Two extraction slots are built directly into the centre of the cooktop, drawing steam, heat and cooking odours away from the cooking surface before ducting them outside.
The result is a clean, open kitchen design with effective ventilation and no bulky rangehood interrupting the space.
Kitchen Electrical & Lighting
The kitchen required a combination of practical electrical planning and feature lighting.
Integrated LED strip lighting was installed throughout the shelving and cabinetry, while power outlets with built-in USB-A and USB-C charging were positioned around the kitchen for convenient everyday use.
The cooktop also incorporates its own downdraft extraction system. Instead of a conventional rangehood above the bench, air is drawn directly through openings in the cooktop and ducted outside.
This helped maintain the clean, open appearance of the kitchen while still providing effective cooking ventilation.
Outdoor Architectural Lighting
The exterior lighting was designed to enhance both the house and the surrounding landscaping.
Wall-mounted fittings cast light down the exterior surfaces, creating attractive shadows and highlighting the texture of the building.
Accent uplights were also installed to illuminate feature trees and landscaping, adding depth to the outdoor areas after dark.
Deck & Landscape Lighting
The extensive deck areas were fitted with integrated step lighting to provide safe movement around the property at night.
Additional garden lights were positioned along the paths leading down to the house, while feature uplighting was used throughout the landscaping.
Outdoor power outlets were also installed around the barbecue and entertaining areas, allowing for equipment such as portable heaters and other outdoor appliances.
Construction & Planning
Much of the electrical work on a custom new build happens long before the finished fittings are visible.
During the framing stage, careful planning was required for the lighting, data, audio, outdoor power, heating, smart controls and future EV charging.
Cabling and conduit had to be positioned correctly before the walls and ceilings were lined, particularly for concealed lighting and built-in systems where there would be limited access later.
Good planning at this stage made it possible to achieve the clean finish seen throughout the completed home.
A Project I Really Enjoyed
This was one of the most enjoyable residential projects I have worked on.
The owner had a strong understanding of construction and a clear idea of the finished result he wanted, which made it possible to focus on the small details and install fittings that were a step above a standard residential build.
I particularly enjoyed working with the designer lighting, concealed LED systems and smart controls, and seeing how all of those elements came together in the finished house.
Projects like this are a good example of how getting the electrical design right early can have a major impact on the final look and functionality of a home.
Future EV Charger Provision
A dedicated cable was installed from the main electrical installation to the street-level parking area for a future EV charger.
The homeowner did not require the charger immediately, but installing the cabling during construction means an EV charger can be added later without needing to reopen walls, dig new trenches or run surface-mounted cable.
This is a simple example of future-proofing the electrical installation during the build.
Planning a Custom New Build?
Electro Buzz provides complete electrical installations for new builds and high-end residential projects across Wellington.
Getting the electrical contractor involved early allows lighting, power, data, heating, audio, outdoor areas and future requirements to be planned before construction reaches the stage where changes become difficult or expensive.
If you're planning a new build or major renovation, Electro Buzz can work alongside your builder, architect and other trades from the early stages through to final fit-off and testing.
Power Supply & New Connection
Because the site had been subdivided, a new electrical supply needed to be established for the property.
A trench approximately 25 metres long was excavated from the street down to the house. Conduit was installed for both the mains power cable and the fibre internet connection.
The new mains cable was then run through the conduit and the power company was coordinated with so linesmen could connect the new supply to the existing power pole.
This work had to be planned early in the project to ensure the property had the correct electrical infrastructure before the house was completed.
Get In Touch
Like What You See?
If you’re planning an electrical project and want to discuss what’s possible, get in touch with Electro Buzz. We’re happy to talk through your ideas and help work out the best electrical solution for your project.