Abode - Issue 71 - July/August 2024

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JULY/AUGUST 2024

RRP $10.50

The colour issue Bright ideas for adding a pop of personality

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN The sleek new build with lakeside views

CHILL OUT Tranquil bathroom blues and greens

INSIDE INFORMATION Q&A with interior designers 105

CREATING TOMORROW’S SPACES TODAY.

108

GetPlastered

PLAN I DESIGN I MANAGE I BUILD

djhewitt.co.nz

Editor’s Note M

y guilty pleasure is watching home makeover shows on TV. Give me a bit of spare time, and I’ll find a house flipper in over their head or a talented designer coming to the rescue of a couple at loggerheads.

It’s intriguing to get a peek into the decision-making process: the good bones that need to be highlighted, the dreadful indoor-outdoor flow or the lack of natural light that needs to be addressed.

My second-favourite part of every show is when they bring out the mood board.

The pain and shock of demolition is over, the dust has literally settled, and the task of creating a better and brighter place can begin.

A smorgasbord of samples is laid out on a trestle table, with patterned tiles, floorboards, fabrics, hardware and paint. Oh, the paint! How fun to brush a few squares of wild colours on a wall and stand back to ponder the perfect one.

But my absolute favourite part of every show is the reveal, of course. I love the wonder and delight as the lucky homeowners take it all in, and the very satisfying before-and-afters. How do they nail it every single time?

This kind of inspiration is exactly what this issue of abode aims to provide. In our colour issue, we’ve asked for advice from some design experts, rounded up a few of the coolest colourful products and, as always, we have a brilliant selection of homes for you to take a good look at.

As a special treat, here’s even more colourful eye candy – a few shots that we couldn’t fit into our features but that were just too good not to share.

Cassie Doherty EDITOR cassie@27publishers.co.nz

PUBLISHER

Twenty Seven Publishers Ltd lisa@27publishers.co.nz EDITOR

Cassie Doherty cassie@27publishers.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Rachel Lowrey designer@27publishers.co.nz DEPUTY EDITOR

Kathy Catton kathy@27publishers.co.nz A bubblegum pink bedroom that’s just as much of a delight as the rest of the Christchurch home that was transformed by Armstrong Interiors, on page 34.

abodemagazine.co.nz

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A masterclass in using eclectic colours in a sophisticated way. Read about this Kāpiti Coast bach decorated by Vanessa Webb of Dress My Nest on page 28.

@abodemagazineNZ

Can it get any better than bold art in a moody bathroom? This new build by CCL Builders on page 64 is the result of a long-time friendship.

@abode_magazine

abode is published bi-monthly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein.

The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. abode asserts copyright on all material published within abode and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. abode reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication. For all enquiries, please email hello@27publishers.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER AND SALES

Caroline Martin caroline@27publishers.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS

Sven Alberding, Robyn Alexander, Rachael Cone, Greg Cox, Tina Duncan, Stephen Entwisle, Charlie Rose Jackson, Simon Larkin, Cam McBride, Paul McCredie, Dean McGuigan, Tony Milne, Hazel Redmond, Sarah Rowlands, Mick Stephenson, Shelley Sweeney, Visual Spaces Photography PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch ISSN 2703-3279 (Print) ISSN 2703-4445 (Online)

spaces inspired by your story We design living spaces that are beautiful, inspirational, and suit the way that you and your family like to live. From end-to-end interior design to helping you find that one perfect piece, Nextdore helps you create a space that reflects your unique style.

Showroom at 102 Montreal Street Sydenham nextdore.co.nz

Contents FE ATU RE S 14

A G R OW I N G B U S I N E S S The go-to for garden maintenance

16

A N E W C H A P TE R An architectural gem could be yours

18

CO LO U R E D IT Deeply deco, golden retreat and ice and stone

26

COLOUR POP SPECIAL FE ATURE : SPARK A LITTLE JOY 27 CO LO U R ACC E NT S Easy ways to add new hues 2 8 PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES A Kāpiti Coast bach transformation 29 E ARTHY TONES A stunning new range of bricks

NO.1 BAYLEYS CANTERBURY RESIDENTIAL 7 YEARS RUNNING

30 EVOKING NATURE For a serene bathroom sanctuary 31 IN LIVING COLOUR Showcasing two colourful projects 32 ALL SET Finish your walls with a touch of luxury

BAYLEYS NATIONAL AUCTION AWARD WINNER OVER $700,000,000 OF PROPERTY SOLD

P 03 375 4710 M 027 327 7298 W ahteam.co.nz 4

33 SHIFTING SANDS A surprising material for cool basins

48

34 A VIBR ANT LIFE ˉ A sophisticated update in Otautahi

HOME S 38

PE AK PERFORMANCE Showing the possibilities in energy-efficiency

48

OV E R TH E TO P An inventive design for a secondary dwelling

54

A F I N E LI N E In harmony with the views at Lake Hāwea

64

I N A C L A S S O F I T S OW N An A+ result for these former schoolmates

72

A P E R F E C T CO M B I N ATI O N Inside an interior designer’s own home

82

B AC K TO TH E F U T U R E Reliving the past and making new memories

90

BRIGHT IDE A S Traditional and turquoise in Mallorca, Spain

54

COLU MNS 10

R O U G H M I LN E M I TC H E LL A layered landscape

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TOTA L R E A LT Y The rules of attraction

104

G O LD E N H O M E S Safe havens

LIFE S T YLE 96

TH E G O O D LI F E

102

FOOD Brussels Sprouts Soup with Bacon and Egg

REG U L AR S 2

E D I TO R ’ S N OTE

6

TH E H O M E PAG E

8

S U B S C R I B E TO abode

22

INSPIRING FINDS

99

S H O P W I N D OW

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JULY/AUGUST 2024

RRP $10.50

JULY/AUGUST 2024

The colour issue Bright ideas for adding a pop of personality

ISSUE 71

28

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN The sleek new build with lakeside views

CHILL OUT Tranquil bathroom blues and greens

INSIDE INFORMATION Q&A with interior designers

ON THE COVER ˉ An Otautahi townhouse was transformed

by Armstrong Interiors, creating perfect spaces for a vibrant young family.

Photography: Hazel Redmond

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The Home Page Find us

Social comments, musings, questions and requests from our readers C H OT CH O C A chocolate pudding was bound to get a lot of likes online. This issue wraps up our recipe extracts from Plated by Tina Duncan with a warming, nutritious soup on page 102.

Keep an eye out for an exciting new series of recipes from our next edition, and be sure to follow abode on Facebook and Instagram, for more recipe ideas.

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

B HOT S P OT This Jack’s Point stunner by Ben Hudson Architects and Ferguson Builders was one of our most popular homes on Instagram.

It’s the perfect design for the art-loving homeowners who are keen entertainers and the life and soul of every party. “What a beautiful property,” observed one follower, and so many of you agree.

B SMA L L BEAUTIES Every issue of abode brings you Inspiring Finds, The Good Life and more visual delights. Our styled photo shoot last issue celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Marimekko’s Unikko flower pattern with pieces from Bolt of Cloth. Subscribe online or on page 8, so you’ll never miss a detail.

B I N TO U CH We were thrilled to tell the story of Steven Chambers of Stufken + Chambers Architects in his own family home. It’s a sensory sensation of textures, scents and colours. For more inspiration to get a little daring with your design, check out our Colour Pop special feature from page 26.

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D B E ACH Y K E E N There were a lot of likes for this beachside getaway by Gary Todd Architecture in Dunedin’s dunes. We have more holiday homes in this issue, including a new build on the shores of Lake Hāwea by MJWarchitecture that works in harmony with the beautiful views.

Take it all in on page 54.

Independently Brilliant As an established independent direct importer Brymac Tiles has a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to draw on. We offer extensive ranges of porcelain stoneware and specialised tiling consumables. For quality materials and immaculate installation, you can count on Brymac Tiles.

Visit our showroom

42 Durham Street . Christchurch . Ph 03 366 8187

brymactiles.co.nz

One lucky abode subscriber will win a Carafe Set from Monmouth Glass valued at $540!

Subscribe to win!

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reat yourself or a friend to a year of abode (six issues) for only $57 and you’ll never miss a detail. Every bi-monthly issue of abode features outstanding architecture, interiors, styling and advice from experts around Aotearoa.

Subscribe before the end of August 2024 and you could be the lucky winner of a Carafe Set from Monmouth Glass.

The elegant glass carafe in transparent orange by Monmouth Glass looks stunning on any table, and is perfect for sparkling water or decanting a special bottle of wine. It is matched with four flared cups in orange, tangerine, yellow and scarlet, making a colourful set that is sure to impress.

Monmouth Glass specialises in hand-made blown-glass lighting and vessels for the home.

Every piece is made using traditional glass-blowing techniques, creating refined, high-quality items that stand the test of time.

Building more than just homes.

Building Perfection.

Only one chance to win so go to abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe or scan this QR code.

Your home, our commitment.

0508 442 556 info@hallmarkhomes.co.nz

hallmarkhomes.co.nz 8

TERMS & CONDITIONS This subscription offer is valid for subscriptions delivered within New Zealand.

For international subscription rates visit abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe or email subscribe@abodemagazine.co.nz. Please allow up to eight weeks for delivery of your first magazine. Visit abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe for further information.

Experience design freedom

Transform your home with REVEGO from Blum. The

brand-new product offers versatility and convenience by creating flexible living spaces that adapt to your needs.

Visit Blum’s Auckland or Christchurch showroom to

discover the award-winning pocket system firsthand.

It’s sure to spark inspiration for your next project. www.blum.com/revego

A LAYERED LANDSCAPE Don’t it always seem to go, muses Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell.

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I TON Y M ILN E

Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

write this while sitting at the bar of Curly Lewis. A niche craft beer bar overlooking the parade of Bondi. A panoply of the fit, active, sculptured and those wanting to be noticed. The bar staff are mostly Kiwi and Irish, attentive, inquisitive and seemingly interested in what I am doing.

Much younger, too.

I thought I’d write about gobi blocks, I say. A small concrete paver that I have adored and courted for years. Libated by a Salty Mermaid Gose, I explain a gobi is a paver with voids, best imagined like an egg carton, that allows the earth beneath to breathe. Voids that can be filled with gravel or soil from which grass or a groundcover can grow.

They are trafficable, but not so good in heels, I’ve been told. Importantly, they provide a permeable surface, allowing rainfall to filtrate. A substitute for concrete and asphalt and, I propose, one option that should be more frequently used for the health of our urban environment.

Surprisingly the attention of my audience remains, or at least feigned, so I continue.

Albeit somewhat tangentially.

The morning of the beer at Curly’s I had run the coastal walk that connects the necklace of eastern beaches between Bondi and Coogee. A mix of concrete path and cantilevered boardwalk, you navigate around and over mammoth plinths of Hawkesbury sandstone. Stone that was thrust, bent and folded some 300 million years ago and further etched, eroded and sculpted by the relentless rolling of the Tasman Sea. Nooks, crannies and indentations are all places where plants cling in hope. A landform with an impressive biophysical narrative, but also a landscape of many layers, I posture, often hidden though.

My audience nods. I continue.

I ruminated as I ran that morning.

Reflecting on a presentation titled “Embedding truth-telling in city design” at a recent conference I’d attended. Jason Eades, Director of Aboriginal Melbourne from the City of Melbourne, eloquently and forcefully spoke about the neglect of the First Nations people as Melbourne was built.

He cited an abhorrent example of cultural desecration. A concrete car park at the Victoria markets is the site of an aboriginal cemetery, first ploughed and then paved for the car park. Some 9000 graves lie below the concrete. A restorative park is planned, and with the removal of the concrete and through genuine collaboration, a cultural layer that should never have been buried will be revealed.

The bar staff listen as I venture that environmental health and culture are inextricably linked. Further, I suggest, Joni Mitchell recognised and sang about this 50 years ago, dismayed upon waking in Hawaii, drawing the curtains and gazing out over a parking lot. Paradise lost. An anthem ahead of its time, or not, the rest of us are only now realising. The bar staff google Joni Mitchell.

I should have said The Corrs.

A gobi block is a tiny piece of the puzzle, possibly irrelevant, but nevertheless a conversation starter. rmmla.co.nz

Lifestyle. By Design.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN STUDIO. INTERIOR DESIGN. FURNITURE. CURTAINS. WALLPAPER. NEW HOMES. RENOVATIONS.

Design Studio – 1/3 Birmingham Drive, Middleton, Christchurch | armstronginteriors.co.nz

THE RULES OF ATTRACTION

W

hen selling a home in a slower market, home staging and photography are both crucial elements.

