abode issue 40 - March/April 2019 by Twenty Seven Publishers

CO M P LI M E N TA RY CO PY

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 01 9

A SPEC TACUL AR HOME SURE TO IMPRE SS ON THE SURFACE

The best of benchtops

BREAKING FRESH GROUND

Creative outdoor spaces

SHADES OF AUTUMN

Fabrics to inspire

Takahe Construction is an award-winning company. Our builders are craftsmen who pride themselves on achieving high-end finishes.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

LY 100 UD

NED

PR O

I can clearly remember popping into the chaotic scene of our full-scale renovation and there it was, freshly perched atop the joinery, a brand new, shiny, black, stone benchtop. I don’t know how long I admired it for that day (it was a long time) or, as the renovation came to an end and my family started cooking, eating, talking and working around it, how much more time I spent staring at it on a daily basis. Like a pair of really great shoes, when you get your benchtop just right, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s always there, central to your kitchen and family life. In both of our Canterbury home features this issue, our homeowners took great care with getting their kitchen designs just right; with very different, but equally successful, results. You’ll be amazed at the cantilevered architectural marble island, with its colourful LED and grand proportions, in the spectacular Casa Moderno (page 36). By contrast, Richard and Julie’s gorgeous coastal hideaway, with views to Motunau Island and Banks Peninsula, opted for earthy, natural materials in the kitchen they designed for serving big groups of family and friends in A Home to Share (page 30). As well as these beautiful homes, in this issue we bring you our kitchen special feature (page 53), focusing on surface materials and benchtops. We hope it helps you to choose materials that work for your home and family and to find something you can admire. It’s not all about being shiny and new, but that is very nice too.

E LY N Z O

Anna Scaife EDITOR anna@27publishers.co.nz

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PUBLISHER

SUB EDITOR

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Liam Stretch liam@27publishers.co.nz 027 867 8645

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Anna Scaife anna@27publishers.co.nz 022 027 0894

Greg Young, Mike Pero, Tony Milne, Kathy Catton, Greg Cox, Nicky Claridge, Sarah Eaton, Robin Curtis, Johnny Knopp, Anthony Turnham, Justine Hewitt, Tara Sloggett, Warren Heath, Liam Stretch, Samantha Elise, Jamie Cobel

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Sarah Gray sarah@27publishers.co.nz 021 459 811 ADVERTISING

Georgia Scott georgia@27publishers.co.nz 021 442 178

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Blueprint, Christchurch

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

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Visit our website to discover more about our exciting range of facade systems, bespoke interior ďŹ nishes, and construction products.

Master Plasterer: Complete Plaster Coatings, Whanganui

CONTENTS

30 A COASTAL HOME AWAY FROM HOME. HOMES 30

A HOME TO SHARE

CASA MODERNO

ELEMENTAL ELEGANCE

Coastal home away from home

A new home with a big wow factor

Our international abode

R EG U L A R S 2 76

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE SHOP WINDOW & DIRECTORY

CON T E N T S FE AT U R E S 12

IN LIVING COLOUR

How to bring the colour of the year to your home

GOT YOU COVERED A custom cushion design service

HOMES

A LEGACY OF QUALIT Y Christchurch tiling experts

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

SPOILED FOR CHOICE Four ranges of bathroomware with style

A FRESH TAKE ON FIRST Sustainable starter homes

BREAKING FRESH GROUND A modern approach to landscape design

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E 53

KITCHEN BENCHTOP SPECIAL

CONTENTS

24 53

CO LUM N S 8

INTERIOR TRENDS

BETTER BY DESIGN

SHADES OF AUTUMN

Inspired finds for your home

Top tips for kitchen design

Fabrics to freshen up your interior

60 CO M P L I M E N TA RY CO PY

ONE STEP AHEAD

IS NATIVE THE NEW GREEN

L AST WORD

What to do in your garden in autumn

Tony Milne talks lawns

The as-is-where-is debate

LIFEST YLE 73

ROOM TO MOVE

FOOD

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casa moderno

A SPEC TACUL AR HOME SURE TO IMPRE SS ON THE SURFACE

The best of benchtops

BREAKING FRESH GROUND

Creative outdoor spaces

SHADES OF AUTUMN

Fabrics to inspire

A true performance car with space

A spicy twist on the roast

THE GOOD LIFE

Best in books, beauty, couture & cuisine M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

ON THE COVER A vast modern masterpiece built by Gregg Builders in an idyllic tree-lined spot. Photo: Anthony Turnham, Snap Photography

Tile suppliers and installers for award winning builders and designs

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motiles.co.nz M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

INTERIOR TRENDS

IN S PIRIN G FINDS Furniture, fittings and finishing touches for your home

boldly go... GO BRIGHT, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL . ADD JUST A LITTLE OR GO ALL OUT WITH PAT TERN , SHAPE AND VIBRANT COLOUR.

Resene California Resene Such Fun Resene Royal Heath

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Cole and Son Prism Wallpaper artisancollective.co.nz/wallpaper; Grande Papilio Armchair matisse.co.nz; 'Quiet' by Joel Hart joelhartdesign.com; Cole and Son Prism Wallpaper artisancollective. co.nz; Carnival Illusion Fabric thefabricofsociety.co.nz; Blunt + Flox Fantastical Fantail Umbrella bluntumbrellas.co.nz; Kartell Largo Sofa backhousenz.com; Resene Such Fun, Resene Royal Heath and Resene California resene.co.nz/colorshops 8

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INTERIOR TRENDS

sleep tight LO N G E R N I G H T S C A L L FO R L AY E R S O F LU X U R Y; S P O I L YO U R S E L F A N D M A K E NIGHT TIME YOUR ME TIME .

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo lalalinen-nz.com; Jacquard 100% Cotton Towel Range from Citta in Dusky Pink cittadesign.com; Art In A Box Peony Roses Wallhanging boltofcloth.com; Herringbone II Men's Raschel Dressing Gown and Bella Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Linen Dressing Gown in Mushroom; cittadesign.com; Sidekick Bedside Table in Black paperplanestore.com; Flos Miss K Table Lamp Designed by Philippe Starck ecc.co.nz; 100% Pure Pre-washed Linen Bedspread in Blush thefoxesden.co.nz; 116 Wild Rose Hand Cream from L:a Bruket cittadesign.com; Tivoli Audio Bluetooth Clock Radio ballantynes.co.nz 10

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INTERIOR TRENDS

stow it I F W E M U S T T I D Y U P, L E T ' S HAVE SOME WHE RE G ORG EOUS TO STORE OUR TREASURES.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Ancestors Tabwa Storage Cabinet ecc.co.nz; Kartell Kite Shelf backhousenz.com; Kyoto Sideboard matisse.co.nz; Redondo Firewood Holder otraforma.co.nz; Bordeaux Console Table boconcept.com; Normann Copenhagen Jet Shelf backhousenz.com

D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

Resene Wallpaper Collection design 384503 Resene Just Dance

Resene Sorbet

COLOUR PALETTE

Resene Peace

Resene Irresistible Resene Silver Sand Resene Just Dance

Resene Rose Gold

Resene Waiouru

Resene Pitch Black Resene Half Spanish White

A distressed paint effect finish with Resene Poured Milk over Resene Rebel

in living

colour PA N T O N E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C O L O U R O F T H E Y E A R F O R 2 0 19 , L I V I N G CORAL, IS VIBRANT AND LUMINOUS, BUT HOW DO YOU S U C C E S S F U L LY I N C O R P O R AT E S U C H A S T R I K I N G S H A D E I N T O Y O U R I N T E R I O R S PA C E S ?

