HOMES
ELEVATED ELEGANCE Built as both show home and family home, this brand new John Ross Architectural Builders’ hillside creation combines comfort, quality and stunning good looks. WO R DS K ATH Y C AT TO N
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s the saying goes, ‘you’ll never regret buying quality’ and for Jack and Tash Kelleher, that was precisely the plan for their home, combining high-end products with a focus on practical, liveable spaces. Embarking on the design and construction, John (known as Jack), director of John Ross Architectural Builders, drew on over 15 years’ building experience to create the ultimate show home for the company as well as a comfortable and elegant haven for his family. Inspired by Waiheke Island holiday homes, Jack and Tash were keen to create a relaxed bach-like space, where they could unwind and enjoy the spectacular views afforded by the elevated Sumner site. “We love the adventurous, architectural styles of some of the baches on Waiheke Island,” says Jack. “We wanted to replicate that – pushing
P H OTOG R AP H Y SA R A H ROWL A N DS
the boundaries, without making it too fussy or precious. It was a huge focus for us to make the home feel liveable.” The result is a stunning 275 sqm beach house with a large open plan living and dining space, four bedrooms and natural, easy flow throughout. The exterior is clad entirely in charred (shou suji ban) timber. The technique originates in Japan and creates a unique black finish seldom seen in New Zealand. The charred timber requires little or no maintenance over time, maintaining its sleek good looks for many years. A major stakeholder and partner in the creation of the home, Tash is delighted with the look and feel they were able to achieve. “I’m so pleased with the result. The layout works perfectly; I feel like I’m on holiday every time I come home!”
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