Not only do they work hand in hand in helping create a visually appealing and welcoming space to gain the attention of potential buyers, but they also allow those buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

A well-staged home will highlight its best features and its functionality. This often involves decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding decorative elements to create a more inviting atmosphere. The end goal is to set a positive first impression and ultimately achieve a quicker and more favourable sale for the seller.

Statistically, staged homes sell faster and at a higher price point than those that are not staged.

In a market such as we are in now, being seen above all the other homes is the challenge every seller faces. Good photography is an essential tool in selling a home. High-quality photos will showcase the property in its best light and make it stand out online. Professional photography captures the essence of the house, highlighting its key features and creating a virtual tour that entices buyers to view the home in person.

Potential buyers often make swift judgements based on online listings.

We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to present a home in the best possible way. By investing in home staging and professional photography, sellers dramatically increase their chances of attracting more buyers and achieving higher offers.

Overall, home staging and photography are highly valuable tools that help sellers make a lasting impression and stand out in this crowded market. By showcasing a home in the best possible light, sellers can increase their chances of a successful sale and maximise their return on investment.

At Total Realty we have the most soughtafter photographers and home stagers available to assist you from day one. With our competitive pricing, sellers can afford to utilise the expertise of these professionals and yield an even better result on their house sale as a result. With our Total marketing package and total fee of 1.5 per cent plus $550, you are sure to come out with a smile on your face.

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything, says Rachael Cone of Total Realty.

RACHA E L CON E 12

Managing Director of Total Realty

totalrealty.co.nz

Experience the difference.

Come home to comfort every time.

Experience the future of home building with Jennian Homes, where sustainability meets unmatched quality. With over 40 years of expertise, we redefine living, with a focus on building warm, dry, energy-efficient homes. Count on us as industry leaders to craft your cosy dream home today, meticulously designed to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Jennian Homes Canterbury 212 Main South Road, Sockburn P 03 741 1436 E canterbury@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz 13

A GROWING BUSINESS Here’s why Garden & Tree Men is the go-to garden maintenance and arborist company in Otautahi Christchurch.

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arden & Tree Men has developed a unique offering in this space. Most arborist companies don’t offer garden services, and most garden service companies don’t typically offer arborist services.

With a team that includes qualified arborists and a horticulturist, whether big or small trees or fruit trees, Garden & Tree Men’s certified arborists can provide comprehensive care, including health assessments and disease control, to preserve their vitality. The company’s tree surgeons are trained to perform pruning, tree removal and stump grinding with minimal disruption to property while also reducing noise and impact on the climate.

At the heart of Garden & Tree Men is a family. Founded by brothers Henry, Leo and Calvin Norcross, this is a truly familyowned business committed to delivering

professional, friendly and reliable service.

Henry, Leo and Calvin have a keen eye for detail when it comes to the care and maintenance of trees and gardens to ensure their beauty, health and longevity.

Whether homeowners need more sunlight, wish to restore their views, have concerns about safety or want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their property, Garden & Tree Men can always provide tailored solutions. Of course there’s also a wider range of services available, including garden maintenance, hedge trimming, lawn mowing, green waste collection and outdoor cleaning.

Experience the difference with a professional and dedicated team, committed to making Christchurch’s gardens and trees flourish. gardenandtrees.co.nz

The experts in construction finance After years of helping hundreds of builders and developers, it was time to formalise a division of NZ Mortgages to specialise solely in construction finance.

Arranging finance for builders and developers is not as straightforward as organising finance for a regular homebuyer. But over the years, NZ Mortgages has built a lot of expertise in this area, helping builders and developers organise finance for spec builds, small to medium/large developments, land developments or subdivisions. We’ve done all sorts of different types of applications and just over the last 90 days, for instance, we’ve helped developers right across the country secure the best financial solution.

The finance for developers and builders must be tailored to suit the applicant’s needs. It needs to suit their cashflow and different projects have different requirements, which can complicates things further. With access to over 25 specialist lenders in the construction division, we know we can find the solution that will work for each project.

We’re very grateful for the trust and support in this area of finance thus far, and we look forward to helping you navigate your construction finance needs.

Contact us today: www.constructionloans.co.nz

0800 100 300

A NEW CHAPTER An architecturally designed Christchurch home with contemporary elegance is now on the market with Harcourts Holmwood.

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estled beside Wairarapa Stream, the Idris Residence in Fendalton, ˉ Otautahi, is a gem of modern architecture. With its cathedral ceilings, spacious design and infinity swimming pool, this property is the ultimate in luxurious living.

Now available on the market with Cindy-Lee Sinclair of Harcourts Holmwood, the house was designed by award-winning architects Sheppard & Rout.

Plenty of thought went into perfecting the concept, says Sheppard & Rout director Tim Dagg. “The original design for the house was for a single-level, three-bedroom house with two simple gable forms and a flat roof between. The site was sold with those consented plans, and the current owners approached us to amend the design to include two more bedrooms, a media room and a swimming pool. So we came up with this current design.”

In a high-end location, it was essential to create a house that was appropriate to the site, says Tim. It doesn’t dominate the site; it’s private and secluded, and has a timeless feel.

“Material selection was for low maintenance, hence the white bricks from Canterbury Clay Bricks,” he says. “The white form was balanced with the dark aluminium joinery and louvres to create a cohesive palette of materials. Light-stained cedar was used on the garage, entry and street fencing to provide a warm balance to the black and white house form.”

For Tim, the standout of the house is the entertaining area: the kitchen, dining and living spaces with high ceilings, opening out to the terrace and pool.

The current owners have enjoyed living here: “It’s peaceful and warm, and surprisingly quiet,” they say. “We love having the gym and sauna. The location is fantastic for the kids to get to school, and it’s close to Merivale Mall and lots of bars and restaurants in Elmwood, Fendalton and Merivale. We feel very safe in the house, and it’s really spacious.”

They loved it so much that they are, in fact, working with Sheppard & Rout on their next build.

Cindy-Lee of Harcourts notes many key features of the Idris Residence that will appeal. The sense of grandeur from those soaring ceilings, a stunning kitchen with an enormous scullery and every amenity, and the easy flow to the outdoor areas and the pool. There are plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms for the whole family and a large, functional main suite with a study space and a walk-in wardrobe.

Every aspect of modern living has been considered by the architects in this exceptionally crafted home. To see it for yourself, get in touch with Cindy-Lee, by appointment only.

0274 888 616 | harcourts.net/L28876909

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Colour Edit abode stylists curate these colourful styles for a brilliant, eye-catching home.

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLIE ROSE JACKSON STYLING AND WORDS SHELLEY SWEENEY

Styling tip When using metallic paint, a spray application will give a smoother finish than a roller or brush.

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Deeply deco The relaxed luxury of the Avalon Armchair from One World Collection pops against an art deco-inspired design in Resene Metallic Gold and the deep-sea blue wall in Resene Ocean Waves.

Dark colours make living spaces cosy. The inky shade of Resene Ocean Waves combined with the decadence of Resene Metallic Gold and pops of white creates a luxurious drama.

The white piping of the Avalon Armchair connects with the palm tree lamp and ginger jar, while the gold of the ginger jar aligns with the brass side table and golden fish ornament. Blue in the chair, rug and glass candle jar complete the rule of three, which combines three pieces in each colour for symmetry and cohesion.

CLASSIC COMFORT The gracious silhouette of the Avalon

Armchair is the ultimate balance between classic and contemporary and works harmoniously with a range of decor styles.

NATURAL LIGHT Palm tree-inspired decor is often seen in art deco interiors. Here, this white powder-coated palm lamp echoes the relaxed luxury of the chair, adding colour and texture to the look.

BRIGHT SIDE The Palladium Side Table is a fresh, minimal design. It features an iron frame with a brass finish and two-tier glass that shines against the deep blue wall in Resene Ocean Waves.

CURATED ACCESSORIES Serving as a small vignette of the

larger blue, gold and white features in the look, these side table pieces would all be equally at home in a contemporary coastal scheme, bringing balance to the space.

CONTEMPORARY LINES This soft, textural, hand-woven wool

rug features a Hamptons-inspired pattern in blue and white.

Resene Ocean Waves

Resene Metallic Gold

Avalon Armchair Navy; Azalea Floor Lamp; Palladium Glass and Brass Side Table; Jenny Ivory Blue Rug; Ginger Jar; Gold Fish; Candle in Navy Blue Glass Jar oneworldcollection.co.nz; Resene Ocean Waves and Resene Metallic Gold resene.co.nz/colorshops

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Golden retreat The textural warmth of the Flight Lounger and Flight Ottoman from nood is complemented by the deep orange of the wall in Resene Kombucha, lines in Resene Liquid Gold and background in Resene Tequila.

This textural, modular look would be completely at home in a mid-century sunken lounge but is equally at ease in a contemporary setting. Textural soft furnishings from nood in natural shades stand out from the mix of Resene Kombucha, Resene Liquid Gold and Resene Tequila.

Styling tip Natural colours don’t need to be tonal to match. Add interest to your natural colour scheme by pairing opposites like burnt orange and dark olive green.

Resene Kombucha

Resene Liquid Gold

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Flight Lounger Burnt Orange; Flight Ottoman Burnt Orange; Maddox Shag Rug Olive; Hudson Velvet Cushion Lichen; Marsha Cushion Rust; Sheepskin Mink; Marley Check Throw Moss nood.co.nz; Resene Kombucha; Resene Liquid Gold and Resene Tequila resene.co.nz/colorshops

Resene Tequila

Ice and stone The beautiful Artax Onyx Aqua Blue feature tile from DesignaStyle casts a water-like reflection on the wall in Resene Time Traveller and the floor in Resene Duck Egg Blue.

The Artax Onyx Aqua Blue tile has an ice-like quality, lending itself well to bathrooms or kitchens with muted blue, white or ochre colour schemes. The blue-green of the succulent plant in the glass vase brings an element of texture to this tonal look.

Styling tip Multi-coloured feature tiles pair well with lighter or darker tones of the main tile colour. Here, the muted blues of Resene Time Traveller and Resene Duck Egg Blue bring out the light and dark shades within the large tile.

Resene Time Traveller

Artax Onyx Aqua Blue; Soho Steel; Coast Onda Naval Matt Textured; Winckelman Cognac designastyle.co.nz; Resene Time Traveller and Resene Duck Egg Blue resene.co.nz/colorshops

Resene Duck Egg Blue 21

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Pistachio Polkadot Fruit Bowl kipandco.com.au

Dotty Clock in Java inscribedesign.co.nz

Pomponette Bubble Vase

by Maison Balzac paperplanestore.com

Polkadot Peachy Pillowcase kipandco.com.au

Dalmation Spots Wallpaper theinside.co.nz

SPOT ON Join the dots with homeware that’s sure to turn up the fun factor.

Heart Trinket Box nottinghillinteriors.co.nz

Black Dots Jug by Caroline Gardner alliuminteriors.co.nz

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Isot Kivet Rug by Marimekko alliuminteriors.co.nz

Eames Hang It All Multicoloured matisse.co.nz

Taper Candle Set in Peach Pink

by Broste Copenhagen smithandcaugheys.co.nz

Posy Pink Mangowood Cake Stand earlysettler.co.nz

Caramel Horizon Canvas Wall Art briscoes.co.nz

JUST PEACHY Metal Tray Table shutthefrontdoor.co.nz

Get the warm fuzzies with soft, delicious shades of apricot, champagne and nectar.

Peachy Keen Vase formantics.co.nz

T Vase ligne.nz Mango Mini Chair bauhaus.co.nz Winton Throw in Coral nottinghillinteriors.co.nz

Byron Sofa in Chambray Rust mood.nz

Just Home Flinders Peach Round Placemat briscoes.co.nz

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Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Deep Dusk Velvet Cushion threaddesign.co.nz

Reve de Papier Jais Cushion

by Christian Lacroix alliuminteriors.co.nz

Vida Cushion in Manuka achomestore.co.nz

COMFORT ZONE Civic Cushion Cover cittadesign.com

Basilio Embroidered Cushion

by Sage x Clare shutthefrontdoor.co.nz

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Cosy, colourful, patterned and textured: cushions are the easiest way to instantly switch up your decor.

Sabel Cushion in Plum mmlinen.com

Giovanni Cushion in Cocoa weavehome.co.nz

Bee Garden Cushion Cover wallacecotton.co.nz

03 347 7356 office@nathancookbuilders.co.nz

nathancookbuilders.co.nz

TIMELESS BEAUT Y RESTORED. ARCHITECTURAL HOMES | NEW BUILDS | INVESTMENT BUILDS | RENOVATIONS FARM BUILDINGS | LIGHT COMMERCIAL | OUTDOOR LIVING: DECKS, FENCES & LANDSCAPING

The team at Nathan Cook Builders’ expertise ranges from building extraordinary new homes and renovations through to creating outstanding outdoor spaces to enhance your home. Whether it is a new architectural build or an alteration, they tackle all types of projects. Your trusted local builders, servicing our community with exceptional workmanship since 2002.