f you are a fan of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice from Pantone and want to introduce a little coral into your home, here are some suggestions for how you can avoid strong coral tones becoming overwhelming. Rather than opting for a bright, consider sunbaked shades of coral such as Resene Just Dance to give an earthier, calm feeling to your space. Introduce coral in small doses, a feature wall or painted furniture can add a hint of the on-trend shade without dominating the space. Add highlights with pillows, vases, or throws in complementary shades. Opt for a bold pattern with a coral-hued wallpaper such as the tropical palm leaf pattern of Resene Wallpaper Collection design 384503. Coral works surprisingly well with rich, earthy green tones such as Resene Peace or Resene Waiouru or you can pair it with soft warm white Resene Half Spanish White to help cool the coral down. Mix and match delicate pastel coral shades such as Resene Sorbet for the lightest touch, introducing just a hint of colour tone on tone. Coral can be bold and vibrant, warm and earthy, or gentle and subtle leaving you with the choice of many ways to utilise this versatile and eye-catching colour to refresh a living area, bedroom, or perhaps a powder room in Resene Sorbet? resene.co.nz/colorshops

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Louvre Solutions customised louvre roofs are engineered and designed to withstand the New Zealand elements

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covered REFRESHING YOUR LIVING ARE A CAN BE AS SIMPLE AS REPLACING THE CUSHIONS, AND THE TEAM F R O M B O LT O F C L O T H P R I D E T H E M S E LV E S O N B E I N G NEW ZEALAND’S CUSHION EXPERTS, PROVIDING A M A K E O V E R S E R V I C E T H AT W I L L C H E E R U P Y O U R COUCH AND LIVEN UP YOUR ROOM.

hen did your couch last get some love? Show it a little kindness by changing your cushions. This is a cheap and easy way to update a room while adding plenty of personality and style. Bolt of Cloth is well known for being the place to go for an eclectic variety of colourful fabrics, as well as fabulous unique homewares, and gifts. Many know and love the store, browsing the fabric selection and taking advantage of the custom making service to create lampshades, curtains, blinds, cushions, and squabs – all right here in Christchurch! It is less well known that Bolt of Cloth is New Zealand’s ultimate cushion destination. The team are complete cushion experts, effortlessly whipping up endless original combinations of cushions for customers. Whether you are looking for patterns, colour, neutrals, velvet, linen, Kiwiana, something quirky and offbeat, classic floral or black and white – Bolt of Cloth has it all! If you are looking for a big name brand like Marimekko or you prefer made in New Zealand, the team have you covered. There are new cushions arriving every week, providing an everchanging selection of fabric styles to choose from. Bolt of Cloth are now operating their retail and design services from one fabulous space in The Tannery in Garlands Road, Woolston and you can enlist the team to help, with their exclusive Couch Makeover service. Simply show them a photo of your couch, answer some quick questions about your likes and dislikes, and they will recommend the perfect combination of cushions just for you, adding touches of your personal style and a welcoming feel to your home. 03 389 5203 | boltofcloth.co.nz

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D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

CONSULT AN EXPERT One of the biggest mistakes people make while looking at new kitchens is believing that cutting corners will save money when it can turn out to be the opposite. Working with an independent kitchen designer is the key to success and a very worthwhile investment. Yes, a kitchen design done by a professional is going to cost you up front – though the cost will vary depending on the designer you choose as well as the timeline of your project. A good rule of thumb to help you with your budget is to allow around ten percent for design. For example, if your kitchen budget (excluding appliances) is $25000, then your design budget should be approximately $2500.

SET A REALISTIC BUDGET There are a large number of home improvement shows on our TV screens these days and almost all of them feature stunning kitchen designs furnished with the latest and greatest products. However, what these shows often do not reveal, is how much their creations cost. A good kitchen designer will discuss your budget with you very early on in the design phase and it is important that you are open with them about how much you can spend. Your designer is there to make sure that you get the very best kitchen within your budget. There are literally thousands of product choices for kitchens, from cabinet and benchtop surfaces to handy accessories and gadgets. By discussing your budget first, your designer will steer you towards fittings and finishes that sit within your price range.

Better by design AB O D E’ S K I T C H E N A N D B AT H R O O M E X P E R T, NICKY CLARIDGE OF NC DESIGN, SHARES HER TOP SECRETS F O R A S U C C E S S F U L K I T C H E N D E S I G N P R O J E C T.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Most designers begin their process with an initial consultation. This meeting is often the most important as it is when your designer will gather as much information from you as possible to form the design ‘brief’. They will then use this brief to create a concept design. Online platforms like Pinterest, and more recently Houzz, have made researching

NICKY CLARIDGE Kitchen and Bathroom Designer, Director of NC Design

esigning and completing your new kitchen should be enjoyable while adding value to your home, but the process can be stressful and it is often an expensive exercise – so getting it right the first time is essential. The following are my three top tips to make buying a kitchen stress free and, most importantly, fun.

kitchen styles easier than ever. The cost of a kitchen design can be reduced if you arrive at the first consultation armed with images of the types of kitchens you like the look of and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Your kitchen is the hub of the home and a space that needs to function efficiently as well as look beautiful. Following these tips and working alongside an experienced kitchen designer will set you on the path to creating

021 240 9225 | ncdesign.co.nz 16

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the kitchen of your dreams.

Fire your imagination With or Without he ating

With or without heat, Gazco Skope electric fires flood a room with a captivating display of multi-hued flames. Their dramatic displays include crystal ice effects, sparkling embers, logs and pebbles, glowing hearthside ambience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many more mesmerizing fuel bed displays at the touch of a button.

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LEFT The decorative weaves and prints from the Mark Alexander Modena fabric range from Seneca. BELOW Cushions from Seneca's Elitis range of accessories.

Shades of autumn AB O D E’ S R E S I D E N T I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R , S A R A H E AT O N , CONSIDERS HOW THE ADDITION OF RICH, COLOURFUL TEXTURES C A N B R I N G L I F E A N D WA R M T H T O Y O U D E C O R .

SARAH EATON Interior Designer and Director of Tailormade Space

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

n Canterbury, the seasons have distinct and colourful personalities. We see this illustrated perfectly in the stunning displays of autumn colour that Hagley Park treats us to every year. As we transition into the new season and temperatures begin to drop, we tend to focus on the indoors once more. We can reflect this change in our homes with the introduction of decorative elements that bring warmth and life to a space. Fabric houses internationally are constantly creating beautiful new textiles and I like to keep up with the newly released ranges as they are launched.

Recently, quality textile supplier Seneca released a series of fabulous new collections. These include the Modena range from Mark Alexander (pictured) which incorporates, “...deep teals, indigos, and rich reds adding depth to a core palette of neutrals”. The range is full of lush textures and the colours are divine. Fabrics and soft furnishings (cushions, throws, bedding) are a very effective way to enhance and develop your interior without having to make any structural changes. Layered skilfully, these elements can bring depth and add impact. When collecting items for your home, look for ways to balance your colour palette such as tempering the traditional autumn shades of rust and gold with the cooler blues and greens. For a gorgeous range of cushions in an array of colours and patterns, Seneca supplies the Elitis range of accessories from France. They come with plump feather inners, making them a sumptuous addition to your interior and the perfect way to add comfort and luxury for the cooler months. 021 029 32709 | tailormadespace.co.nz

HOMES

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a fresh take

on first homes R O B I N C U R T I S O F H E A LT H B A S E D B U I L D I N G S H A R E S H O W PA R T N E R I N G W I T H N E S T H O M E S I S H E L P I N G T O M A K E H O U S E S T H AT F O C U S O N H U M A N H E A LT H A N D T H E E N V I R O N M E N T AN AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS.

asked with designing an affordable home for their daughter, Jock and Jackie Davey, owners of Nest Homes, set about looking for alternatives. With their daughter a first-home buyer, Jock knew the solution needed to be affordable and of a standard higher than most commonly used building materials would provide. He was looking for a new mix of materials that supported sustainable development to embed human health, material health, and environmental health as the first principles in the design and aimed to find products that would not require energy sapping mechanical ventilation systems or wraps and toxic foams that impact the environment. He needed to look no further than Designex in Christchurch where he met the Health Based Building team, a company supplying a fully developed range of materials and building systems that ticked all the boxes, including downstream waste management.

