Spatially the house flows internally between entry and circulation spaces, living, sleeping and outdoor zones.
One key feature of the home is the use of timber exterior windows and doors. Constructed from a mixture of cedar and Pacific rimu by joiner Tony Hammond, they add subtle pops of colour within the black Spanlok metal cladding. “Timber windows provide a much higher insulation value than aluminium windows. We were excited to use timber as their cost often sees them cut from our client specifications. They have really helped tie all of the natural elements of the house together and our home would look very different without them.” They also harmonise with the cedar screens on the gable ends as well as the cedar front door, featuring a solid bronze handle. The bricks, which have been bagged and painted white, are a custom-made longer and thinner brick from Canterbury Clay. “We love how the bagged brick softens the metal cladding of the house.” Throughout the house aged brass fittings have been used including tapware, hardware and detailing, and all the cabinetry is dark veneered oak. The main living areas are to the east and the west of the house. Donna says the harshness of the sun was carefully considered so that summer sun streaming into the house is minimised, but winter sun still comes through. Outdoor living is connected closely to the kitchen. The tiled outdoor living space includes dining, barbecue and lounge areas, also with a fire, pizza oven and pool with decking. Inside the kitchen features a granite bench and splashback, and a stainless steel back bench. A mix of induction and gas ovens plus a butler’s pantry behind the main kitchen add to its versatility. Full-height, floor-to-ceiling internal doors help create a sense of space. Above: Clockwise - Outdoor living; the exterior courtyard with built-in pizza oven
Celebrating family life in the open living/dining/kitchen area is balanced by retreat zones for parents and children. Oak timber floor flows throughout most of the house with the bedrooms and lounge carpeted. Privacy and division from the business office and workshop was key with the design, adds Donna. “We minimised the windows on the south to increase privacy and kept them more open on the north where the views are of sheep and the goings-on of a small lifestyle block. A wall at the front door screens out any people coming on to the property. “We wanted the house to be a retreat from the world,” she adds. “A gate between the brick walls at the entrance is yet to be installed but will further enclose the house.” 51