COLOUR POP From soothing hues to bold tones, our colourful special feature offers inspiration and advice for sparking a little joy.

COLOUR POP

Get all the insights on this Kāpiti Coast bach refresh in a Q&A with the designer on page 28.

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CThese hand-block printed, linen cushion covers from French Country Collections are inspired by the rich, earthy tones of nature.

The heritage-style designs in soft tones of greens and browns add a touch of rustic charm to any space. frenchcountry.co.nz

BThe Luke Jacomb Studio signature Deflated Pendant is a highly crafted lighting piece that blurs the line between art and design. Each pendant is individually crafted and hand blown with a unique fusion of contemporary and retro style. Pictured in Apricot, the pendants are available in a vast range of colours from Eel Green to Cerise, Gold Topaz and Hyacinth. It also comes with a matching ceiling rose. lukejacombstudio.com

COLOUR ACCENTS Create focal points and draw the eye with touches of colour. Here are four easy ways to add some new hues and make your space more engaging.

BMake a strong statement with a black and cream themed interior.

Not only are these classic colours incredibly versatile, they’re chic, sophisticated and warm. Bring some of that understated elegance into your decor with the Kira Table Lamp in Walnut Cream. The scalloped design is a mid-century nod and as it’s made of linen and natural wood, it adds a beautiful texture as well.

winkdesign.co.nz

addyandlou.co.nz

COLOUR POP

BWink helps you to sleep better, and more stylishly. The fully customisable range of bedhead designs are easily selectable at the click of a few buttons online and are proudly handmade in New Zealand. The New Zealand wool padding means you can rest easy knowing your Wink bedhead is kind to the environment and isn’t releasing harmful emissions while you sleep. The fabulous choice of shapes, fabric and embellishments means customers can truly get something individual and custom made, and there is an interior designer always on hand to help out.

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PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES This Kāpiti Coast bach was once a vision in beige.

Vanessa Webb of Dress My Nest interior design studio talks us through the transformation.

What is this place?

This is a holiday home on Raumati Beach.

The brief was to create a retreat that gives my clients somewhere to relax and entertain with a sense of fun. It was very beige and dated - think beige shag pile carpet everywhere, with mushroom walls. My clients are very creative people who travel a lot, so we wanted to ensure that this home reflected their personalities.

What is the colour scheme?

We painted most of the walls white, added blonde timber floors throughout the home, and added white sheer curtains to filter the light and provide the privacy needed due to the beachfront location. We then added a ton of fun in the way of colour with their incredible art collection, as well as the furniture and soft furnishings.

Is that bedroom ceiling navy?

Yes! I love to think of the ceiling as the fifth wall. The master bedroom was vast with incredible views, but it is a long, narrow room with very high ceilings, which felt out of proportion. To bring the room into scale we painted the ceiling a deep navy, which my clients now say feels like looking up to the night sky.

How do you make it all work together?

Creating a sense of cohesion throughout a home is always top-of-mind when I’m designing. I love rooms to have a sense of personality, but as you move from room to room, they should all feel connected in some way. While we’ve used a lot of colour, we have repeated them sparingly throughout the home.

What else do you love about it?

I love that everything is custom made. Like me, these clients are passionate about New Zealand’s creative industry. Most of the furniture and furnishings in the home are one-of-a-kind and very special.

COLOUR POP

dressmynest.co.nz

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EARTHY TONES

Home of Bricks.

A stunning new range of bricks has arrived at The Brickery; fresh out of the kilns and direct from Italy.

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home with a brick exterior always exudes genuine warmth and durability. As a versatile option for building in New Zealand, today’s bricks are available in a wide range of formats, colours and textures, making them perfect for any contemporary architectural project.

An exciting new range of high-quality coloured bricks has recently arrived at The Brickery. The range is made exclusively for The Brickery by San Selmo in Italy, which has been manufacturing bricks for more than 100 years in a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.

The San Selmo range is so evocative of that European heritage and history of craftsmanship. These kiln-fired clay bricks boast a tactile surface inspired by recycled bricks, lending a distinctive finish, and the long and slim proportions add elegance.

With a palette of five colours ranging from pale hues and deep earthy colours to steely blue-greys, they’re a vital ingredient

to creating high-end modern, minimalist, traditional or rustic homes.

The Genoa colourway (shown in top image) is a deep cream and yellowed tan brick. Pisa (bottom left) features a sophisticated subtle grey smoked tone.

Praga is a blend of brown-red tones, rich and characterful and ideal for both urban and rural settings. Lucca is a rustic blended brick with a mid-tan base and surface colours that range from biscuit to deep earthy flecks.

And Verona is a soft greyed off-white, with a timeless and romantic aesthetic.

When it comes to colour, the experts at The Brickery say mortar matters. The mortar colour and texture can change the feeling dramatically, so it plays a crucial role in the appearance of your brick facade.

Paler mortar between darker bricks adds contrast, highlighting each brick’s shape, while matching the mortar to the brick softens the overall effect. As distributors with showrooms across the country, The Brickery can advise on everything from energy efficiency and sustainability to popular bond patterns, and offers an abundance of helpful technical and design information on its website.

Distributors of Austral & Monier Bricks.

100 Year Warranty.

thebrickery.co.nz

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Championing its products as sustainable options, The Brickery is proud to offer a 100-year warranty on its bricks. The colours of the San Selmo bricks are, top to bottom, Lucca, Praga, Verona, Genoa and Pisa.

thebrickery.co.nz 29

EVOKING NATURE Create a serene bathroom sanctuary with Oakleys Plumbing Supplies using hues of blues and greens.

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nvite relaxation and rejuvenation in a peaceful bathroom that takes its colour cues from nature.

The blue of the sky and oceans, and the greens of the New Zealand landscape are known for creating a feeling of calm. You can achieve this aesthetic by introducing these soothing colours in vanity ranges by Athena from Oakleys Plumbing Supplies.

While light blues can create an airy, spacious feel, deeper blues add sophistication and depth. The Nera Syrtari vanity in Indian Ink pairs with a marble-look tile for a fresh look with a natural feel. The gunmetal negative detailing in the drawers adds a contemporary edge.

The timeless Array Oslo vanity in Tusk is a subtle green-tinted neutral that provides luxury and tranquillity. The textured walls add a cohesive, all-immersive vibe.

Or go bold with a darker green. The Alumino vanity is shown in Green Slate: moody and dreamy in a sleek, handleless design. Tiles with a glossy finish can add a reflective quality, enhancing light and space, or consider a wallpaper for visual interest.

Introduce greenery into your bathroom with potted plants or hanging plants to enhance the connection to nature, and add decorative pieces to complement the colour scheme. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone and rattan for added warmth, then layer in some soft lighting and add sheer window treatments or frosted glass.

Light some beautifully scented candles, and enjoy your haven.

The experts at Oakleys Plumbing Supplies in five handy locations are a wealth of information on creating your perfect space.

COLOUR POP

oakleysplumbing.co.nz

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Kowhai projects by W2, Halswell project by PRau, photography © Sarah Rowlands

Tell us about these designs: The yellow Kowhai House (shown above) and its matching Kowhai Pod House are two unique projects we completed in Ashley Gorge, North Canterbury. They are very simple box-like forms, with natural materials of concrete and wood. Colour is then used to really make them pop. The image (below right) is from another house in Halswell, Christchurch, and uses colour in the bathrooms via the shelves, offset by fresh white mosaic tiles.

IN LIVING COLOUR Leo Meredith, managing director at LM Architectural Builders in Christchurch, showcases two very different projects.

Is colour an important aspect of design?

In the right application, colour can enhance the architecture and take it to another level.

Colours can say many things and have many moods, and there are many ways they can be interpreted and affect how you feel in a space. Something relatively simple can have a stunning effect.

What colours are you liking right now?

I am loving green. We are doing an exciting project in a remote location using green as an exterior colour and then natural tones of plywood, cork and burnt orange carpet on the interior. It is very well suited to this site.

I also really love a bright yellow in the right situation. Those would be my two favourites!

Lmab.nz

COLOUR POP

What’s your advice on incorporating colour?

It’s essential to trust your designer to introduce colour, which can be daunting for some people. Colour isn’t for everyone, or for every project, so if it’s something that you would like to explore then I would encourage you to tell your architect or builder, and they will be able to guide you. In some cases, as in our Kowhai houses, you can use colour in the art or interior decorations and keep the wall tones very simple. It’s about working as a team; a good designer or architect is worth investing in for an excellent outcome.

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ALL SET Polished plaster and microcement by Claddagh Plastering are ideal finishes for those looking to add a touch of luxury.

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olished plaster and microcement are fast gaining in popularity as design choices for walls and floors. These finishes are known for their elegance and versatility and are increasingly being used in contemporary interiors.

The multidimensional finishes reflect and change with the light, creating a bespoke look with timeless design.

Microcement in particular is perfect for wetrooms, providing a seamless and waterproof alternative to traditional tiles. Its application ensures a smooth, continuous surface without grout lines, making it both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain.

Wayne Savage of Claddagh Plastering in Christchurch is a specialist in decorative finishes such as polished plaster.

“There are endless textures to choose from, from smooth to rough and everything in between,” he says. “You can choose how subtle or obvious the finish is.”

Colour choices range from natural creams through to browns, greys, greens, blues and reds.

The material’s ability to add character and sophistication to any room, combined with the almost limitless choice of colours and sheens, makes it a favourite among designers and homeowners.

“Our bespoke finishes give us the ability to deliver unique concepts with imagination being the only limit,” says Wayne. “Our finishes offer endless possibilities to translate your ideas into beautiful, one-of-a-kind spaces.”

COLOUR POP

claddaghplastering.com

CREATING CUSTOM INTERIORS WITH POLISHED PLASTER AND MICROCEMENT Bespoke Decorative Finishes M 021 1759697 E contact@claddaghplastering.com claddaghplastering.com

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SHIFTING SANDS In a variety of rich colours, these fully customisable bathroom basins from Living Design are 3D printed – from sand.

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shop.livingdesign.co.nz

COLOUR POP

hen Klaus and Annett Todt emigrated from Germany to New Zealand, they brought with them their admiration for beautiful materials and business acumen. With a distinctly different approach to design, they founded Living Design, offering tailored full-house fit-outs as well as an array of European materials and brands not generally available here.

“We wanted the materials we loved to be available to the whole community of talented New Zealand craftsmen, interior designers and architects,” says Annett.

The newest addition to Living Design’s range of products is Aqvato. This innovative range of bathroom basins is made of sand,

by German manufacturer Sandhelden, using 3D printing technology. This allows the creation of sizes, shapes and patterns that are not possible with other conventional production methods.

Quartz sand is a natural material, unique in its texture. It is obtained exclusively from regional sources in Germany to ensure increased sustainability. Aqvato basins have a rough exterior texture that’s a reminder of the natural origin of the material (and a smooth, easy-to-clean interior). Even better, they are available in a wide array of colours, or you can customise your own.

Living Design is the exclusive distributor of Aqvato in New Zealand, so get in touch to see how these premium basins can enhance your bathroom.

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Photography © Hazel Redmond

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A VIBRANT LIFE

Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors perfectly captures the spirit of a creative young family with this sophisticated transformation.

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The organic, sculptural Up 907 dining chairs by Tonon in Italy add an edginess to the space. They are available in a variety of colours and leg styles from David Shaw.

Armagh Decorators in Christchurch are long-time providers for Armstrong Interiors, taking care of all painting and wallpapering needs.

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ake one step inside this architecturally designed townhouse on the edge of ˉ Hagley Park in Otautahi Christchurch, and it’s immediately clear who lives here – a laidback young family with personality and flair.

The first hint is a standout two-storey mural in the entranceway, and that playful aesthetic continues throughout.

Bringing this family’s vision to life was architectural interior designer Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors. “They had just moved over from Australia,” says Angelique. “They love colour, and for them life is fun so they wanted to embrace that.

They didn’t want to live anywhere boring.”

Angelique’s approach focused on creating a bold yet welcoming environment.

The townhouse was only five years old, so existing fixtures such as the kitchen and flooring were retained, but custom joinery, specialty wallpapers and paint colours, feature lighting, carefully selected rugs, bespoke furniture and curated artworks were all part of the redesign.

The project was a creative collaboration with the homeowners, says Angelique, and they wanted to push the envelope. “We found the most colourful and patterned designs that we could. I love working with people that know what they do and don’t like.”