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In terms of our physical and material health, managing air quality and moisture levels is critical to maintaining a safe environment. All Nest Homes begin with walls constructed using breathable, Foreverbreathe Wall Systems. Air tightness and vapour permeability work in harmony to remove moisture and increase air quality without the need for energy sapping ventilation systems. The construction industry creates an enormous amount of waste. In the home pictured, built by Nest Homes in Mangakino, the company demonstrates how things can be done differently, without releasing toxic substances into our environment. From the foundation to the insulation, interior paints, exterior cladding, and structural timber, a Nest Home focuses on air tightness with embedded vapour permeability, air quality, human health, material health, financial health, and environmental health. Nest Homes come with measurable performance indicators, allowing you to monitor overall performance and internal environmental health. Jock believes that no one buys an appliance without knowing how it performs so why take a gamble on the investment of a lifetime? Since building the Mangakino home, Nest Homes has gone from strength to strength with additional performance benefits coming via the association with the team at Health Based Building. 021 025 19053 | nesthomes.co.nz

Make your ideas a reality Bespoke joinery solutions–award winning quality

We want you to be proud of your home. That’s why we listen to what you need and what you want. We work with you to create the perfect solution for your home. Whether you want a small revamp or a complete house fit-out, we’ll work with you from concept to completion. Design / Manufacture / Installation

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A 127 Montreal Street, Sydenham

modernagekitchens.co.nz M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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A legacy of quality W I T H A R E P U TAT I O N F O R Q U A L I T Y P R O D U C T S , W O R K M A N S H I P AND SERVICE, BRYMAC TILES HAS BEEN LOOKING AF TER CUSTOMERS IN CHRISTCHURCH FOR 40 YEARS.

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rymac Tiles’ busy tile showroom on Durham Street, Christchurch is well known, but many customers are not aware that they can also take advantage of the company’s expert tile installation service. For over 40 years, the family-owned business has been importing and installing quality tiles to all types of residential and commercial projects. James Thomson, Director, says, “Offering expert installation has always complemented the showroom sales. We can provide a seamless service so we know our customers will get a great result.” After outgrowing the original premises in Salisbury Street, Brymac Tiles’ headquarters moved to 42 Durham Street where they now operate a spacious retail showroom, a busy trade counter catering to tradesmen and DIYers, along with a private upstairs architectural studio. James and his team know that it’s important to provide a service that suits the type of project the customer is working on. For smaller jobs or customers purchasing from the extensive range of quality tiles kept in stock, the showroom floor provides a convenient, personalised service. Tiles and a full range of tiling accessories can be quickly dispatched with ease from a nearby depot and delivered onsite in no time.

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tile trends TO LOOK OUT F O R I N 2 01 9

SPECKLED TERRA ZZO Composite tiles are a standout trend, consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite or glass they can add texture, colour and interest to the space.

COLOUR COMEBACK The architectural studio is an appointment only showroom designed for customers and those in the trade looking for additional innovative, or bespoke solutions for large or mid to high-end projects. An appointment gives full private access to the showroom and assistance from one of the experienced team members and is often booked by interior designers or architects working with clients to coordinate their tiling design choices. The room is filled with the latest large and small format tile samples along with many books, images and inspiration; there’s plenty of room to spread out. Many of the tiles available do need to be ordered and therefore have a longer lead time, so James advises making your choices early in the project to allow for that. Paint colour charts and samples of tile grout and benchtop surface samples are also on hand to assist with colour matching. Brymac Tiles’ aim when they began importing and selling, was to bring in high-quality European tiles on the cutting edge of fashion. Over time those ideals have not changed. James says, “We are always thinking ahead to what’s coming next and making sure we are aware of what new and

unique products are out there.” The range at Brymac Tiles is extensive and includes beautifully crafted tiling solutions for a wide range of projects catering for feature areas, external tiling, floors, bathrooms, and kitchens in a huge variety of colours and finishes to complement your décor, as well as bringing your vision for the space to life. Family values combined with a longheld belief in providing quality products and good old-fashioned customer service has meant the company has many loyal and repeat customers who go straight to the experts when starting a new project. The depth of experience amongst the team means they are able to select tried and true tiling systems and accessories with absolute confidence, offering only the best to clients. The team frequently work with awardwinning architects and designers and have supplied and laid tiles in to Master Builders House of the Year winners in all categories. Experience, quality, and a service that can be tailored to you makes Brymac Tiles an excellent choice no matter what size project is on the horizon. 03 366 8187 | brymactiles.co.nz

Colour is on the rise and it means business. Vibrant, contrasting shades and eclectic mixed palettes are taking a stand over the whites, greys and neutrals.

ABSTRACT PATTERN Eye-catching geometrics are beginning to give way to more abstract patterns. For a statement effect choose a small area like a bathroom and go for it.

WOOD GRAIN TILES Neutrals will never die and the latest take on natural tones are the timber-look tiles we are starting to see bringing warmth to bathrooms and kitchens.

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL Tiles with a 3D element are in our sights this year. Bringing depth and texture, multi-dimensional tiles catch the light, changing the look throughout the day.

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D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

Burlington Harewood Freestanding Bath

spoiled

for choice W I T H A L O N G H I S T O R Y I N T H E B U S I N E S S B AT H C O K N O W S B AT H R O O M S , A N D M O R E R E C E N T LY T H E C O M PA N Y H AV E TA K E N O N W H AT â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O F T E N THE MOST OVERLOOKED ROOM IN THE HOUSE, ADDING THE NEW A N D I N N O VAT I V E L A U N D R Y R A N G E T O I T S S TA B L E O F H I G H - Q U A L I T Y B AT H R O O M WA R E B R A N D S .

PICTURED BELOW

hroughout its 60 year history, Bath Co has been at the leading edge of design thinking around bathroom furniture and has pioneered technologies and introduced new fashions to New Zealand to cater for the changing way we use our homes. The company takes an innovative approach to designing and manufacturing a variety of brands to cater for differing tastes, styles and budgets providing multiple options to customers to bring their bathroom and now laundry plans to life.

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Burlington London Freestanding Bath

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VCBC

Michel César Hatria Abito black basins and wall-hung bidet and toilet.

If you’re renovating or building and want trusted quality and modern styling VCBC is the best place to start. VCBC features a wide range of bathroom furnishings manufactured to a high standard that’s priced to fit within your budget.

VCBC Rest Rimless Toilet Suite

MICHEL CÉSAR Sophisticated, sleek, and stylish. If you’re looking for top quality real timber finishes, a broad colour palette, and gravity-defying vanities, think Michel César. The range is designed and made in New Zealand, with ceramics and accessories handpicked from Europe as well as around the world.

Bath Co Laundry range in Blonde Oak.

PICTURED FROM LEFT: Michel César Jee-O Soho basin mixer and Hatria Happy Hour slim basin

L AUNDRY

The newest kid on the block is Laundry, a range of laundry cabinetry, tubs, mixers and storage that lifts the space while being supremely functional and hard wearing. This little room can be an after-thought for many in the process of a renovation or a build, but the range that Bath Co has developed makes you reconsider what a laundry can be. Customise your look with variety of finishes, from chestnut to driftwood. BURLINGTON (pictured on previous page) For the steadfast traditionalist the Burlington range is full of timeless classic pieces, including Edwardian basins and Georgian mirrors. Those renovating character homes or re-creating a traditionally-styled home will find the pieces they need to complete the look in this range.

It’s important to the team from Bath Co to work with consideration for sustainability and the environment in the manufacturing process. The premiere brand, Michel César is made with timber sourced from New Zealand suppliers, guaranteeing that it comes from responsibly managed forests. This is just one of the reasons the company has a longstanding relationship with Oakleys Plumbing Supplies who are proud to recommend Bath Co products to clients. Recognising the need to cater for differing styles and tastes and continuing to innovate and develop new solutions to help create beautiful functional bathroom and laundry spaces has been the key to many years of successful business for Bath Co and many more happy customers. 03 343 0969 | bathco.co.nz 03 379 4750 | oakleysplumbing.co.nz M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

breaking

fresh ground T H E PA S S I O N AT E L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T U R E T E A M F R O M E L I O T S I N C L A I R TA K E S A N I N N O VAT I V E A N D H I G H -T E C H A P P R O A C H T O D E S I G N , B U T T H E F I R S T S T E P I S A LWAY S A G O O D C H AT O V E R A C O F F E E .

