A modern new build near the shores of Lake Taupō, in New Zealand’s central North Island, combines bespoke architectural design with comfortable living and understated luxury. Every detail in this Taupō show home has been selected to show clients what’s possible when planning their own builds, right down to the stylish Clipsal Solis Collection switches and power points chosen to finish this exceptional property.

Designed for high-end architecture and interior design, the Clipsal Solis Collection has a timeless aesthetic that blends contemporary style with smart home functionality. The Clipsal range is brought to the New Zealand market by PDL, a trusted partner for Design Builders. “PDL are a great fit alongside us because we feel they're always continuing to evolve as well, coming up with new products and pushing the boundaries,” says Matt.

The Taupō property features the pinnacle range of Clipsal Solis T-Series, which combines the old-school feel of robust toggles with thin, flush covers in a range of premium finishes. As you enter, Solis T Series in Ebony Aluminium with contrasting dimmers and toggles in Brushed Brass makes a luxurious statement against the dark wood walls of the hallway and the concrete panelling in the living area. Ebony Aluminium is a striking contrast to the white walls of the kitchen, with built-in USB Fast Chargers adding convenience to switches by the bench. Brushed Brass switches blend seamlessly into the end of the nearby banquette and echo the opulence of the velvet seating.

Upstairs, Ebony Aluminium complements the dark styling of the master bedroom, while the second and third bedrooms have switch plates in the satiny White Ceramic with discreet LED indicators to blend into the lighter walls. The toggles and plate finishes can be mixed and matched for a customised look and Matt says this gave their interior designer plenty of scope. “We mixed the different variations of the light switches to match all the different textures that we have on the walls.”

With each switch plate a work of art in its own right, Clipsal Solis elevates an everyday element into something that’s not only beautiful to look at, but also a sensory design experience. “The Solis switches speak volumes to that higher-end style of the home,” says Matt. “Our interior designer has used it to bring that ‘bougie’ sort of feel.”

The Clipsal Solis Collection also links easily with the Clipsal Wiser smart home system in the house, which controls lighting, blinds, TV and audio, and even the EV charger via an app on the couple’s smart devices. “Everyone who comes through the door talks about these light switches,” enthuses Matt. “They're just so innovative. We've literally had customers say: ‘Now that we’ve seen it, we can't unsee it’ and they have to have them in their home.”