Angelique worked with interior designer Lucy Chappell from her team to add energy with complementary colours from opposing sides of the colour wheel while ensuring the design was still cohesive and harmonious with a balance of subtler elements.

“Sometimes more is more, but it depends on what you’re trying to achieve. You get a feeling for each project and the client you’re working with,” says Lucy.

The end result is a true reflection of the flair and personality of the homeowners.

Each project should reflect the unique tastes and lifestyles of its inhabitants.

“A home is such a personal space,” says Angelique. “Just go with what you know brings joy to you and your family. I think a lot of people have natural intuition anyway, and with a little guidance from an interior designer, you can really get what you want.”

One of several custom-designed 100 per cent New Zealand wool rugs by CRONZ makes an immediate impact in the entryway, along with the mural by local artist Lara Marshall. “I really love how that all came together,” says interior designer Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors.

armstronginteriors.co.nz cronz.co.nz davidshaw.co.nz

Painting & Wallpapering Specialists

COLOUR POP

Elevate your space.

Armagh Decorators Limited excel in all aspects of commercial, residential and domestic paint work.

We also specialise in top quality wallpapering.

Your vision, our expertise E sinead@armaghdecorators.com

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armaghdecorators.com 35

Jim the Builder

HOMES Each of our feature homes tells a story of collaboration, merging fresh perspectives from architects, homeowners, builders, designers, family members and even old school friends.

Retro vibes and smart spatial planning in Wellington’s Eastbourne, page 48.

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PEAK PERFORMANCE A high-performing, energy-efficient home in Sumner, designed by Urbanfunction, shows the vision of what’s possible for housing in Otautahi.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN ENTWISLE/RIGHT ANGLES PHOTOGRAPHY

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ARCHITECTURAL RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL ROOF PAINTING PLASTERING SPRAY PAINTING WALLPAPERING ECO PRODUCTS

GET IN TOUCH

amsdecoratorsltd.co.nz 40

021 022 64403

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The team at AMS Decorators always go above and beyond for their clients. They maintain a great level of communication ensuring everything is finished to the highest standard. They offer a flexible approach meaning impressive results, sleek lines, perfection in colour schemes and an impeccable finish.

s the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the principles of energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly attractive.

Lower household energy bills and a reduction in New Zealand’s carbon emissions are clear benefits of a highperforming home.

Tucked away in the scenic coastal suburb of ˉ Sumner Otautahi there’s a new home on the block that demonstrates how possible it is to live sustainably without sacrificing comfort or style. The brief for Aaron Jones, director at Urbanfunction, was to create a super high-performance, architecturally detailed home.

“The clients wanted an almost passive house performance, yet with architectural style,” says Aaron.

“Fundamentally it still needed to be a family home with room to grow and space to escape.”

This was the second home Aaron has been involved with designing for his clients. And all the more reason to get it right is that the client is his sister and her husband.

“The first home we designed for them was just across the road. It was built during the earthquakes and completed in 2012. But the family has grown since then.”

What Aaron had in mind for this home was a house that enhances the quality of life for its owners and minimises the environmental impact – both in the building of the home and in the long-term running of the home. It was all about focusing on energy efficiency, durability, health and air quality.

For example, the timber framing is twin-skinned, thicker than the building code requirements. The foundation essentially has piles with a cross-laminated panel flooring system on top. In addition to the framing, there’s an internal membrane that doesn’t penetrate the thermal envelope, which gives an airtight interior. This ensures the interior environment remains stable and comfortable with minimal energy input.

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The kitchen cabinetry, custom made by Podocarp Cabinetry, used both a soft matt black and white laminate pressed onto Pureply maple – a formaldehyde-free product. Podocarp Cabinetry also crafted the American oak bookcase and other joinery throughout the home.

“We went for durable, natural and low maintenance materials throughout the 300sqm home,” says Aaron.

“Externally, we used an aluminium roofing product that has superior durability in a coastal environment with next to no maintenance required.” This material wraps down from the roof to the wall cladding, and it’s softened by natural cedar timber infills, which add a warm, coastal aesthetic to the home.

Internally, material selections have been made with the interior environment quality front of mind. “This was very important to the homeowners,” says Aaron.

“In an airtight home they wanted everything considered to ensure low to no off-gassing and sustainable sourcing.

Even the joinery carcasses are a natural plywood that uses non-toxic binders and finishing products.”

Podocarp Cabinetry, based in Christchurch, worked closely with the homeowners to ensure they

met both their design brief and ethos on chemical-free living throughout the house joinery. Pureply maple (a formaldehyde-free product) was used for all internal joinery throughout the home. “The American white oak table and benches were actually made for my sister several years ago by Podocarp,” says Aaron. “It’s certainly demonstrated a seamless transition into their new home.”

The home also has an advanced Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR).

“It’s designed to optimise the indoor air quality and lower energy consumption,” says Aaron. “The family are really comfortable here – the variations in temperature are really minimal.” The mechanical heat recovery system continuously exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, recovering heat in the process.

This ensures a constant supply of fresh air without sacrificing energy efficiency.

THERE IS NO LIMIT T O W H AT C A N B E C R E AT E D

admin@podocarpcabinetry.co.nz

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Podocarp Cabinetry is derived from a wealth of experience, passion & skill.

Specialising predominantly in the use of quality solid timbers & timber veneers to hand produce custom designed cabinetry and joinery. Retro-fit double glazing and weather sealing of timber joinery is something that is also offered by this accomplished team.

C A B I N E T RY | J O I N E RY | K I T C H E N S | VA N I T I E S | R O B E S | D I S P L AY | D O O R S | W I N D O W S | B A L U S T R A D E S

This bespoke pendant light was individually crafted and hand blown by Luke Jacomb Studio in Auckland. These beautifully crafted lighting pieces blur the line between art and design while illuminating the home with warm light.

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This high-quality engineered oak flooring from Europe was supplied by Vienna Woods. The extensive range of woods and colours at Vienna Woods means there is something for everyone.

Another key part contributing to the high performance of this home is the insulation. Again, above building code standards, the thicker insulation is wool – installed in not only the floor, ceiling and walls but also the secondary service cavity skin. This ensures the building envelope maintains a consistent indoor temperature throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions.

The windows are triple-glazed and were sourced from Lithuania. “The construction methodology of these windows ensures they are airtight as well,” comments Aaron. “We really did everything we could to ensure the design detail was met and to a very high standard.” These windows are strategically placed to optimise natural light and solar gain during the winter months while minimising overheating during the

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summer due to the design depth of the eaves above the north-facing windows.

Combining a super high performance home with quality, thoroughly considered design details like this takes a lot of work. Urbanfunction worked closely with suppliers to ensure every detail was buildable and would perform to airtightness and ventilation standards. “For a home like this, we were meticulous in ensuring design quality and aesthetic wasn’t lost in this process,” says Aaron. “It was a great team effort complemented by a very good structural engineer, ensuring we had no steel structural elements inside the airtight building envelope, thus reducing any cold bridging to the exterior.”

While the technical aspects of this home are impressive, its aesthetic appeal and functionality are equally noteworthy.

Inside, the four-bedroom home feels like a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Natural materials, such as a hemlock timber ceiling, Venetian plaster and stone benchtops, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open-plan living area is designed to maximise space and light, fostering a sense of openness and tranquillity.

The project is now a well-loved family home, which is being lived in and enjoyed. As Aaron says, “Ultimately that is the core purpose of any residential project we take on, to help realise that dream. Creating that reality for our clients is always humbling. We are always grateful for the opportunity to be trusted to deliver any project.”

Urbanfunction is seeing increasing interest in this super high performance design methodology and has recently just completed a similar high-performance home in the Kennedy’s Bush suburb of Christchurch.

As more people seek to reduce their environmental footprint, homes like this one will undoubtedly lead the way, showcasing the immense potential of super high performance house design in creating a sustainable and resilient future.

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This insulated Senator 8m x 3.9m Bermuda pool is proudly made here in Christchurch, like all the pools produced and installed

by Bermuda Pools. Fibreglass is the ideal material for pools as it’s durable, easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance.

INSULATED

Quality Pools

Quality Pools Quality Lifestyle Quality Lifestyle

03 384 9482 bermuda-pools@thecompositegroup.co.nz 46

bermudapools.net.nz

Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Urbanfunction 03 374 6318 urbanfunction.co.nz PLANNING & SURVEYING Elrick & Co 0800 357 425 elrick.co.nz CUSTOM CABINETRY & JOINERY Podocarp Cabinetry 021 710 392 podocarpcabinetry.co.nz LANDSCAPE DESIGN Kamo Marsh 03 366 8181 kamomarsh.co.nz PAINTERS & DECORATORS AMS Decorators Ltd 021 022 64403 amsdecoratorsltd.co.nz TIMBER FLOORING Vienna Woods 09 523 1839 viennawoods.co.nz PENDANT LIGHTS Luke Jacomb Studio 021 685 353 lukejacombstudio.com SWIMMING POOL Bermuda Pools 03 384 9482 bermudapools.net.nz

This property sits in the flood zone of Sumner, so expert help was needed for the surveying and consenting stages – provided by the team at Elrick & Co, leaders in their field, offering planning and land development services throughout Canterbury.

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Over the top Inventive design by Parsonson Architects sees two dwellings making the most of a sunny Eastbourne, Wellington site.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL MCCREDIE

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hen building two new houses on a property, common practice would tend towards matching townhouses, standing side by side.

And that was certainly an option for architect Gerald Parsonson of Parsonson Architects in Te Whanganui-aTara Wellington. “That was one thing we looked at but we felt there was another solution,” he says.

It all came down to this particular site.

It’s in Eastbourne, a beautiful seaside suburb with lots of trees and native birds. A corner section, it’s only a block back from the beach.

Owners Don and Deb used to live nearby, in a house that had become too big for their needs. When they saw this property for sale, it was completely overgrown with a small dilapidated cottage on it. But they had a vision, so they jumped on it.

Their brief for Gerald was to keep as many of the existing trees as possible, while putting two dwellings on the land. “Effectively, they wanted a main house and a little studio or cottage, something that they could Airbnb, tenant out or have family stay in, just to give them some flexibility,” says Gerald. “We played around with different ways of looking at the site.”

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To catch plenty of sun in both homes and provide privacy between them, the answer was an L-shaped main house with two bedrooms upstairs.

On the other end of the L, a one-bedroom apartment is elevated over the house, straddling its garage and entryway. It has views down the road to Wellington Harbour and of the bush-clad hills behind.

“We gave it a separate entry and a nice deck upstairs and a little bit of land down below so it’s separated but really close. If friends or family are staying, it’s easy to connect, but it’s also easy to have your own privacy. It was a bit more complicated to do that way but the end result delivered something that was more functionally interesting and offered more possibilities. We also managed to save quite a few of the original cabbage trees, pōhutukawa and tōtara.”

Exterior materials are simple and durable for the coastal location. The black of the Colorsteel echoes the dark hills, but then, Gerald says, they wanted to offset that with elements of brighter colour.

“We started with the blues and greens that relate to the trees and the sea so there’s that nice connection to nature. We’ve also got pops of red and yellow on the gates that recall old boat sheds, baches and painted dinghies.”

It’s all designed to be low maintenance and fuss-free with high levels of insulation and energy efficiency, natural cross-ventilation, in-slab hydronic heating and solar panel installation. “It’s very comfortable and warm,” says Gerald.

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Careful planning meant many of the existing trees could be retained, and the landscaping has incorporated native plants from the hills beyond to create a connection to the surroundings.

Materials on the interior reflect the simplicity and feel-good factors of the exterior.

Okoume ply lining brings a casual, cosy warmth, and thoughtful details add to the liveability, such as the outdoor shower where beachgoers can wash off. “It opens straight into a bathroom so you can get the sand off and then dive into the shower.”

Outdoor areas are cleverly sheltered from wind and rain while allowing sun into all the right places. “The orange bench seat behind the dining table gets the north sun through that window. It’s Deb’s favourite place to sit, as she’s a real sun lover.”

Gerald worked with Don and Deb on the interiors, such as advising on tile choices, and also designed the kitchen. The result is cohesive and even a touch nostalgic. Quality joinery always elevates a house,

says Gerald, such as the custom made shelving in the living area. “The house has quite a strong, simple feel and we took that same approach to the shelving.”

A smart layout allows the couple to close off the den to create two separate living spaces. For example, Deb likes to host her book club, so Don can read or listen to music without them disturbing each other. A third bedroom is also used as a study and craft room.

Looking ahead, the house also has the facility to add an elevator if the need ever arises.

Now and for the future, the home offers a calm and relaxed way of life, and the flexibility of the apartment is a real success. “We’re really pleased with it,” says Gerald. “When the owners pop it on Airbnb it’s always booked because it’s such a nice little easy place to stay.”