“

There is a lot of coffee,” says Kess Aleksandrova, one of three dedicated landscape architects in the wider Eliot Sinclair team, “In residential landscape design it’s all about the client, getting to know how they live, what they do on the weekend, whether they have kids or pets. All of those things inform the design.” Established in 1932, Eliot Sinclair is one of the longest-standing surveying and engineering firms in Christchurch with a depth of expertise within the 100 strong staff that only comes from experience. The company specialises in surveying, engineering, planning, and urban design with the landscape architecture team looking after housing developments as well as individual residential design. Landscape architect, Jade McFarlane, finds having the wider team close by invaluable, “It’s great to have planners and engineers just down the hall. If we’re working on a hill site or a challenging location, we can tap someone on the shoulder for advice or to discuss an innovative solution.” The team collaborates closely on each project. One person will take the lead, working with the client

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from developing concepts through to completion, but always in constant consultation with their colleagues. “We get around the table and look at each other’s work, discuss options and challenge each other when we need to. Bouncing ideas around helps us work out if we have the best solution for our client,” says third team member and landscape architect, Matt Smink. In recent years new technologies have revolutionised design and Eliot Sinclair embraces innovation and the use of cutting-edge drone technology, 3D scanning, 3D modelling, 3D printing and augmented reality to show clients how their design could look. “This really helps our clients to visualise and get excited about concept designs,” says Matt. Every site is unique when considering sun direction, prevailing winds, and seasonal change. These factors, along with our clients' lifestyle, are key in creating the best possible outdoor living space. Jade says, “We love it when a project has been built and our clients are really enjoying using their outdoor space throughout the seasons. That’s the result we are looking for.”

D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

Case study: Prebbleton home The Landscape Architecture team were engaged by the client to create a landscape plan for their rural residential home in Prebbleton. The brief from the couple was for a design that included simple, clean lines, extensive decking, varied open spaces, a central outdoor living room sheltered by louvres, breakfast and spa areas, a custom fire and barbecue and strategic lighting throughout the outdoor living areas and accessways. Led by Jade, the plan included the hardwood decking with a waterfall edge which was expertly constructed by Hoogervorst Architectural Builders. The warmth of the timber deck complements the charcoal and white aesthetic of the building and the planters. An overhead louvre provides shade and shelter, allowing this living space to be enjoyed in any season. The clients desire for seasonal colour and year-round foliage has been achieved by using a variety of evergreen and flowering plant species. The clients are delighted with the space, particularly the evening outdoor living environment. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the outdoor dining space, creating a wonderful entertaining area for the family and their guests. “It’s the perfect orientation to enjoy a Waipara Hills Pinot Gris in the afternoon sun, with the northwest arch in the background – and that's exactly what we did when the project was complete!” says Jade. 03 379 4014 | eliotsinclair.com

“We asked Jade from Eliot Sinclair to undertake the landscape design of our new lifestyle section near Prebbleton. Our family is really happy with our finished space and we use it all the time - we recommend Jade and the team at Eliot Sinclair to other homeowners looking for a high-quality living environment.”

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One step ahead P R E PA R I N G Y O U R G A R D E N W E L L F O R W I N T E R W I L L S TA N D Y O U I N G O O D STEAD FOR THE SPRING.

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As temperatures begin

IN WITH THE NE W

to dip and the last of the

If you want to add trees or shrubs to your garden, autumn is the perfect time to plant. The warm soil and moisture provide ideal conditions for root growth giving new additions a head start, ensuring they have time to settle in before winter.

colour fades in the flower beds, it can be difficult to get excited about donning the gardening gloves, but setting aside MIKE PERO Chief Executive, Mike Pero Real Estate

a weekend or two in the garden before the colder weather settles in will reap many rewards in spring.

OUT WITH THE OLD When the roses stop flowering and stone fruit has been harvested it is time to have a tidy up, cutting back old growth to prepare for the winter.

Plant or transplant trees in autumn when conditions are favourable to encourage root growth and resilience during the winter months. Plant daffodils, snowdrops, and other cheerful spring bulbs now for bursts of colour in the spring. Re-sow your lawn or plant any new lawn areas, they will thrive in the autumn conditions and you will avoid weed problems which can become an issue in spring. Feed the soil to give your new plants a healthy start by adding fertilisers or compost before planting. Consult the experts at your garden centre for advice on what to use.

Prune fruit trees to help protect from disease as well as pests while aiding preparation for flowering and fruit production. Cut back hedges and remove any dead wood, this will help keep things looking spick and span over the winter months. It will also prepare the plants for new growth. Roses can either be deadheaded for autumn flowering or pruned right back ready for a new season.

TOP TIP FOR B E AUTIFUL SPRING BULB S :

March, April, and May are the optimum months for planting bulbs. You will have more success with tulips if the bulbs are chilled in the fridge for up to eight weeks before planting. Bulbs love well-drained soil, so planting in potting mix in a large porous pot is ideal. Plant bulbs close together in groups rather than spreading them out. This will provide maximum impact when they burst into life as winter ends.

0800 000 525 | mikepero.com Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

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a home to share The views, the weather, and the fishing were all factors in the creation of this steadfast and comforting coastal home designed by RW Design, but making a place for the family to enjoy was at the heart of the process. WO R DS A N N A SC AI FE

P H OTOG R AP H Y J O H N N Y K N O P P

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“

I spent time exploring the site and the house began to design itself at that point,” says architectural designer, Robin White, of RW Design. “The south-east views and northerly access were pivotal and the shape of the home started to form from that. I made some quick sketches and we took it from there.” For longstanding clients of RW Design, Richard and Julie Brown, the process of working with Robin to design this home away from home in coastal North Canterbury, was a collaboration built on trust. “We would have discussions with Robin about various aspects of the design and he would go to the sketch pad and come back with something that was pretty close to the mark.” The couple’s son Mitch, of Mitch Brown Construction, completed the build and Robin was impressed with the results saying, “Mitch did an exceptional job of realising the vision his parents had for the Motunau site.” RW Design is an established presence in the New Zealand design industry, and principal architectural designer, Robin White, has operated in North Canterbury for over 30 years. He leads the boutique office alongside practice manager Rachel Horan and a passionate design team whose priority is to provide outstanding and practical design. Robin has

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carved a niche working on rural properties and holiday homes and believes in the importance of creating the home to fit the surrounding landscape. “I love working in rural settings because you are free from some of the restrictions that exist in town; allowing you the freedom to maximise the natural features of the site. We were certainly able to do that with the Motunau house,” says Robin. At the heart of the small community of Motunau is the boat ramp, at times deserted and at others a busy hub encircled by a cluster of traditional baches and larger modern homes perched on the road that winds steeply up into rolling farmland. It is a favourite spot for fishermen and divers to head out over the bar towards Motunau Island looking for blue cod, crayfish, and paua. Richard’s connection to the site was born out of childhood fishing trips and visits with his own children and when he and wife Julie decided to build a second home to use for family holidays and weekends away, they knew this was the spot. The clifftop site affords the home extraordinary views out to sea and the island and back to Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula on a clear day. Along with the outlook and the access to the ocean comes exposure to the extremes of weather and the harsh coastal environment; Richard says the storms can

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be spectacular. This vulnerability to the elements informed many of the decisions around the design and the materials used in the house. Lewis and Barrow were the consultant engineers for the project and their brief included geotechnical site testing and foundation recommendations, structural design and site observation of the structure during construction. Nigel Hogg of Lewis and Barrow says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cliff top location makes it very exposed to the wind. Most of Lewis and Barrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort went into the living and dining areas to keep the space as open plan as possible while providing enough bracing for the high wind loads.â&#x20AC;? Cedar, Waiau stone, and copper are combined to form the cohesive and handsome exterior, materials robust enough to withstand the conditions while continuing to look good over time. The roofing material is asphalt shingles, a non-corrosive product that performs well in salt-laden air. Steven from Southern Superior Roofing installed Pabco premier shingles in antique black, confident they would do the job as they come with a 200kph wind rating. The product is installed on 15mm plywood which helps to brace the roof and also provides venting and air flow, keeping the home warm or cool depending on the time of year. The use of the Waiau stone continues seamlessly from the outside into the expansive open plan living area which centres around a huge open fire, a feature that was important to the Browns and is used at every opportunity. The mantelpiece has been crafted from

LIVING AND DINING

The living spaces have been designed for comfort and communal dining with the emphasis on uninterrupted views out to sea.

