Designed by: Mark de Rozario, CSA Craig Steere Architects
Photography by: Blake Hobson
Designed by Mark de Rozario, CSA Craig Steere Architects
From the architect:
For this home, the upper-level ensuite was conceived as more than a bathroom.
The owner sought a retreat that could stand alone as an elevated, apartment-like sanctuary combining bedroom, robe and ensuite into a cohesive experience with a luxurious feel.
Central to the design was the inclusion of a generous bench seat, positioned at the rear of the space, inviting moments of pause and reflection.
Overhead, a large recessed skylight allows natural light to filter in through the day, creating a shifting wash across surfaces and drawing attention to a wall intentionally left open for artwork.
These gestures lend the space a quiet intimacy, positioning it as a room to linger in.
Key spatial interventions address both form and function.
A steam shower was integrated seamlessly into the plan, avoiding the visual interruption of a standard framed enclosure.
The freestanding bath sits on a raised podium, aligned to capture a framed ocean view.
This stepped approach lends a sense of ceremony to the bathing ritual.
A custom, oversized basin accommodates hand-washing of garments, adding a layer of considered utility to the scheme.
Material selections were driven by both tactile richness and tonal control.
Green marble was introduced to the vanity surface, offering depth and visual interest.
This was paired with dark cabinetry to anchor the space, providing a moody contrast to the skylight-lit interior.
The balance of dark and light creates a spatial rhythm that is both grounded and refined.
Tile and flooring selections carry through from the wider home, reinforcing a sense of continuity and quiet luxury.
Within the bathroom, a wide vanity and mirrored overhead cabinetry provide ample storage, concealed within clean lines.
The result is a retreat that feels immersive and resolved, complete with architectural detailing.
The homeowner say they now spend more time in the bathroom than they had expected – using it not only for daily routines but as a place to unwind, reflect and enjoy.
Credit List
ArchitectMark de Rozario, CSA Craig Steere Architects | Vanity cabinetryTimber veneer (Eveneer) |
BenchtopNatural stone slabs – Hiroshi Green, from Bernini/Zuccari; Dekton Eter porcelain sheets | MirrorClear glass with polished edge, from Glass Australia |
LightingAlti Lighting | VentilationBar Grille by ACSIS Air-conditioning Warehouse / Camtech |
BasinApaiser Sublime, custom marble | Basin mixer / bath mixer / shower taps / hand shower / diverterAstra Walker Metropolis |
ToiletRoca Meridian, rimless, wall hung pan | BathApaiser Sapphire |
Towel railRogerseller Eccentric Heated Vertical Rail | Hand towel rail / toilet roll holderAstra Walker New Spring |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Winner |
Designed by Mark de Rozario, CSA Craig Steere Architects
From the architect:
For this home, the upper-level ensuite was conceived as more than a bathroom.
The owner sought a retreat that could stand alone as an elevated, apartment-like sanctuary combining bedroom, robe and ensuite into a cohesive experience with a luxurious feel.
Central to the design was the inclusion of a generous bench seat, positioned at the rear of the space, inviting moments of pause and reflection.
Overhead, a large recessed skylight allows natural light to filter in through the day, creating a shifting wash across surfaces and drawing attention to a wall intentionally left open for artwork.
These gestures lend the space a quiet intimacy, positioning it as a room to linger in.
Key spatial interventions address both form and function.
A steam shower was integrated seamlessly into the plan, avoiding the visual interruption of a standard framed enclosure.
The freestanding bath sits on a raised podium, aligned to capture a framed ocean view.
This stepped approach lends a sense of ceremony to the bathing ritual.
A custom, oversized basin accommodates hand-washing of garments, adding a layer of considered utility to the scheme.
Material selections were driven by both tactile richness and tonal control.
Green marble was introduced to the vanity surface, offering depth and visual interest.
This was paired with dark cabinetry to anchor the space, providing a moody contrast to the skylight-lit interior.
The balance of dark and light creates a spatial rhythm that is both grounded and refined.
Tile and flooring selections carry through from the wider home, reinforcing a sense of continuity and quiet luxury.
Within the bathroom, a wide vanity and mirrored overhead cabinetry provide ample storage, concealed within clean lines.
The result is a retreat that feels immersive and resolved, complete with architectural detailing.
The homeowner say they now spend more time in the bathroom than they had expected – using it not only for daily routines but as a place to unwind, reflect and enjoy.
[clean_tags]
Credit List
ArchitectMark de Rozario, CSA Craig Steere Architects | Vanity cabinetryTimber veneer (Eveneer) |
BenchtopNatural stone slabs – Hiroshi Green, from Bernini/Zuccari; Dekton Eter porcelain sheets | MirrorClear glass with polished edge, from Glass Australia |
LightingAlti Lighting | VentilationBar Grille by ACSIS Air-conditioning Warehouse / Camtech |
BasinApaiser Sublime, custom marble | Basin mixer / bath mixer / shower taps / hand shower / diverterAstra Walker Metropolis |
ToiletRoca Meridian, rimless, wall hung pan | BathApaiser Sapphire |
Towel railRogerseller Eccentric Heated Vertical Rail | Hand towel rail / toilet roll holderAstra Walker New Spring |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Bathrooms – Winner |
Related Articles
Natural selection
Weathered tiles in a natural tone set the scene for this nature-accented bathroom with a wood-finished double vanity – the wet zone includes a brass rainhead shower and sculptural tub
Reincarnated soul
A kitchen and dining room are repurposed as a sumptuous master suite with opulent touches including original ceilings being revealed and highlighted
Curvaceous welcome
Finely rendered curves fulfil more than one role in this master ensuite-meets-dressing space, while a stand-out marble backdrops tub and shower stall
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.
Frontier Pools
We specialise in bespoke concrete swimming pool design and construction.
From infinity-edge showpieces to compact plunge pools in tight city spaces, we create concrete pools in any shape, size, or finish. The possibilities are endless and the quality is uncompromising.
With an expert in-house team, we manage every step, from concept to completion, delivering high-quality pools tailored to your space, style, and lifestyle.
Altus Window Systems
Altus is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and exporter of innovative designs in aluminium extrusions and extrusion-based building systems.
Altus is an award winning leader of the Aluminium extrusion and rolled product market. We specialise in design, manufacture, import and export of extrusion and rolled product, and distribute to both local and International markets.
We’re experts in creating solutions to integrate and partner with our customers across a wide range of sectors; marine, transport, architectural systems, window and door fabrication, mechanical engineering and agricultural industries.
Luxaflex®
Luxaflex® has been adding style and sophistication to New Zealand windows since the 1950s. Our design heritage is founded on innovation for today and tomorrow while taking care to celebrate the beauty in the details. To us, form and function are synonymous. Consistently pushing the boundaries, we are proud to be the market-leaders in daylight regulation and solar heat control solutions.
We combine unique design and practical features to create outstanding products – the essential ingredients for creating any discerning home.
Plantation Bamboo
Building or renovating your space? It’s not just about finding materials that match your values of sustainability and durability; you want them to look fantastic too. But with so many options out there, the search can be daunting.
That’s where Plantation Bamboo comes in.
We understand the challenges you face in navigating through countless choices. That’s why we specialise exclusively in bamboo. Our focus is to simplify your search for the perfect building material that not only meets your sustainability and durability criteria but also adds a touch of natural elegance to your space.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.