04 384 2969 | p-a.nz

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While the service areas were clad in black on the exteriors and the living and bedroom areas tended to be lighter, the colour theme was softened with timber. Resene Construction Systems Rockcote cladding applied by hand inside and out by Greenwood Trade Professionals was an ideal product for the project. The Rockcote system was also used to create the textured board-form look in the courtyard and internal fireplace.

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A FINE LINE You can’t compete with a view like that. Luckily this Lake Hāwea home

by MJWarchitecture is so impeccably crafted, it doesn’t need to.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON LARKIN

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t’s quite a feat of architecture to create a house that beautifully holds its own against some of the most stunning views in the country. On the shores of Lake Hāwea near Wānaka, this holiday home by MJWarchitecture takes full advantage of the vista but isn’t overwhelmed by it.

With sleek, long lines and simple, hardwearing materials, it’s almost Scandinavian in its minimalism, says architect Mark John Warren.

“Being able to enjoy the view was the main driver for the architecture but we weren’t trying to overpower it.

As a design aesthetic, it’s very clean, very practical, not a lot of clutter.”

That fits the brief from the homeowners, which was for a holiday home that was perfectly suited to their needs without being showy. The pair are beef, sheep and deer farmers who knew this spot well from stopping over on their way to sheepdog trials.

With the idea that this could one day house their retirement, for now it’s a getaway for them and their extended family.

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“They always coveted this section. It’s right at the bottom of the lake and has this fantastic view up the lake with the mountains. It had a DOC hut on it for many years that was very rundown. When it came up for sale, they jumped on it,” says Mark.

Mark is a friend of the homeowners’ daughter, and he had already worked with them on renovating their farmstead, so he knew the way they thought.

“They asked me if I could put something together to see if they liked it, so I showed them a couple of plans,” he says. They loved his ideas, which were initially inspired by old-school shearing sheds.

New Zealand’s only commercial scale timber charring company. chartek.co.nz

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The charred Siberian larch cladding was chosen both for its bold aesthetic and durability. Supplied by Chartek, it is its most hardwearing and popular product. “It’s one of the homeowners’ favourite parts of the house,” says architect Mark John Warren of MJWarchitecture.

“The section itself was very challenging because it’s very tight,” he says. Almost triangle-shaped, it has a close neighbour on one side, a road on the other, and public land on the lakefront. A caveat runs through a front corner protecting the sightlines of a building behind. For a very small site, the brief was quite demanding.

There was a smart solution. “We built this house around a courtyard,” says Mark.

Located in the centre of the house, the courtyard is the crux of the project because of the strong wind that comes off the lake, he says. Well-protected and with a retractable louvred roof, it provides outdoor living no matter the weather and is positioned to catch the sun for as long as possible. The mid-century-style sunken living room in front allows the courtyard to still enjoy the outlook, and the two sets of sliding doors, to the courtyard or the lakefront, can be variously open or shut depending on the conditions.

During the design phase, the bedrooms were popped upstairs into a second storey to reduce the footprint and, therefore, the build costs, and that also nicely addressed the issue of creating some privacy.

While the house makes great use of the public land out the front by increasing the feeling of green space and borrowing the view of the lake, it does also mean plenty of people wander by. It’s something that just had to be accepted, says Mark, and generally, anyone walking past sees the low timber DOC fence as a boundary, so they don’t approach the house.

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The bedrooms and bathrooms also face the lake but, of course, did require more seclusion. The windows are the immediate focus of the rooms, with wardrobes pulled out of the way. But because the bedroom block is set back, the roofline below protects them from passersby. Everything is so carefully considered – even the lines of the roofing material deliberately direct the eye out to the vistas. “Nothing is by accident,” says Mark.

There are a lot of moments that are about being able to take in the view. “My favourite part of the house is the viewing deck, which is a little cube at the end of the kitchen that you step up to. You literally feel like you’re on a deck separated from the house, and with enormous sliding windows in front of you. It’s another device for being able to enjoy the view in a slightly different environment.”

Another interpretation occurs at the front door.

It’s a huge pivot door (“like a castle keep”) that teases with its slender sidelight window. “As you approach the door, you get a little snippet of what’s down the hallway.

“You’ve got to be brave to chop the view up,” says Mark.

“But you find that it’s much more powerful.”

In charge of bringing this vision to life were Andrew Baker and Richard Bell of Lake Wanaka Building, who were pleased to be recommended for the project. “We specialise in high-end architectural builds in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, and it’s such a small place you do get a reputation,” says Andrew. “It’s an amazing place to live and work.”

The build took more than two years – mostly thanks to delays due to Covid-19 lockdowns that thankfully didn’t cause any other headaches. “The build couldn’t have stopped at a better time for those lockdowns. The first lockdown we’d only just dug footings and had steel in so we could just walk away at that stage. And by the second one, we were closed in.”

Plytech Panels supplied the kitchen cabinetry and shelving, made from Polaris high pressure laminate. The anti-fingerprint surface is soft and velvety to the touch, offers excellent anti-bacterial properties and has high scratch and heat resistance.

plytech.co.nz

@larkin_photography

BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS FOR BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS 59

Otherwise, says Andrew, there were no problems.

Even the public land that was a factor in the design phase proved to be a blessing during the build, as the openness provided all the site access needed.

Communication was important, as none of the key players were in the same part of the country. Mark’s architecture practice is based in Wellington, and, incredibly, Andrew and Mark didn’t meet in person until after the build was complete.

“Mark did a really good job of the plans and all the details; all the information was there for us,” says Andrew. “We had questions along the way but it all went very smoothly. It was an amazing project to be part of, and I’m very happy with the outcome.”

He particularly likes the materials Mark chose, especially the birch ply internal lining, which he took great care in installing himself, and the charred Siberian larch exterior cladding. “It’s such a good way to treat that wood.”

Mark says the materials needed to be robust, to withstand the extremes of the location. “The owners didn’t want to be doing a lot of painting or repairing.

In 50 years’ time it should look like it does now.”

He also kept the palette pared back and repeating: a simple black and white theme is warmed up by the birch ply, which is echoed in the charred birch.

“It makes the house feel very cohesive.”

The birch ply is a particular favourite of Mark's.

“It’s so warm; so stunning.”

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High profile Dimond Roofing’s LT7 profile was key to creating The View House, a stunning, weatherresistant retreat with modern design and breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lake Hāwea and its surrounding mountains for generations to enjoy. It’s in Tidal Drift, a matt grey colour that appealed to architect Mark John Warren. “It’s incredibly hardwearing, and the profile means it sheds water really well.”

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The lighting designer cleverly avoided punctuating the ply ceilings as much as possible, creating a layered lighting plan to highlight the materials. “There’s a lot of uplighting, a lot of warm lighting. It’s fabulous. I think lighting is really underrepresented in New Zealand design but it’s massively important,” says Mark.

All the design choices were in collaboration with the homeowners, one of whom had especially strong opinions and a good eye. She chose the soft matt finish of the concrete floors, and ran with the idea of wallpapers throughout. She and Mark also worked closely on the kitchen design. “The kitchen is so integral to how that ground floor space works. The homeowner loves to cook, loves to entertain, and wants to be the centre of everything while she’s doing that. She was very specific about some things in the kitchen; she’s quite astute.”

That process suited Mark.

“It can’t just be the architect’s dream. It was really good to work with a client and feel like you’re on the same path. We developed a really good relationship where she trusted me totally. She didn’t tell me what she wanted it to look like, she told me what she wanted it to do. So that’s what I’m most proud of with this house, the fact that it really represents what they wanted it to be.”

Involved in this project ARCHITECT MJWarchitecture 021 166 8555 mjwarchitecture.nz BUILDER Lake Wanaka Building 027 742 4945 lakewanakabuilding.com ROOF & CLADDING SUPPLIER Dimond Roofing 0800 DIMOND dimond.co.nz CHARRED TIMBER Chartek 027 274 6103 chartek.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Greenwood Trade Professionals 021 843 889 PLYWOOD SUPPLIER Plytech Panels 09 573 5016 plytech.co.nz PLUMBING & GAS R&R Plumbing & Gas Wanaka 027 365 9861 rr-plumbing.com 63

The modern aesthetic of the upper level of the home is achieved with a Rockcote plaster exterior cladding – expertly installed by Tamou Contracting.

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In a class of its own

Former school mates turned collaborators have achieved an A-plus result in this new home, constructed by CCL Builders and designed by architectural designers Figure & Ground.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY MICK STEPHENSON

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hat immediately strikes you about this property is the quiet, leafy backdrop. If you listen carefully, you can hear the babbling of the nearby creek. Look up and you’ll see well-established trees, and when you stop you can smell the lushness of wintertime. These elements all provide the perfect backdrop for this modern, stylish home situated just a ˉ stone’s throw from the bustle of Otautahi Christchurch.

Homeowners Aimy and Rob felt this connection to the natural surroundings as soon as they first viewed the property, some three years ago.

“It was an as-is, where-is listing with an old 1920s property on it,” says Aimy. “But as soon as we saw it, we fell in love with the trees. We just had to buy it.”

What was initially envisioned as a renovation for the couple quickly became a demolish-and-rebuild project.

“From the very start we worked with Matt Cruickshank from CCL Builders, and straight away he highlighted the hazards in our original plan,” says Aimy. Asbestos, weak framing and an unconsented extension to the old home meant it was going to be an uphill battle.

And so began the creation of this architectural marvel. Alongside the homeowners and Matt, another visionary was at play: architectural designer Simon Johnson from Figure & Ground.

Rob, Matt and Simon are all friends from their formative years at school.

“We all went to St Andrew’s College together, and it’s Rob who’s kept us all in touch over the years,” says Matt. “I worked with Rob and Aimy on a property of theirs in Prebbleton, so I knew this one was going to be a success as well.”

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For Rob and Aimy, this is their third new build in five years. The brief this time was for a functional home big enough for their small family of three (plus cat Coco), but with the expectation that it could comfortably house a bigger family in the future. “We incorporated many aspects of our previous homes into this home,” says Aimy. “For instance, the rooms are similar sizes, but we just amended and adapted to give extra flexibility to what the home could mean in the future.”

Simon worked with the space available on the 1208sqm section and designed a modern two-storey, four-bedroom dwelling, with a sizeable three-bay garage, pool and multifunctional outdoor space. The upper floor has a concrete look with a textured plaster finish. This contrasts with the texture on the lower level using dark brown cedar cladding.

All the kitchen and laundry joinery was expertly completed by East Joinery. Black Laminex non-mark cabinetry (matt acrylic) takes pride of place here, with a Silestone Ethereal Glow benchtop and splashback.

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“Like for all our clients, we wanted to get the best outcome for them. For Rob and Aimy, it was about creating a functional and flexible family home,” says Simon. “We don’t have any preconceived ideas about what the home should look like before we’ve spoken with our clients. It’s very much a collaborative and bespoke outcome. The layout and space planning were largely informed by the orientation of the stream, which provided a desirable visual aspect combined with navigating the waterway setback planning constraint.”

The house itself is largely timber framed, with steel members in the upper level for structural reasons. What appears to be a flat roof is actually at a four-degree angle, discreetly hidden beyond a parapet on approach to the house. “We achieve the desired contemporary aesthetic, combined with the advantages of a sloped roof for water drainage,” says Simon. “We were also looking at ways of maximising the outcome for Rob and Aimy while always being conscious of budget and constructability.”

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There’s an atmosphere of refined serenity inside the home. The open-plan layout seamlessly connects the living spaces, inviting in natural light, which is precisely what Aimy had envisioned. “I want people to come in through the front door and immediately be drawn to the large windows facing out onto the gardens,” she says.

Upstairs, the spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms (two of which are ensuite) allow for flexible living and privacy, when required. The versatility of living spaces is also apparent outside, with a permanent barbecue and space for outdoor entertainment, a family play area and the pool.

Asked about their favourite aspects of this comfortable and spacious abode, Aimy says she loves the flooring and the feeling of sitting in amongst the trees when at the dining table. The office space at the rear of the home is also a great place to be, to hear the birds and soak up the atmosphere, she says.

Rob is particularly proud of the kitchen, which he designed himself with a bit of help from his cousin, the joiner on the project. “We wanted a simple kitchen with a focus on seamless storage,” says Aimy, “and Rob’s done a fantastic job, in the kitchen, scullery and laundry.”

The couple’s experience in building homes and real estate is apparent throughout the home. Aimy has clear ideas of what works where. For instance, she prefers to tile just two walls of a bathroom, but with floor to ceiling tiling on those walls, she says. “That way, it’s not overpowering, but you still get that feeling of style and luxury.”

Colours were chosen to complement the natural surroundings. For example, the cedar is stained dark brown to match the ponga trees that line the creek.