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CLADDING

Cedar, copper and Waiau stonework make up the resilient exterior of this home designed for the elements.

an old, weathered piece of hardwood, salvaged from a dredge on the West Coast, and that had lived unused at a friend’s bach in Motunau before being put to perfect use above the hearth. The home has five double bedrooms and three bathrooms and Robin says of planning the internal layout, “Family is extremely important to Richard and Julie and it was critical there was room for all the family to stay and feel comfortable. They wanted each of the bedrooms to enjoy the views either out to sea or back to the hills and to feel private while still being connected to the communal spaces. It is the layout of the spaces that determines the success of a home.” The use of robust natural materials in the interior was a conscious choice of the owners who worked with Karen Smith of Casabella Interiors to select the interior finishes. "Karen made it so easy for us, she would bring two or three choices that would work in the space." The galley-style kitchen has an impressively proportioned island topped with a large benchtop formed by a tapered slab of textured black granite. The space is simply designed to be supremely functional. Julie enthuses that it is her favourite part of the house. Again, the motivation for the design was informality and to create communal areas that work as well with large groups as they do when the couple is there on their own. “That was the challenge with scaling the spaces, to cater for both of those scenarios,” says Robin. Careful planning was required when considering the outdoor spaces due to the challenges of the site. The garden needed to be easy care with planting that would happily grow on the coast, and it was vital that the design would afford them unobstructed views while providing protection from the prevailing winds. Richard and Julie requested off street parking, a BBQ and outdoor dining area, space for 34

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a spa and a small amount of lawn. They sought the expert help of Hayden from Xteriorscapes Landscape Architecture to create the landscape plan. The owners wanted to use local, natural materials in the design that complemented the materials used in the house. This was achieved by using Waiau stone to construct seating and raised planters as well as the boulders in the garden beds, native plants, gravel paths, and recycled sleepers.

EXTERIOR

Xteriorscapes designed the outdoor spaces, constructing the decking from Garapa hardwood and choosing plants that thrive in a coastal environment.

HOMES

INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT The decking is built from Garapa, a hardwood timber. “The landscaping integrates the house and the outdoor spaces and reinforces the flow and connection between house and garden, nestling the house into the surroundings,” says Hayden. The motivation behind building this beautiful, solid home on the hill was to create a place for the Brown’s close family to spend time together and having their son Mitch do the build added to their strong connection to the place. “We are so proud of him and his attention to detail, and he was up here in some very trying conditions too,” says Richard. In the beginning the couple lived at their home in Rangiora and would head out to the Motunau house for weekends away, but say now that has crept up to spending around half their time at the coast, “We just love being in this house, we love the stonework, the fire, the view. It gets harder and harder for us to leave each time.” A house that is loved by its owners and will continue to be treasured by the extended family is a sure sign that the work of the owners, designer and builder have achieved all that they set out to do.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN RW Design 03 312 2502 rwdesign.nz BUILDER Mitch Brown Construction Limited 022 088 2532 LANDSCAPE DESIGN Xteriorscapes Landscape Architects 021 433 418 xteriorscapes.nz ENGINEERS Lewis and Barrow Ltd 03 366 4320 lewisandbarrow.co.nz ROOFING Southern Superior Roofing Ltd 027 241 1894 superiorroofing.co.nz PLUMBING SUPPLIES Oakley’s Plumbing Supplies 03 379 4750 oakleysplumbing.co.nz INTERIOR DESIGN Casabella Interiors 021 304 301 casabella.co.nz

BATHROOM

The stunning tiled bathroom features down lighting within the recessed shelf and fittings supplied by Oakley's Plumbing Supplies.

STRUCTURAL + GEOTECHNICAL + CIVIL + PROJECT FEASIBILITY COMMERCIAL + INDUSTRIAL + RESIDENTIAL + STRENGTHENING 03 366 4320

eng@lewisandbarrow.co.nz

lewisandbarrow.co.nz

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CASA MODERNO

The owners of this vast, ultra-modern home balanced their high technology approach with respect for the charm of the established site, and the result, produced with precision by Gregg Builders, is spectacular. WO R DS A N N A SC AI FE

P H OTOG R AP H Y A NTH O N Y T U R N H A M

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hen Blair from Gregg Builders signed on to manage this challenging architectural project, it is fair to say the pressure was on. The owners, former builders and directors of a construction company, had engaged their own team to build their previous family homes, so handing over the reins felt like a leap of faith for the couple. Two years down the track, any reservations are a thing of the past and the couple are delighted with how the build process was managed and with their fantastic new home. Testament to that success is that the owners and Blair still happily sit down together for a beer after working side by side throughout the build. “Blair is an absolutely exceptional builder, there’s no doubt he’s in a class of his own,” say the clients. Sites like the one this home resides on don’t become available very often and the owners jumped at the opportunity to purchase when it came along. Situated in a premium suburb, the site was formerly part of the historic Ballantynes Estate. Large established trees were lovingly preserved during

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CLADDING

The stunning marble look on the garage exterior is achieved with Neolith Calacatta Silk 3600x1500 sheets supplied by CDK Stone and installed by Stone and Tile Solutions.

the project and they stand impressively tall along the boundary that is also partially formed by the meandering Wai-iti stream. Convinced this special piece of land was the ideal location for their next build project, the owners were unfazed that it was already home to a twostorey slate-roofed villa. Their wish to preserve that villa meant the couple arranged to slide the 85-tonne two-storey weatherboard home into its new position on steel beams. Sub-dividing the section off for the original house left them with less space, so when the opportunity to buy a neighbouring property came up they took it, making the total land area a sprawling 3000 square metres. A photograph of a spiral staircase and pictures of Oprah Winfreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miami home sparked the inspiration for the design ideas they took to

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN E: office@xteriorscapes.nz

W: xteriorscapes.nz

T: 03 421 8460

M: 021 433 418

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KITCHEN

Artisan Stone supplied and installed the dramatic Arabescato marble on the kitchen island and splashback.

architects Sheppard & Rout who worked with the couple from concept through to the detailed drawings and worked in partnership with Gregg Builders throughout the project. The owner's requests were for six-car garaging and futureproofing by incorporating high tech solutions for power generation, security, and entertainment via home automation. The couple has five sons and ten grandchildren to accommodate on their visits, so the plans included four bedrooms with walk-in robes and ensuite bathrooms plus an office space on the mezzanine with a movable wall and a fold-down bed, allowing them to convert the space to an extra bedroom when needed. On the street the home is hidden from view, but as you arrive in the forecourt, the front of the house

Quality kitchens, all interior joinery, timber windows and doors National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Supreme Bathroom Manufacturer award 2018, National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Supreme Manufacturing Craftsmanship award 2018, Registered Master Builders NZ Supreme Winner for Heart of the Home Kitchen Award 2018, New Zealand Master Joiner Best Kitchen award 2017, New Zealand Master Joiner Best Canterbury Regional award 2017, New Zealand Master Joiner Supreme award 2017

27 Watts Road, Sockburn, Christchurch

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phone 03 348 7700

email enquiries@advancedjoinery.co.nz

advancedjoinery.co.nz

HOMES

the same marble, chosen by the owners with the help of CDK Stone’s interior designer Myles, who had it shipped from Italy. The team from Gregg Builders carefully templated each tread of the stairs in plywood to be sent to Italy for the stone masons to vein match it so, once installed by Stone and Tile Solutions, the look of the marble is seamless all the way up. Stone and Tile keep their processes simple and employ the very best tilers in the country. Owner’s Meranie and Jeff are justifiably proud of the level of accuracy their team can achieve. Of this project, a Neolith Spanish representative said, “I have never seen such attention to detail in a project of this size and calibre.” Adjoining the foyer are his and hers black and white powder rooms with electronic flush toilets and a very glamorous Schindler lift in the hallway that leads to the expansive mezzanine gallery above. Taking centre stage in the living area is the kitchen designed by Vicki Andrews of Vicki Andrews Design, crowned by the monolithic kitchen island; cantilevered to achieve the sculptural shape using Arabescato marble from Artisan Stone who also supplied and installed the benchtops

