HOMES
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ith its striking combination of cladding materials and distinctive gables, its charming garden and convivial letterbox, Tonio and Laetitia Phaal’s home is commanding, inviting and full of personality. After the Canterbury Earthquakes left their home severely damaged, Laetitia and Tonio made the decision to take what they loved of their original home, to move and then rebuild. As Tonio explains, ‘we loved what the designer had achieved with the previous home; so we asked him to draw up the plans’. The couple also knew that they wanted to build with Premium Homes. As the owner of OPENZ Automatic Gates and Doors, Tonio had worked with Managing Director, Kelly Wood, and knew of the company’s abiding commitment to involving clients throughout the process and doing right by them. As Kelly explains, ‘whilst we weren’t involved directly with the design, we were able to hold the couple’s hands throughout the process – looking over the plans and commenting as we saw it’. Which is something Tonio and Laetitia appreciated. ‘We were able to take the plans to the builder and get their take on it, and then they
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would talk with the designer to clarify things or talk through different options.’ For the couple, ‘getting input from a builder we trusted was a real plus. We felt comfortable talking with Premium Homes and our designer about what we wanted. Communication all-round was excellent.’ The result is a stunning 250-square-metre home comprising a large kitchen with walk-in pantry, generous living spaces, four bedrooms, a separate office and two bathrooms. From the street, white plaster meets rusticated cedar panels, which have been stained black. The categorical crispness of its dual cladding makes for a striking exterior. As Operations Manager, Paul Hardy, remarks, ‘the combination is spot on’. Meanwhile, a multi-peaked roofline, cuts a fine figure against a clear Canterbury sky. As Tonio explains, ‘in the subdivision you had to have a gabled roof. So we thought, “let’s have lots of gables!”’ – making this a home that fits in, yet stands out. ‘The roof is outstanding’, he remarks. In the foreground, a cheery red letterbox speaks of the couple’s sense of fun, while creamy camellias and roses soften the overall effect, reflecting the love and assiduous care that has gone into creating this special home. ‘The garden
LIVING The home has been lovingly crafted for relaxation and repose, as well as for entertaining – and, when the grandchildren come to visit, for play!