Thanks to Matt’s expertise and project coordination skills, the only real challenge of this build was dealing with requirements from the creek and negotiating materials coming onto the section via a purpose-built iron bridge over the creek. “We had to create a robust entry point onto the section before we could even think about demolition of the previous home and construction of the new one,” says Matt.

Tiles throughout the home were supplied and installed by MO TIles in Spreydon, Christchurch.

The company brings the best blend of global trends and best brands and has hundreds of tile options to suit all tastes and budgets.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM - 399 BARRINGTON STREET, SPREYDON, CHRISTCHURCH | 03 338 0155 | motiles.co.nz

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From conception to completion, NOVAspace guide you through every step of your pool journey.

M 021 514 288 E chris@novaspace.nz

novaspace.nz 70

Involved in this project As the South Island’s only accredited dealer for Aqua Technics pools, NOVAspace has supplied and installed a premium, in-ground fibreglass swimming pool here, to be enjoyed by all the family.

BUILDER CCL Builders 021 278 8894 cclbuilders.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Figure & Ground 03 352 4333 figureandground.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Tamou Contracting 027 630 3203 tamou.co.nz JOINERY East Joinery 021 138 3119 eastjoinery.co.nz AQUA TECHNICS POOL NOVAspace Pools 021 514 288 novaspace.nz TILES MO Tiles 03 338 0155 motiles.co.nz

It’s this foresight and diligence that really shows itself in the creation of this home. Other key ingredients are the tight-knit relationships that ensured good service for Aimy and Rob. “Many of my contractors are old St Andrew’s College students,” says Matt. “The plumber, plasterer and scaffolder, for example. And my carpenter has been working for me for many years – he’s from St Andrew’s, too. When building homes, he cares for them like they’re his own.”

Aimy agrees, saying she was delighted with the craftsmanship as well as the suggestions and adaptations that Matt and his team brought to the project. “They cared for this home as much as we did.

Matt was great at coming with me to choose products for the home. I even remember he came on a drive around the local suburbs with me and Rob as we were selecting what exterior cladding to go with.”

United by their former school days, these collaborators have remained firm friends through this build process. They all share an unwavering commitment to excellence and a desire for creating spaces that really epitomise comfortable, functional and stylish family living.

021 278 8894 matt@cclbuilders.co.nz

cclbuilders.co.nz

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The perfect combination

Loving their view onto a serene reserve, it was important for the homeowners to use Fairview aluminium windows, with high-performance R-values and multi-chamber cavity framing to minimise heat loss.

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A chance to express her own interior design skills, homeowner Haley from Cleine Design worked with Mike Greer Homes to create this beautiful new home for herself and her family on the outskirts of Otautahi Christchurch.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY VISUAL SPACES PHOTOGRAPHY

A

s an interior designer, making choices comes relatively easily to homeowner Haley Cleine. She has worked with Mike Greer Homes for more than 10 years with close to 3000 clients in the interior design of the construction company’s new builds. It’s fair to say she’s seen a lot of houses and, with her clients, has made a lot of selections.

“After the Christchurch earthquakes, I completed a lot of interior design work for Mike Greer Homes – and still do,” says Haley. “Mike Greer encouraged me to work as much as I wanted, and I quickly found myself booked well in advance. His support and belief in my abilities as an interior designer have been instrumental in my growth and success.”

But was it the same easy decision-making process with her own family’s home? Haley often works with clients who are grateful and trusting of her style suggestions. Luckily, Haley’s family were no exception.

“While there was still a lot we loved about our first build in Prestons, we experienced the classic seven-year itch,” Haley explains. “With our two oldest boys having left home, we went from a family of six to a family of four. And, happily, my family wanted me to design the interiors for our new home.”

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Husband Jade chose the kitchen’s pendant lights, which were expertly installed by Lineside Electrical.

The company provided a complete electrical solution for the new home’s wiring needs, as well as the plumbing.

Get in touch today for all your Electrical and Plumbing needs: P: 022 084 3351 E: office@lineside-electrical.co.nz 74

The desire was to find a new abode that would better reflect the family’s current life circumstances and evolving tastes. And when Haley was walking through the Mike Greer offices one day, she happened to glance at one of the architectural designer’s computer screens with drawings that seemed to fit the bill, of a new development, Styx Mill Park.

“There was something special about it,” says Haley.

“I was instantly captivated. The 517sqm section we chose has a beautiful north-facing aspect and backs onto a reserve, giving us a stunning outlook.”

The 40-house development at Styx Mill Park offers an ideal combination of a peaceful escape (with nearby scenic loop tracks, lakes and bushland) and easy access to the central city. The reserve at the back of the property is also home to endangered gecko species, with purpose-built mounds of rocks there to provide a habitat. Says Haley, “The combination of natural beauty, convenience and community made it the perfect place for us to build our home.”

The build process with Mike Greer Homes was as straightforward as it was collaborative. “I really enjoyed working with Emma Sheridan, the architectural designer,” says Haley. “She’s really clever; she listened to our ideas and tweaked the plan appropriately to maximise our site and include everything we wanted.”

A key feature in this kitchen is the large bar nook with laminate floating shelves and drawers below, adding versatility and a social element to the space.

While this space has been designed for conversation and connection, it can be used as an extension to the kitchen, with an oversized benchtop included. Misco Joinery completed all joinery in this kitchen, as well as the scullery, laundry, media room and study.

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For instance, the kitchen area was pushed out slightly to allow for the incorporation of a bar area and a bigger fridge. Emma also monitored the build, ensuring that everything was executed according to plan. Contractors were organised, communicative and professional. Haley says the process couldn’t be faulted.

“Our experience of working with Mike Greer Homes was great,” says Haley. “They are a reliable and well-established building company with more than 30 years of success, and I would have no hesitation about building another home with them.”

The interiors, naturally, fell squarely to Haley. She wanted to capture a sense of light, space and openness.

“With the busyness of daily life, I wanted our home to be a place of peace and calm,” she says. “Creating a welcoming atmosphere where family and friends feel at home was equally important to us.”

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The Metro log burner and ducted heating grills in this home were all supplied by Simply Heat. The fire provides a cosy warmth in winter and the heating grills allow for heating and cooling solutions all year round throughout every space.

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Newtech Bathroomware provides innovative options for homeowners like Haley. With the team’s help, she chose her tapware, bath, vanities and basins with them, to stunning effect. They are Porscha Luxe Wall Hung Vanities, Toni Oval Vitreous China Vessel Basin and Willow Freestanding Bath.

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And Haley has certainly achieved this. From the first step inside the home, the mood is set at the open entranceway with an instant view to the garden and reserve at the back of the property through a large floor-to-ceiling window. Family photos and artwork line the hallway. The living areas effortlessly accommodate large family gatherings and maximum light has been achieved through large windows, an atrium-style ceiling and skylights. The neutral colour palette also enhances the feeling of space.

The media room exudes a relaxed, calm vibe with dark-painted walls and plenty of space for an oversized sofa and large TV and speakers. The built-in shelving in the room also allows for Haley to add decorative pieces that add her own personal style. A study is designed for working from home and has plenty of space for a sizeable built-in desktop and storage beneath.

There’s a sense of timeless elegance about the home, with thoughtful, natural design details such as rattan light shades and a custom made velvet armchair. “By blending these aspects, I aimed to create a harmonious environment that feels bright, airy and welcoming, while offering the comfort and privacy needs for everyday living.”

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Involved in this project INTERIOR DESIGNER Cleine Design 027 379 8590 cleinedesign.co.nz BUILDER Mike Greer Homes 03 354 0166 mikegreerhomes.co.nz JOINERY Misco Joinery 03 383 4384 misco.co.nz ALUMINIUM JOINERY Fairview Concepts 03 323 8887 fairviewwindows.co.nz ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING Lineside Electrical 022 084 3351 PLUMBING & BATHROOM SUPPLIES Newtech Bathroomware 0800 728 662 newtech.co.nz DUCTED HEATING & FIRE Simply Heat 03 365 3685 simplyheat.co.nz

Despite only moving in at the start of this year, the family are enjoying every area of the home. “I adore our huge pantry, which keeps everything organised and accessible,” says Haley. “I’m also really pleased with the design of the kids’ rooms and their bathroom.” She is also proud of her husband Jade’s choice of wallpaper in the separate powder room. “It’s the only wallpapered room in the house, and it always garners compliments.

It was a great choice.”

In today’s fast-paced world, with social media showcasing seamlessly perfect homes, Haley and her family have sought to create a home that is thoughtful and intentional, and that reflects her family’s values and lifestyle, rather than keeping up with idealised standards. “By keeping it real and appreciating each step of the journey, we’ve been able to create a space that truly feels like home.”

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Back to the future A holiday home in Twizel constructed by Dimension Building and designed by Detail Consultancy was a chance to relive the past and create some new memories.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY CAM MCBRIDE

T

he story of this house is not so much about the bending of time, but more about planning for the future by being inspired by the past.

Homeowner Simon had holidayed in Twizel since the late 1980s with his family. He remembers learning to ski there, exploring the nearby lakes and hunting in the local riverbeds and ranges.

“My parents still have one of the original hydro houses here,” says Simon. These hydro houses were built in the town’s glory days. Created from scratch by the government in the late 1960s in response to the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme, 550 houses were built and 24km of streets were laid, according to Te Ara. “The old house is the standard 76sqm Ministry of Works house. It was repainted and recarpeted over the years, but still has the original kitchen cupboards and matching decor,” says Simon.

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With a family of his own, Simon continued to love the town as a great place to holiday. “When our kids were small, we would take them to Twizel each year,” he says. “It’s where they, too, learnt to ski.”

But the family were outgrowing the three-bedroom hydro house when they visited, so they decided to build their own Twizel bach. Affectionately named “Twizel 2.0” by the family, Simon and his wife Gieve knew this home would stay in the family for many generations to come.

“We wanted a holiday home that could handle multiple families, while also maintaining some level of personal space, when needed,” outlines Simon. “We also liked the idea of creating a space that the kids could make their own. And then we had the standard items in the brief like outdoor entertaining, maximising the view and low maintenance.”

Architectural designer Jeff Mason from Detail Consultancy says the family was looking for something “reasonably basic but functional”. They wanted to use raw materials to blend rustic modern textures that connected to Twizel’s outdoor environment.

What’s been achieved here through a collaboration of ideas between Simon and Jeff is a beautiful, contemporary home. It sits on a large 1079sqm section within a well-positioned subdivision, commanding outstanding views. The T-shape layout provides for a large garage on one arm of the T, with three spacious

bedrooms on the other arm and an extensive living and dining area down the centre. The outdoor living space also adds volume and liveability to the home.

“Although our first thoughts were to use a timber cladding [for the exterior of the home], we chose to use the recycled Nu-Wall aluminium vertical weatherboard cladding system,” says Jeff. “This was to allow for low maintenance while the bach was not in use between seasons. This looked great with the Dimond Solar-Rib roofing profile to give that modern-style feel with the traditional gable roof lines.”

Simon is pleased with the choice of cladding. “I love how each panel is unique in colour and finish; they change with the light reflecting off them from dark brown tones to bright bronze shades, which fit in well to the surrounding Mackenzie basin.”

Jeff says any design is always a collaborative process with the client and that every client brings different requirements. In this case, the sharing of ideas via 3D modelling and video software meant the analysis and fine-tuning of the design could be done quickly between Simon and Jeff.

Simon’s decision to use the Rockcote Cerano exterior concrete finish in the entranceway kept with the raw material feel he wanted. The product extends from the exterior through to the internal entrance, making it appear as one wall, before stepping into the vaulted ceiling space of the living area.

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The construction, both outside and inside, is robust and of a superior standard. Simon chose to work with Dimension Building due to the team’s enthusiasm for building high-quality homes to award-winning standards. Director of Dimension Building Richard Phiskie was thrilled to work on this build.

“Simon actually found us by asking a subcontractor working in his subdivision who the best builder in this area was, and they mentioned us,” says Richard. “The rest is history.”

Richard shared Simon’s understanding of what he was wanting to achieve on this project, so communication was a breeze and everything ran smoothly.

Richard in particular highlights the different products used internally throughout the home. For instance, the birch ply through the garage and laundry

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areas, the tiles in the bathrooms and the grooved MDF on the ceiling in the main living and kitchen area.

“I particularly like the Laminex scalloped panel in the powder room and the West Coast schist on the barbecue area,” says Richard.

No house build is without its challenges, but only minor issues arose for Richard’s team. For example the ceiling of the main living area required some “attention to detail” as Richard puts it. “All the grooves of the MDF had to line up both ways to give clean lines.”