CAPTION

is an impressive sight. The oversized handcrafted front door is flanked by reflection pools that light up with coloured LED and spring into life with shooting jets, creating a spectacular display at night. The first of the four garages on the property is a feature in itself, sporting tinted safety glass, sectional garage doors; constructed using glue bonding to attach the glass to the steel framing. On the façade, the marble cladding gives a classic appearance achieved with Neolith Calacatta Silk sheets, supplied by CDK Stone and installed by Stone and Tile Solutions. Entry into the home is via a dramatic Arabescato marble foyer that serves as a gallery for just a small portion of the owners' unique and striking collection of paintings and sculpture. The stunning centerpiece is the spiral staircase, constructed in

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in the scullery, bar, laundry, spa room, power rooms and ensuite. The kitchen benchtops are Caesarstone in Snow paired with etched glass door and drawer fronts in Wan White. Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery manufactured and installed the cabinetry and Vicki added LED lighting, highlighting the architectural features as well as providing task lighting under the overhead cupboards. “I worked to create a beautiful yet very workable kitchen, scullery and drinks area for the owners, with the sculptural elements creating the wow factor.” Vicki’s work won two categories at the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association awards in 2018. The Pink Batts insulation and metal ceiling battens were supplied and installed and Gib stopping and fixing completed by Lance Ash Interiors. The

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project was one of the largest residential dwellings the team had ever been involved with, which included three two-storey voids, negative detail to the skirtings and doors, a level 5 finish in areas that are well-lit, and some very tricky stopping around the fibrous down lights which all required special attention. Lance Ash says of this project, “the complete range of the services we provided made the interior lining process hassle free for the clients and we were very happy with the quality of the finish.” One of the challenges of the project was the number of trades working together at any one time and the coordination of the many facets of construction and finishing. Lindsay Newman of Newman Decorators, brought in to complete the

HOMES interior and exterior painting, said despite the busy site, things ran smoothly. His company has a longstanding relationship with Gregg Builders having worked alongside them for over 25 years as a trusted contractor. Ducted heat pump air conditioning and hydronic underfloor heating, balanced with the climate controlled fresh air heat recovery system, was installed by Heat Dynamics who also provided the swimming pool heating system. Mainland Electrical completed a full electrical installation and design and integration of all the equipment and systems to give a seamless solution. Mainlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus when working on a project like this is to combine quality installation while ensuring a superior finish. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a total of seven bathrooms across the two floors and while the owners selected and sourced all of the fixtures and fittings themselves,

ENSUITE BATHROOM (ABOVE)

Cabinetry in the luxurious ensuite was manufactured and installed by Advanced Joinery in Prime Art American white oak with an ebony stain, along with the joinery in the living areas and bedrooms. The top is Caesarstone Pure White from Artisan Stone.

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the job of installation and the extensive plumbing for the project was completed by Layne Watson Plumbing who were proud to be involved in this exciting but challenging build. The extensive joinery throughout the living spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms was manufactured and installed by Advanced Joinery in Prime Art American white oak, stained with Ebony lacquer and finished with Sunshield. The team tasked with the spray application of the stain and lacquer finish was M F Turnbull whose attention to detail and expertise was needed to ensure consistency of colour across the huge quantity of joinery in the home. The quality results they achieved have helped to give the home a warm and welcoming feel. The clients had a firm understanding of what they wanted with the joinery and Scott from

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Advanced Joinery said, “We had a really good team who are experts at what they do, they have a lot of experience on these types of projects and they are excellent at working with the builders and the client to come up with solutions. It was a big job,” he says, “but even though it was one of the most complex, it was also one of the smoothest running jobs we’ve worked on. Blair from Gregg’s was very well organised and professional.” Building such a large home, totaling over 900 square metres, with plans that included an extraordinary level of detail was a “massive challenge,” says Blair, “and that’s what made it such a cool project. We had a big team of really good people working on it”. Blair says they tackled the scale of what needed to be done by breaking the work required up into sections and by maintaining excellent communication with everyone involved. First cab off the rank was the excavation work of digging the footings and backfilling the internal foundations, completed by Kevin Williams and the team from Digout Services. The geotech planning was entrusted to expert consultants and structural engineers. To future-proof the L2 site, with the heavy concrete and structural steel frame, screw piling was installed as the superior site works solution. Survus Consultants were engaged as the surveyors for the project which included a topographical survey, pile and building set-out,

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consents, and approval of the survey plan. The large site and proximity to the stream added complexity to the work but Amber Arkell of Survus says, “What we enjoy about working on slightly more complex projects like this is knowing we have contributed to the development of beautiful places for people to live.” Division Architectural Engineering came in early to install structural steel. At this stage of the build it’s critical to get it right and to do this they use computer software on site to allow the installers to model and install steel precisely to the plans. Helen from Division says, "By getting these systems in place beforehand it means we need less time on site and the steelwork is a perfect fit. We find on architectural houses like this one, often the builders will approach us with problems or challenges and we engineer or design items that can work for them and look amazing for the clients.” Another challenge posed by the location of the site and the high water table was the installation of the indoor swimming pool by Niveau Pools and Construction. Dion from Niveau says, “Gregg Builders managed to get on top of the high water table situation and they did a great job providing a an insulated poly block concrete reinforced basement for us to build the swimming pool in.” The luxurious pool also has in-pool LED lights and an automated, silent, slatted pool cover. “We believe we delivered on the client’s needs and having a custom made, indoor, built in swimming pool with the latest features and

WHETHER YOU NEED STRUCTURAL STEEL OR HIGH-END ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING, GET RELIABLE, ACCURATE WORK – AT ANY SCALE – FROM EVERY STAGE. D I V I S I O N G R O U P. C O . N Z

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P 03 379 3484 E helen@divisiongroup.co.nz

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POOL

Niveau pools built the inground heated pool, installed the in-pool lighting and provided the stateof-the-art automated cover technology.

ease of use is certainly a special feature in a welldesigned home.” The family love the pool area which includes a spa, TV, and bathroom and is completely enclosed but can be opened up with aluminium sliders and an auto retractable, glass roof. The doors and windows throughout were completed by Monarch Aluminium Joinery and for the firm, this was one of the largest residential builds they have ever completed. Kerry Munro of Monarch says, “There were a number of technical challenges and some unique solutions were crafted during the design and build process. Some of these solutions were so successful that they will be carried forward onto other projects. We are particularly proud of the main entry door, which is a stunning artwork in itself.” Outside, the importance the clients placed on retaining the beautiful mature trees means the house rests comfortably on the established grounds, brand new but settled as if it’s always been there. Xteriorscapes Landscape Architects were brought in early in the process to provide plans for the landscaping. Having built a great relationship with their clients, they were then engaged to develop the project into full working drawings, planting plans, and to carry out site observation during construction

We specialise in bespoke architecturally designed homes, working with Architects, designers, & home owners. Monarch have a reputation for quality workmanship and service. T 03 384 9477 E sales@monarchali.co.nz

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which was completed by Gregg Builders. A standout feature of the property is the beautiful planting on the Wai-iti stream's edge. Chris from Xteriorscapes says, “I think we realised the potential of the stream and the existing trees and shrubs, and this is where we provided the most value to the project. I’m very happy with the connection of the house to the stream, which is a real asset to the property and something the clients can really enjoy now.” Looking back on the two-and-a-half-year process, foreman project manager Blair thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of a build of this epic scale and the level of detail needed to successfully deliver on the plan. Because of the 900 square metre floor space, even the concrete pour required a novel approach and they effectively treated it as three buildings, pouring each separately. Blair says the project ran incredibly smoothly and he believes that came down to a combination of factors, “the architectural drawings were brilliant with so much detail and we were working with an outstanding team. Also, the owners worked with us every step of the way and had so much knowledge and experience we were constantly problem solving together. I really enjoyed working with the experienced clients, there was never a dull moment.” Along the way there were some obstacles to overcome. Excavation of the pool in the wet site meant running pumps constantly to drain the water and the installation of motorised glass fins on the exterior had never been done before and kept Blair up at night trying to find a solution. But he

