Description:

Abel Estate is a vineyard venue in Kumeū, Auckland, known for its historic farmhouse and expansive rural outlook. While the setting had strong visual appeal, the internal spaces were disconnected, underwhelming, and difficult to use. The main event hall lacked natural light, was dominated by a central bathroom block, and failed to take advantage of views to the surrounding lake and landscape.

The opportunity was to rework the venue from within—retaining the existing building and delivering a spatial upgrade that improved flow, light, and usability. The project was completed within a tightly managed three-month window, beginning immediately after the final wedding of the season and finishing in time for the next.

Key moves included reorienting guest arrival via a new covered deck, relocating the bathrooms to the rear, and introducing a new onyx-clad bar that frames sightlines to the lake. A new structural system replaced all internal walls, creating a generous, open-plan hall with clear views and improved acoustics. Material selections are modest and tactile—rough-sawn timber, exposed steel, and glowing onyx combine to create a sense of understated refinement.

A new lakeside pavilion extends the venue’s capacity for outdoor ceremonies. Since reopening, the venue has seen a marked increase in bookings and a rise in average wedding spend—evidence that the investment in spatial clarity and guest experience is paying dividends.

This is a practical, design-led reworking of a well-used space, delivered with care and purpose, and resulting in venue with exceptional qualities.