He adds: “The Nu-Wall cladding was a new product for us to install but once the boys got their heads around it, they thrived on the challenge of installing it.”

The chimney surround that gives it a chunky look was difficult to lift up and install, but the end result is quite stunning.

A RCHI TECTURAL DESIGN

M 021 049 4659

detailconsultancy.co.nz

E info@detailconsultancy.co.nz

The stunning Travertino Navona Bone and Travertino Navona Grey tiles feature in the bathrooms, both supplied by Brymac Tiles. The three-dimensional graphic glaze on the Navona tiles creates a unique and striking finish that combines the aesthetics of original travertine material with the versatility and practicality of glazed ceramics.

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In addition to the Nu-Wall e-Series aluminium cladding, the exposed aggregate concrete patios and densely planted natives tick that low maintenance box for the family, and the extensive outdoor area provides plenty of space for dining, entertaining and a hot tub.

However, the low maintenance requirement comes with one exception: the lawn. “The lawn is one of my hobbies and I try to make it look really beautiful,” says Simon. “It’s difficult working on it remotely, but we do our best to get it looking lush and inviting whenever we’re down here.”

Besides the lawn he loves, Simon is really enjoying the outdoor area for lapping up the afternoon and evening rays. “I love putting the outdoor cooking fire on and making some pizzas for dinner,” says Simon. “And I’m also loving the pickleball court cut into the driveway concrete. There have been some great battles fought there already.”

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Involved in this project BUILDER Dimension Building 027 458 7980 dimensionbuilding.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Detail Consultancy Ltd 021 0494 659 detailconsultancy.co.nz TILES Brymac Tiles 03 366 8187 brymactiles.co.nz LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Kamo Marsh 03 366 8181 kamomarsh.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Karton Brick & Block Ltd 027 436 4016

Gieve agrees, saying, “It’s so relaxing to watch the children play on the lawn and raise a glass with friends and family. We also have the option of being sheltered from the winds with the side roller blinds or lightening up the space with the louvres.”

The children’s room is a highlight for the smaller members of the family, with the built-in custom joinery housing two queen beds and two king single beds. “The room has been double-sized and contains a couch and a TV for their private viewing sessions, so that they can escape the adults,” says Simon.

The only significant challenge from the couple’s point of view in the building of this 289sqm getaway was the weather conditions, typical of the Mackenzie basin. “Originally the schedule had been to do the concrete pours in August or September, but due to harsh temperatures, we had to split the pour into two.

We also had to delay the Rockcote Cerano plaster finish and the driveway due to the risk of a poor finish if we did it in winter. Not that that was a biggie,” says Simon.

The homeowners are delighted with the resulting home. “Dimension Building and Detail Consulting transformed our dream of a family-friendly bach in Twizel into a stunning reality. Their exceptional attention to detail and superior workmanship ensured that every aspect of our bach surpassed our expectations,” says Simon.

AWARD WINNING HOMES BY

DIMENSION BUILDING TIMARU & TWIZEL

www.dimensionbuilding.co.nz

DIMENSION BUILDING

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Bright ideas A cleverly designed family home in Mallorca, Spain, combines technical architectural innovation with colourful traditional touches.

WORDS ROBYN ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX PRODUCTION SVEN ALBERDING/BUREAUX

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ometimes it takes a true architect’s vision to imagine what a small and neglected property could become.

In this case, it took two: Alberto Sánchez and Aina Salvà of feinastudio.com. The owners of this totally transformed, light-filled family home in Palma, Mallorca’s capital city, are both architects.

That must have helped because this project was no mere cosmetic update to an existing structure with easy flow or good bones.

Rather, the shift from ramshackle to remarkable required copious quantities of inspiration and insight as well as a healthy dose of sheer determination.

Alberto, who hails from mainland Spain, and bornand-bred Malloquín Aina have lived together on the island of Mallorca for 20 years. After time practising their profession in Barcelona and London, the couple decided they wanted a calmer place instead of a large metropolis.

“To establish our own practice dedicated to small-scale architecture and interior design,” says Alberto.

The attractions of Mallorca included its strong sense of authenticity, he says, and the fact that it is a great place to raise a family.

They purchased this property that has become their family home in 2014, in Palma’s Son Espanyolet district. At that time, the area was still well known as an industrial area, says Alberto. “There were glass, rope and tile factories that employed a massive workforce, and the neighbourhood was planned as accommodation for those workers.”

Aina and Alberto had been immediately attracted to Son Espanyolet. “It’s the closest to the centre you can be, while still living in a house with a garden,” says Alberto.

Also appealing to the couple was the area’s sense of community, and the fact that everything necessary for everyday life is within walking distance, including the children’s schools and an excellent food market.

So they hunted for some time before discovering this property – a house “in a very deteriorated state” that was being sold by the extended family who had inherited it from their grandfather.

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From the dining room on the ground floor the system of plywood boxes with which the upper floors are constructed is clearly visible. The dining room, Alberto reveals, is his favourite place in the house.

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“The house only had one storey,” says Alberto, “and the garden had been colonised by lots of small sheds.”

From the very beginning, the couple knew they wanted to enlarge the living space, and the only way to do so was by extending the house vertically.

Mallorca’s property development regulations were strict. “The boundaries were defined by the possible buildable volume,” explains Alberto. “The brief was less about floor plan and layout, and more about the way the house is built.”

As a result, in order to maximise the living space while also allowing for future flexibility in the floor plan, Aina and Alberto developed a solution that deployed a series of lightweight plywood boxes that, without overloading the existing ground-floor walls, would create the floors and the walls of the levels above.

An initial challenge was that the couple couldn’t find a carpenter willing to take on the project.

Undeterred, they started their own timber workshop and did it themselves. “We bought a CNC machine and hired two carpenters,” says Alberto. All the resulting plywood elements were manufactured just three kilometres away from the building site.

As he explains, the creation of these elements was extremely contemporary in scope: the making process is digitised and highly technical – it had to be, in order to develop the prefabricated plywood elements in an efficient and effective way.

Also important to the architects, however, was the inclusion in the design of what could be conceived of as the opposite of this digitised, computer-driven process: Mallorca’s wealth of traditional skills in building and making. “There is still a variety of craftsmen on the island who use traditional manufacturing techniques for concrete and terracotta tiles.”

Aina and Alberto wanted to bring together these apparent design opposites into their home. “The boundary between what is handmade and digitally made was to be blurred,” says Alberto. “There would be no abrupt distinction, but rather a continuation of hierarchy of materials.”

Leaving the plywood in its raw state in the interior, he explains, was one way to ensure that the process of the digital craft was made visible and soften the contrast between contemporary and traditional forms of making.

Another priority during the build was an attempt to maximise the resources that were already in the house.

Reusing materials – including stone from demolished interior walls, as well as window frames, handrails and doors – on the site was very much part of the ethos here, and its rewards were not just those of sustainability. The process of investigating old elements of the structure also led to moments of visual inspiration: for example, when carefully excavating old door frames, original paint colours were discovered, including the beautiful aquamarine shade that was then reproduced for the exterior window frames. Likewise, colours found in old kitchen tiles were deployed in the bathroom. Pops of colour enliven and enrich the interior design, with the new shades all carefully selected, Alberto says, “to complement and contrast with the found colours”.

The project was completed in 2016, and the family still lives in the house. The living, kitchen and dining areas are on the ground floor and lead out onto a charming garden, complete with a pergola, swimming pool and outdoor living spaces. Bedrooms contained within the plywood boxes are upstairs. Topping the lot is a roof garden: “This helps us to maintain a stable temperature during the year, while making a sanctuary for bees,” says Alberto.

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D A mix of repurposed blue and patterned blue and white tiles adds a playful touch in the powder room, tucked into the space under the stairs.

C The main bathroom features a bathtub that was found in the original house and refurbished.

D Aina and Alberto’s two daughters each have their own bedrooms on the easily adaptable first floor of the house: this one includes a pair of beds, making it easy for friends to sleep over.

The final conceptual innovation in this home’s thoughtful design is that it was not intended to have a fixed and final layout. Instead, the idea was “to create a collection of good rooms with varied spatial conditions,” he says. Especially on the first floor, the layout can be modified relatively easily, according to the family’s changing needs. To start with, in 2016, for example, there were only two bedrooms on the first floor. “Our kids slept together and we had an open-plan bedroom in the middle of a large space.”

Today, however, the couple has a smaller southfacing bedroom, while their daughters now each have their own room. “It will probably change again when our girls leave for university,” says Alberto, “to adapt the house to a new family situation.”

Of course, the couple acknowledges that there are parts of the design that they would do differently now, having lived in the house for more than seven years.

While they are grateful for the opportunity to live in a project designed by themselves, Alberto says, it does make you aware of all the improvements to be done next time. “It was a great learning experience.”

They are very clear that the best thing about creating their own house has been that they could try out radical solutions that a client would be more reluctant to do if they had not been previously tested. And given the sense of everyday enjoyment that this innovative house exudes, it would probably be a very good thing if it inspired many more family homes.

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Create the Look MODERN MEDITERRANEAN

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT Acre Chair in Brick Red cittadesign.com; Edo Bowl in Sunshine alliuminteriors.co.nz; Benjamin Pendant in Atomic Blue by Frandsen accentlighting.co.nz; Fritz Hansen Director's Chair cultdesign.co.nz; Vivi Highball Set countryroad.co.nz; Wallace Slip Cover Sofa in Dark Grey nottinghillinteriors.co.nz; Componibili Cabinet littleandfox.co.nz; Craft Cabinet cittadesign.com; Large Alzira Bottle marmadukeshoppe.co.nz; Tessarae Mosaic Tile naturallytiles.co.nz

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The Good Life Our favourite small luxuries and must-haves A G O O D WE E K E N D E R The Wellington Weekender by Yu Mei is a large duffle designed to accompany you on your travels. Finished in canvas, with a natural cotton lining and premium deer nappa straps, it’s simple and stylish as well as handy. It’s 60cm wide, so you can easily stash your towels and togs, capsule wardrobe, linens or knitted throws to keep at the ready for your next adventure. yumeibrand.com

EY ES ON TH E SIZE Designed by Asger Soelberg, the Salon table by Ro is defined by its elegant design, which lets the solid oak speak for itself. In round, rectangular and extendable versions, it’s a design classic that suits any home, large or small. The round table of just 120cm is especially perfect for smaller dining rooms and kitchens, or wherever you may find the need for a small but extremely beautiful table. designdenmark.co.nz TA P DA N CE Meet the new additions to the ever-popular Buddy family of tapware and matching accessories. With six distinctive styles, 12 finishes and over 300 items, there’s something to suit every style of bathroom, from modern and sleek to organic, glamorous or luxurious. With beautiful proportions, excellent functionality and high-quality materials, every detail has been carefully considered to create a timeless design. plumbline.co.nz

TO THE BONE The Lightbone Floor Lamp is an award-winning design by Swedish studio Färg & Blanche for Oblure. It was first shown during Milan Design Week in 2017. Now, an extended range has been released that includes Black Oak, Smoked Oak and Cobalt Blue finishes, or a custom colour on request, as well as pendant and ceiling lamp versions. Made from solid oak, the inspiration came from bamboo forests in Japan.

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goodform.co.nz

M A K I N G WAV E S Introducing the new Nami vanity, a symbol of fluidity and the start of an exciting collection by The Custom Creative. Available in a range of sizes and diverse materials (melamine, timber, veneer or customisable spray-painted options), the Nami vanity is perfect for styling your space with a touch of grace and individuality. Based in Nelson and shipping all over New Zealand, The Custom Creative is committed to providing quality, affordable pieces. thecustomcreative.co.nz

R UG UP Based in the UK, Wendy Morrison Design aims to create colourful, handcrafted rugs that spark joy; rugs with longevity that can be passed on from one generation to the next. Inspired by the beauty of nature, maximalism and Chinoiserie, these glorious wool and Tencel rugs are hand-tufted and hand-knotted by experienced artisans in India and Nepal. As a B-Certified undertaking, its core values include sustainability, community and wellbeing. littleandfox.co.nz

IN T HE S PI R I T Spirit of the Nomad is an exclusive range of stylish, sustainable products for that luxury hotel feeling. Brought into New Zealand by Johnston Imports, these world-class bed linen and bathroom accessories are made to the highest quality. This sumptuous quilted bedspread in Lava Grey is linen on one side and velvet on the other, so you can easily change the look of your bedroom depending on the season – or your mood. ji.net.nz

V I TALE SIGNS Supernatural Vitale Elixir has been four years in the making and is a new release from Emma Lewisham. Supernatural Vitale Elixir is a facial muscle relaxant that reduces the muscle contractions responsible for wrinkles. One of the unique ingredients in this formulation is a proprietary Neuropeptide Relaxant Complex that inhibits the neural activity that leads to muscle contraction, thereby relaxing skin creases and dramatically reducing the expression of fine lines and wrinkles. emmalewisham.co.nz

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RE AD ING NOOK

AL IC E I N CA K E L A N D

By Alice Taylor Publisher Allen & Unwin New Zealand

COLD COMFORT With a woody, herbaceous, spicy aroma via a blend of cedar atlas, patchouli and clove bud essential oils, Aesop’s Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm nurtures and softens. Non-greasy and swiftly absorbed with a soft matt finish, the formulation has a sumptuous cream texture. Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm is suited to those with dry skin or seeking relief from cold and dehydrating environments.