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HOMES INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT BUILDER Gregg Builders Ltd 03 358 6491 greggbuilders.co.nz JOINER Advanced Joinery Ltd 03 348 7700 advancedjoinery.co.nz FOUNDATION EXCAVATION Digout Services 021 221 2616 digoutservices.co.nz INTERIOR PLASTERERS Lance Ash Interiors 03 341 7922 laip.co.nz says that working closely together meant they were able to solve any issues quickly. “I’m really proud of the results we got for the clients, we built a strong relationship and were able to deliver the project on time. It really shows what good processes and good people can do.” Having taken delivery of the latest shipment of artworks and objets d'art from their overseas travels, the house they have named Casa Moderno now seems to truly belong to the family. Their new addition, a miniature Schnauzer puppy, is making herself at home too. Their initial desire for the marble spiral staircase has been realised and definitely does not disappoint and the latest technology has been delivered with the 60 solar panels on the roof complete with a battery storage system and the state-of-the-art security and entertainment system, not to mention the separate two and four-car garages to house the impressive stable of luxury cars. A successful marriage of the historic site and the ultra-modern home is a testament to the vision of the homeowners and the exceptional delivery of the building company as well as all of the tradespeople and contractors who contributed to bringing Casa Moderno to life.

PLUMBER Layne Watson Plumbing 0800 150 155 lwpl.co.nz KITCHEN PAINTERS M F Turnbull 03 365 2519 mfturnbull.co.nz POOL Niveau Pools and Construction 03 329 6098 niveau.co.nz KITCHEN DESIGNER Vicki Andrews Design 027 222 9596 vadesign.co.nz LANDSCAPE DESIGN Xteriorscapes Landscape Architects 021 433 418 xteriorscapes.co.nz

ALUMINIUM JOINERY Monarch Aluminium Joinery 03 384 9477 monarchali.co.nz TILING Stone and Tile Solutions Limited 027 256 0142 stonetile.co.nz STONE CDK Stone 0800 803 932 Cdkstone.co.nz PAINTER Newman Decorators 027 436 4152 Newmandecorators.co.nz HEATING Heat Dynamics 03 366 3614 ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING Division Architectural Engineering 03 379 3484 divisiongroup.co.nz ELECTRICIAN Mainland Electrical 03 338 0909 mainlandelectrical.co.nz SURVEYOR Survus Consultants 0508 787 887 survus.co.nz BENCHTOPS & KITCHEN STONE Artisan Stone 03 348 0680 artisanstone.co.nz KITCHEN JOINERY Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery 03 365 1675 modernagekitchens.co.nz

The art of the home “Casa Moderno” proudly built by Gregg Architectural Builders. G R EG G B U I L D E R S . CO . N Z | T E L : 03 3 5 8 6 49 1

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D E S I G N & I N N O VAT I O N

THE NATURAL HOME OF MARBLE AND GRANITE.

40 ACHERON DRIVE, RICCARTON, CHRISTCHURCH 0508 4 TILES (484537) 50

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ARABESCATO VAGLI M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

The fabricator of choice for kitchens and bathrooms across the South Island, our range of Marbles, Granites, premium brand Quartz stones and Techno Porcelains provide the feature in any interior and exterior living spaces. Showroom: 98 Waterloo Road Christchurch Monday - Friday 8am - 4.30pm P: 03 348 0680 F: 03 348 0925 info@artisanstone.co.nz

www.artisanstone.co.nz

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

KITCHEN BENCHTOP

special

surface

Design feature

ON THE

With so many choices on the market, decisions about kitchen surfaces can be daunting. Here’s our guide for getting started.

n recent years, benchtop technology has taken giant steps forward. There is now a huge range of kitchen surface products on the market, from the traditional to the highly technical. Consumers are spoiled for choice and when navigating through a number of options, it can be difficult to know where to start. Abode’s kitchen design expert Nicky Claridge says, when considering a benchtop, it is vital to be fully informed. Not all benchtop surfaces are created equal so make sure you choose one that meets your needs and fits appropriately into your home environment. It’s imperative that you are aware of the care and maintenance regimen that is required. Be aware of the slab sizes

available in the product you choose, this helps when considering where the joins will be on your surface and it will help you use the product more efficiently to stay within your budget. Nicky still finds people making common mistakes when it comes to deciding on a benchtop. “It’s about being informed, not doing the research can mean selecting a material that doesn’t suit the environment and a disappointing result. It is a big investment so you want to get it right the first time.” The following pieces dive into the wonderful world of benchtops, suggesting many different options of surface that will help you make the right choice for your space. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

KITCHEN BENCHTOP

special

The best of both worlds P O R C E L A N O S A' S I N N O VAT I V E N E W X T O N E P R O D U C T I S AT T H E C U T T I N G E D G E O F K I T C H E N S U R FA C E T E C H N O L O G Y A N D N O T O N LY T H AT, I T I S A L S O E X T R E M E LY G O O D - L O O K I N G .

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

KITCHEN BENCHTOP

special

s consumers, we ask a lot from our kitchen surfaces. We need them to be functional in a high traffic zone; to survive our hot pans, knives, steam, water and red wine, and we also want them to look beautiful. That combination is a lot to ask but durability, elegance, and functionality are what the innovative new Xtone kitchen surface range is known for. From the Porcelanosa group in Spain, the material is extremely versatile and can be used for benchtops, splash-backs, drawer fronts and wall tiles; even furniture and façade cladding. Almost any kitchen surface you can imagine is possible with the large format sheets. The advanced technology employed by the manufacturer and Spanish design powerhouse Porcelanosa, means this product is highly durable and able to withstand anything the modern family can throw at it. It is also safe to use outdoors too as it is resistant to UV rays and extremes of temperature. Apart from the advanced technology, what sets Xtone clearly apart from other products is the incredible visual quality of the finished product. Available in New Zealand in three colours with the choice of either matte or polished finish in Kala White, it is possible to achieve truly stunning results without sacrificing any functionality. 03 741 4991 | porcelanosa.co.nz

EIGHT RE ASONS TO CHOOSE X TONE HYGIENIC

You don’t need to worry about the growth of fungi and bacteria, so it is an ideal surface for direct contact with food.

WATERPROOF

Spills and odours are not a problem as the Xtone is non-porous and designed to prevent liquids or gases from being absorbed.

E A SY TO CLE AN

You will not need to buy any special products for cleaning as the surface is wipeable and backed by a 10-year guarantee.

SUITABLE FOR OUTDOORS

You can install Xtone in outdoor areas as it is resistant to ultra-violet and it can also cope with sudden temperature changes and extreme cold.

NON-SCR ATCH

You can rest assured that knives or knocks will not damage the surface as it is extremely resilient and strong.

HE AT RESISTANT

That hot dish you take straight from the oven and put on the bench will not alter the look or damage the surface.

STRONG

It’s only 12mm thick but offers greater mechanical strength than other natural or compact surfaces.

SUSTAINABLE

Xtone gives you peace of mind knowing the natural materials used in the manufacture are recyclable. The product contains zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)

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KITCHEN BENCHTOP

special

Mercer Stainless worked wth Mastercraft Kitchens Ashburton on this sleek creation.

