Retro Charm

RETRO CHARM

‍

Sustainability

Sustainability was a large focus with this home.  The house is built on a long narrow site.  Passive solar gains are achieved with the orientation being north and the long east-west axis accommodating living areas, kitchen, laundry and all 3 x bedrooms.  Polystyrene under the slab and extensive tiling to the floors creates a thermal heat sink to the living area.  140mm timber framing to all walls of the house allowed R4.0 insulation to be installed.  R5.0 has been installed in the ceilings and R3.2 to the skillion roofs.  Thermally broken Argon gas filled tinted double glazing has been installed.  James Hardie RAB board was installed to all external walls keeps the home air tight and dry and was used as the bracing of the home.  16x Photovoltaic panels are positioned on the garage roof providing 4.6-5 kw to supply power for the heat pump which heats the econergy H.W.C, appliances and heatpump air conditioning.  The home is largely maintenance free with Brick and Hinuera Stone sourced 10km away from a local quarry.  Filtered water to the entire home, black out blinds to the skylights, LED lighting and 100% wool carpet complete this very comfortable home.

‍

About the Home

The section remained unbuilt for 30 years so the design and claddings had to be sympathetic to the surrounding houses.  The brief was “sustainable and Lock & Leave”.  Perched on a rise the home has presence and intrigue.  The design is contemporary cubes and gables.  Cubes are clad in 1970’s retro style 3 size natural split Hinuera Stone with the gables and backgrounds clad in a dark brown brick.  The earth tones of the claddings tie in nicely with the ribbed roof and architectural series joinery.

The interior has the “ wow” factor with large living spaces.  These are separated by large frosted glass sliding doors.  Exposed trusses and low ceilings add variance and balance and clever use of ceiling claddings and detailing add interest.  An inviting foyer with a high ceiling again lined with bandsawn varying width boards welcomes you.  Extensive tiling and a large gourmet kitchen complement each other along with the riverstone granite tops.  Overheight interior doors with powdercoated hardware tie in with the interior décor.  An outdoor louvre roof and extensive decking connect well with the living areas and complete the picture of this fine home.

‍

Bathroom & Ensuite

This home features 1 x main bathroom and an ensuite to the Master Bedroom.  Extensive tiling using varying colours and sizes give an earthy feel which is in keeping with the other colourways of the home.  Level access showers and wide doorways have been installed.  Custom made vanities with Silestone tops and custom made mirror cabinets provide storage and give a larger sense of space.  A plinth ledge 1.200mm high features in both bathrooms, along with a bath in each.  Good LED lighting and ventilation have been installed.  NZ made tapware has been used and undertile heating and 2 heated towel rails in each complete the comforts to both spaces.

‍

Outdoor Living

The “Lock & Leave” brief has been strictly adhered to with varying width horizontal timber fencing to the 3 sides and powdercoated louvre screening and auto gates at the entrance.  The south side accommodates the coloured concrete driveway with exposed aggregate banding and LED lighting set in the concrete.  Extensive use of hardwood decking has been cleverly constructed running in different directions.  Hardwood also features in the raised garden pockets.  LED lighting set in the decks and gardens create a stunning light show of textures in the evenings.  The louvre portico and floating seating give comfort and connection to the indoor living spaces.  A fully secured spa pool enclosure has been constructed and a macrocarpa pergola cantilevered over the spa pool complete the clever use of the outdoor spaces.

‍

Kitchen

This kitchen forms a great partnership with the contemporary design of this fine home.  A striking island stone top with waterfall ends and a black sink and tap offer a very functional work station and connects the chef closely with the dining and living room spaces.  Overhead cupboards painted to look like aged rusted steel conceal the rangehood and other storage cupboards.  All tall cupboards have a nicely detailed handmade lacquered pelmet aligning accurately with the top of all the window and door architraves.  A mix of laminex panels for carcass cabinetry and drawer fronts and matching painted panels to the servery blend perfectly.  Add to this high quality kitchen Hettich soft close drawers and cupboards, powder coated handles and a large scullery with woodgrain laminate tops.  2x Dishwashers, 2x Fridges and 2 ovens cater for larger occasions.  Tiled splashbacks laid in a herringbone pattern give strength and texture.