Whareroa

Nuralite Waterproofing
4 hours ago
2 min read

Product used: Nuraply 3PM, Nuratherm PIR System, Nuraply 3PG

Situation

Nestled into native bush at the south-western edge of Lake Taupō, Whareroa was conceived as a private retreat for a busy family. The home also needed to be a place that felt calm, connected to its surroundings, and easy to live in. The brief called for a home that delivered warmth, comfort and durability, while also functioning as an inviting hub for family time and entertaining.

A defining element of the design was a living green roof. Visible from a neighbouring bush track, it was carefully considered to extend the natural landscape across the building, allowing the home to sit lightly within its environment and strengthen its connection to the site.

Challenge

Incorporating a living roof brought a range of structural and technical challenges. Managing weight was a priority, which meant keeping soil depths minimal and selecting a lightweight system. Large-span timber beams had to be showcased inside the home while still being integrated into the roof structure. The site’s remote location added another layer of complexity, demanding precise roof falls and durable drainage to minimise ongoing maintenance. Custom light stalks penetrating the roof also required careful detailing to ensure the roof remained fully watertight over time.

Solution

Nuralite’s Warm Roof System provided the high-performance backbone the green roof required. A continuous Nuraply 3PM membrane waterproofed both the roof and the custom light stalks, while Nuratherm PIR insulation ensured uninterrupted thermal protection and long-term durability. The roof was then finished with Nuraply 3PG, creating a resilient base for a low-maintenance native planting scheme. Roof edges were carefully detailed, with the membrane wrapped over a shallow parapet and capped with aluminium fascias, delivering a clean, durable, and fully watertight finish.

Thanks to close collaboration between Nuralite, Bossley Architects, and the engineer, the roof delivers structural efficiency, reliable thermal performance, and a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, creating a lakeside retreat that is visually striking, durable, and easy to maintain.

10th February 2026