T H E PR ACT I CA L K I WI G A R D E N E R

By Philip Thomsen Publisher Bateman Books

Alice Taylor was a MasterChef New Zealand star in 2022. Welcome to her cakeland – over 60 must-have recipes for cakes, desserts, biscuits, breads, doughnuts and many more treats. All the classics are included, and they’re easy, affordable and adaptable – you can swap out ingredients and use what you have.

Even expert bakers will find a lot of flavour inspiration and some nifty tips and tricks.

With step-by-step advice and helpful illustrations, horticultural expert Philip Thomsen has put together the perfect guidebook for all Kiwi gardeners, no matter their skill, time constraints or budget.

Starting from the basics of soil composition through to which style of garden best suits your lifestyle, this is a book for every Kiwi gardener, whether you have a simple terrace or a quarter acre.

EAT PACI F I C The Pacific Island Food Revolution cookbook

O RG A N I C V E G E TA B L E GARDENING

aesop.com/nz

Edited by Robert Oliver Publisher Massey University Press A SUPERH OME EVEN T Thinking of building or renovating, or are you wanting to see inside some thoughtfully designed, super-sustainable, healthy homes? The annual Superhome Tour is your unique chance to experience leading-edge design ideas and construction techniques, and hear from industry leaders in design, building and sustainable home products and materials. One day only, on Saturday 20 July, so get your tickets now. superhome.co.nz/events 98

Eat Pacific includes 139 zesty recipes from Fiji, Sāmoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tahiti, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, all drawn from awardwinning chef Robert Oliver’s TV series Pacific Island Food Revolution.

There’s more than healthy, tasty, affordable food here, however: this vibrant book also has powerful climate change, health and food sovereignty messages.

By Xanthe White Publisher Penguin In this re-release of a classic bestseller, New Zealand landscape designer Xanthe White takes readers from backyard bombsite to productive vegetable garden in a single year. This month-bymonth guide demystifies organic gardening with advice on seedraising, planting, composting, pest control and more. This inspirational and practical guide is ideal both for beginners who want to grow their own food and seasoned gardeners looking for new ideas.

Shop Window The very best products and services for your home ACCE N T L I G H T I N G At Accent Lighting, the team of lighting experts pride themselves on their exceptional knowledge, expertise and service. They’re continuously adding to the collection with the latest styles and technology from top European designers. The tiered sculptural silhouette of the Folie S/70.2 pendant by Bover brings ambient downlighting whether hung singly or in a spectacular grouping.

Quality pieces are complemented by a design service for both residential and commercial projects. They’re passionate about great design and the importance of lighting in any design project. Visit the showroom at 829 Colombo Street, Christchurch, for a complimentary consultation. accentlighting.co.nz

S H A N E B OY D G R A N I T E B E N CH TO PS Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops will elevate your space with unparalleled craftsmanship. Experts in stone fabrication, specialising in engineered stone, marble and granite, they’ll bring your dream kitchen, vanity or hearth to life with precision engineering and quality workmanship, ensuring each installation surpasses expectations. They will also work with you to create a bespoke design that perfectly complements your style, all whilst understanding the importance of timelines, completing each and every project promptly and without compromise.

Transform your space today.

ROCA Restaurant, Christchurch, Interior Design: Studio Collective, Photo: Dave Warring

info@shaneboydgranite.co.nz

N AT U R A L LY T I L E S Transform your space with our exquisite selection of Italian porcelain tiles.

Whether you’re remodelling or building new, we have the perfect tiles to suit every style. Known for their durability and stunning aesthetics, our porcelain tiles showcase a vast array of design options from classic designs to contemporary patterns. Visit our showroom today for a complimentary design consultation to help you envision your dream space.

Our knowledgeable team will guide you through our collections, ensuring you find the perfect tile for your project.

Enhance your home with quality and style that lasts! naturallytiles.co.nz

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BLUM

NEXTDORE

Blum develops cabinetry hardware based on years of research and creates high-quality and inspirational storage solutions for the entire home. Discover their range of products and services to be inspired for your next home project at your nearest Blum showroom in Auckland or Christchurch and feel the original Blum quality first-hand.

Nextdore are passionate about helping their clients create spaces inspired by their stories. The team of talented and personable designers develop interiors that are unique, innovative and tailored to individual taste and budgets. Supported by experienced in-house professionals, they deliver both form and function from trusted suppliers like Bremworth, Luxaflex and Porcelanosa. With more than 60 years of experience in flooring and textiles.

blum.com

nextdore.co.nz

CRON Z

K A M O M A R S H L A N D S CA PE A RCH I T E CT S

Carpets and Rugs of New Zealand (CRONZ) has been crafting original rugs and carpet for more than 20 years. Using premium materials, such as NZ wool, silk, 66 nylon, and their own worldclass tufting machines, their custom rugs and carpets have an unmatched quality and provide the most luxurious underfoot experience. Browse online or visit their showroom in Rolleston to see the full range.

Operating out of Central Christchurch and Queenstown, this award-winning landscape architecture practice is dedicated to providing a friendly and personalised experience for every project they’re involved in. At Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects, the focus is on delivering quality landscape designs across a range of projects including residential, commercial, educational and subdivisions.

Every great result starts with a simple conversation so get in touch.

cronz.co.nz

kamomarsh.co.nz

ROUGH MILNE MITC HE L L

OA K L E YS PL U M B I N G

You’ll recognise the name: Tony Milne is a regular abode columnist.

Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects has studios in Christchurch, Auckland, Nelson, Wānaka and Dunedin, and a hot desk in Wellington. With over 25 years in practice, they have developed a reputation for excellence through a collaborative style of working and a highly skilled team. The focus is to create innovative, sustainable solutions that connect people to their environments.

Warm colour palettes are transforming bathrooms this season.

Layers of toasty beige introduce a cosy and restful atmosphere.

Soft edges and curves on mirrors, basins and vanities add to the ambience, especially when highlighted with hints of soft blacks, copper and bronze. Talk to the team at Oakleys about how to bring these bathroom trends into your home.

rmmla.co.nz

oakleysplumbing.co.nz

I CO TRADERS

RESENE

Ico Traders’ simply designed Waipuna Side Tables and Coromandel Chairs are available in their premium grade stainless steel quality, making them suitable for both inside and out. At 46cm tall the Waipuna Side Table is great for tucking into small spaces such as balconies and foyers, and is the perfect partner for the Coromandel Chair. Available in all colours, exclusive to Ico Traders.

Embarking on a home decorating project but experiencing a colour conundrum? Resene’s experienced colour experts are on hand to help you successfully select colour combinations and wallpapers that reflect your personality in your home. Book a free in-store consultation, or make an appointment with a Resene colour expert to visit you at home – where they can help you with your Resene paint, wood stain, wallpaper and colour choices, inside and out.

icotraders.co.nz

resene.co.nz/colourconsult

F R ENCH C OUNTRY C OL L EC T IONS

B O LT O F CLOT H

French Country Collections is a family-owned furniture and homeware brand, drawing inspiration from the timeless allure of effortless French design. You’ll find high quality and timeless pieces that bring style and beauty into homes, to be enjoyed for years to come. There are retail and outlet stores in Auckland and Christchurch, and multiple stockists countrywide.

Bolt of Cloth is a design store that’s all about bringing personality and colour to your place, so you love the everyday moments – the cushions on your couch, coffee from a great mug, a cool gift for a friend. It’s famous for its incredible cushion collection, but this beautiful store is also full of amazing gifts from brands including Marimekko, Orla Kiely, littala, Designers Guild, Jonathan Adler, Lexon and more. Find it at The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston.

frenchcountry.co.nz

boltofcloth.com

HA IR CANDY

B RY M AC T I L E S

Created to help maximise hair health, Hair Candy keratin treatment has no nasty ingredients and is made with New Zealand sheep wool keratin, which is a 99 per cent match to human keratin protein. This treatment penetrates the hair cuticle and strengthens, restores and repairs from the inside out, preventing breakage by 85 per cent and reducing frizz. It’s essential for the strength and resilience of hair.

Make sure to give it a try – your hair will thank you for it.

In operation for over 40 years, Brymac Tiles has a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to draw on. Offering an extensive range of luxury European tiles made from long-lasting materials, at the best prices, Brymac Tiles provides a professional installation service that guarantees quality workmanship every time. Visit their showroom at 42 Durham Street for all your interior and exterior tiling solutions.

haircandy.nz

brymactiles.co.nz

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In the Kitchen Recipes from our favourite cookbooks

A recipe from my mother’s well-used, dilapidated cookbook!

T IN A D U N CA N Cook and Author

Brussels sprouts are in abundance now, so this is the perfect time to make this soup.

I love it with the addition of bacon and egg, which turns it into a great meal alternative. To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the bacon.

P R E P TI M E : CO O K TI M E :

10 mins 30 mins

I N G R E D I E NT S : 25g butter 1 onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 kg Brussels sprouts, cleaned and quartered 2 litres of good chicken stock ½ tsp nutmeg, freshly grated 100g baby spinach leaves 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper, freshly ground 6 very fresh free-range eggs 200g streaky bacon, cut into strips and cooked until crisp

Tip: Soup will keep refrigerated for 3 days or may be frozen.

M E TH O D : Sauté onions and garlic in the butter over a gentle heat for 5 minutes until soft but with no colour. Add sprouts and chicken stock and simmer until sprouts are tender. Add spinach, remove from the heat immediately and season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Blend until very smooth with a stick blender.

Use frozen sprouts if they are out of season.

TO S E RV E : Poach eggs in simmering water until set, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Brussels Sprouts Soup with Bacon and Egg

Heat soup, adjust seasoning if necessary and ladle into warm bowls. Gently place one egg in each bowl of soup and garnish with crispy bacon.

Serve with crusty bread.

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Recipe from Plated: A lifetime love affair with food

By Tina Duncan

Serves 6 tinalovestocook.com | @tinalovestocook

Kevin Williams

021 221 2616

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SAFE A HAVENS Take advantage of warmth, savings and comfort in the face of rising costs.

DEAN MCGUIGAN 104

Director, Canterbury Region at Golden Homes

s we approach the winter months amidst a challenging economic cost-of-living climate, the decision of where to call home becomes increasingly significant. While the allure of an existing property holds its appeal, there’s a compelling case for choosing a new build, particularly concerning long-term cost-efficiency.

In the biting chill of winter, the warmth and dryness of a new home stand as pillars of comfort and financial relief. Unlike their older counterparts, new homes boast advanced insulation techniques and materials, ensuring a cosy interior even when it’s freezing outside.

With energy prices on the increase, the significance of the latest government insulation requirements for new home builds cannot be overlooked. It translates into reduced reliance on additional heating systems, ultimately leading to lower energy bills – an essential relief in the face of escalating living costs.

Our team are hearing from customers that the garage is becoming an extension of their home spaces rather than just a place

to park the car. Therefore we have recently lifted our standard specs here at Golden Homes Christchurch, so that the garage in every new build moving forward will now include an insulated door, insulated walls and garage carpet (at no extra cost to the customer). This bolsters the energy efficiency and warmth between the main living spaces and the garage area.

Another new inclusion is the implementation of Wi-Fi-controlled heat pumps so our customers can access turning the heat pumps on and off remotely via an app, as required, rather than leaving them on 24/7 when they aren’t at home.

As we navigate a cost-of-living crisis and prepare for winter, the advantages of a new home – enhanced insulation, reduced costs and increased comfort – shine brightly. By prioritising energy efficiency and durability, homeowners can find solace and financial security in their investment, ensuring a warm and welcoming haven to call home. goldenhomes.co.nz

VISIT OUR SH OWROOM Direct to the Public 193 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025

PLAN I DESIGN I MANAGE I BUILD

djhewitt.co.nz

03 338 9199 | halswelltimber.co.nz

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Define your space

ARTISAN INTERIOR

Hand applied plaster finishes.

Off-form concrete effect

PLASTERING PROFESSIONAL

Greenwood Trade Professionals

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A R T IS A N I N T E R I O R S

C O NST R U C T I O N PR O D U C T S