Style with Stainless BASED E ACH AND EVERY TIME ON THEIR NUMBER O N E VA L U E O F Q U A L I T Y, M E R C E R S TA I N L E S S H AV E B E E N C R A F T I N G O U T S TA N D I N G C U S T O M K I T C H E N BENCHTOPS FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

orking closely with builders, architects, joiners, and homeowners, Mercer Stainless approach every job as if they are going into a hi-spec home. The company aims for its quality to be known as second to none, and this certainly comes across in its care and precision in every job. “We pride ourselves on our quality products and the service we provide,” said Mercer Stainless’ Custom bench sales and Production Co-ordinator, Diane Burton. “We stand by our products.” This is probably why joiners come back to Mercer Stainless time and again, as they know they can rely on the manufacture of a bench that is perfect for each job. The advantage of stainless is that it is so easy to keep clean and it looks incredibly smart. Mercer’s bench catalogue includes several edge designs, for example, a wet edge slope on the outer lip to prevent water seepage down cupboards. There are also options for how the stainless-steel top is attached to

the wall and various textured finishes are available. There are dedicated members of staff to handle all polishing and final finishes, ensuring the product is just right before it leaves the factory. Mercer Stainless have noticed a change in trend in recent years towards large and long kitchen benches. Mercer’s product has the ability to wrap around corners or cover a seven to eight-metre long bench. As Diane says, “If you think up something, we can probably make it work.” Recent success stories include working with designer Kristina Pickford, where Mercer manufactured both her kitchen benchtop as well as her black plate stainless brushed kitchen cupboards. The overall result was an incredibly stylish,

Euro-chic, industrial look. Also, what about the sinks? Mercer Stainless have found often customers want high-end sinks from Europe, which is no problem for the team. Mercer can use any brand sink the customer requires, leading to a personalised look that’s unique to each job. It’s not only benchtops that feature on Mercer Stainless product range – anything from splashbacks, rangehood covers, or outdoor BBQ areas. Diane is clearly proud of Mercer Stainless and she takes pride in what the company stands for. “We love the product and we love working with people to get it just right.” 03 348 7048 | mercerstainless.com

Stainless Steel Benchtops 53 Lunns Road, Christchurch 73 Corbett Road, New Plymouth p 0800 236 244 e benching@mercers.co.nz

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KITCHEN BENCHTOP

special

Premium quality, affordable style MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION ABOUT YOUR BENCHTOP IS CRUCIAL T O G E T T I N G T H E L O O K Y O U WA N T F O R Y O U R K I T C H E N . T H E T E A M AT T R I S T O N E H AV E T H E E X P E R T I S E A N D R A N G E T O H E L P Y O U O U T.

benchtop is without a doubt the main visual feature of any kitchen, so it has got to look great. Whether your chosen style is classic, modern, or traditional, TriStone offer a product that suits all requirements. Its balance of looks, practicality, and affordability make it a great option for new builds or renovations alike. The TriStone solid surface benchtop is made of 100 percent acrylic. It is non-

porous, heat resistant, and available in 20 colours. Germs have a hard time sticking around as they cannot permeate the surface, thus resisting bacterial and fungal growth. It has even been certified by the International Food Standards Agency, NSF, as a safe food preparation area (NSF-51). The surface is also stainresistant and super easy to keep clean. Christchurch company Prima Solid Surfaces have been importing and

installing TriStone since 2008. They have a showroom on Michelle Road, Wigram, where you can get the look and feel of the product and take away samples. Alternatively, you can order free samples from the TriStone website. TriStone pride themselves on renovation jobs, as well as new builds. Even if you are just wanting to replace your old sink along with your benchtop, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth considering TriStone. Prima Solid Surfaces can remove your old benchtop and install a new sink bowl as part of their service. Thousands of Kiwis have chosen TriStone for their benchtop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether it be at their bach, in their kitchen, laundry, bathroom, or office. The benchtop comes in almost any thickness, shape or length, so there is an endless range of styles. With so many advantages and a guaranteed to look great, a new TriStone benchtop is one of the best ways to transform your kitchen. 03 550 0838 | tristone.co.nz

Available from Prima Solid Surfaces 9 Michelle Rd, Wigram | 03 550 0838 M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

D E S I G N F E AT U R E

Where to buy I F Y O U H AV E B E E N I N S P I R E D B Y W H AT Y O U S E E I N T H E S E PA G E S , H E R E I S O U R H A N D Y G U I D E T O T H E E X P E R T S W H O CAN HELP REALISE YOUR KITCHEN PLANS.

hen you head along to a showroom or stockist always try and view a large sample or the full sheet (if possible) before you confirm your selection. “While engineered stone and technical porcelains don’t vary much from batch to batch, natural stone-sheets are almost always one-offs,” says kitchen designer, Nicky Claridge. This will save you strife when it comes to the installation, so you will have the peace of mind that your choices will match up.

CONTACT THESE TRUSTED SUPPLIERS FOR ADVICE TAPWARE AND PLUMBING SUPPLIES Oakley’s Plumbing Supplies 03 379 4750 oakleysplumbing.co.nz MARBLE AND NATURAL STONE CDK Stone 0800 803 932 cdkstone.co.nz ENGINEERED MARBLE AND GRANITE Artisan Stone 03 348 0680 artisanstone.co.nz 58

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XTONE SINTERED COMPOSITE Porcelanosa 03 741 4991 porcelanosa.co.nz STAINLESS STEEL Mercer Stainless 03 348 7048 mercerstainless.com ACRYLIC SOLID SURFACE TriStone 03 550 0838 tristone.co.nz

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

ELEMENTAL ELEGANCE For James and Clare Templeton, a decision to change pace and focus on a better quality of life led them to a small coastal village near Cape Town, where they built their contemporary, farmhouse-inspired home WO R DS J U S TI N E H E WIT T

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ST Y LI N G

TA R A S LO G G E T T

P H OTOG R AP H Y WA R R EN H E ATH

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

ifty years ago, Noordhoek, near Cape Town, was a valley more known for its fertile farmlands than anything else. Since then, the growth of a like-minded community of people seeking a semi-rural environment and a lifestyle that embraces mountains and the sea has made it a much sought after place to put down roots. The area attracted James and Clare Templeton for exactly these reasons. The couple had been living in fastpaced Johannesburg and moving to this part of South Africa meant they could breathe out a little. “When we met three-and-a-half years ago, James always said one day he’d move to Cape Town and since he’s crazy about the sea and riding his bike on the hilly mountainside roads, it made sense,” says Clare, who loves that they can see the brilliant turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Noordhoek Beach from their new home. Clare and James are something of an anomaly. They loved their build from start to finish, even managing to celebrate their wedding during the yearlong process. “We are so lucky, we worked with so many incredible people to make our home happen, I’m in awe of the professionals and craftsmen we worked with,” says Clare. An important part of their brief to architect WP Bosch was to create a two-storey home that embraced the natural surrounds. The architect and local builder, Lee Slabber, fulfilled the brief and so much more

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

which involved demolishing the original house down to foundation level and starting again. “When we first saw this house it was pretty darn ugly but we knew the site was really special, there was this crazy overgrown garden with rusted wheelbarrows. WP Bosch really brought our needs and wants together so beautifully with his design,” says Clare, who explains that while James loves ultra-modern design, she wanted more of a farmhouse feel for their new home. Their architect managed to combine both James and Clare’s desires and transformed them into a space where they both felt it was made for them. Aspects like the crunchy stone driveway, slate-coloured tin roof, magnificent external stone masonry and the dramatic view of garden and pool on entering the house, feel delightfully old-school while the huge, double-volume steel windows and the elegant, monochrome palette of raw and polished cement, exposed brick, tempered steel and natural textures feels thoroughly modern. The couple loves to entertain and the kitchen forms a central part of their home. “We wanted something really special that was a bit of a showpiece without being too over-the-top,” says Clare of the central island that is made of a single piece of tempered steel and an impressive slab of oak. They also commissioned a local boat builder to design and build their kitchen cabinetry. The result is a seamless and thoughtful design. “This kitchen has seen a lot of wine,” laughs Clare. And while it’s clear that both Templetons have an eye for beautiful things, comfort is an important factor in their lives. The living area is an informal space, boasting a huge low-slung sofa, ideal for marathon TV sessions (“we M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

CAPTION

Caption to go here

are sports fanatics and love watching big matches or tournaments together”), and the inside living area flows easily onto the outside patio, effectively doubling the living space in the summer months. “For the garden, we worked with local landscaping legend Tone Alexander, who helped create our garden and we love how peaceful it is,” says Clare. Like many of the contractors and service providers the Templetons worked with, Tone has become a friend “he arrived on our first night with Champagne and a chocolate cake, isn’t that amazing?” she says. While the downstairs half of the couple’s home is all about work and play (a wine cellar and glassed in office were two essentials in the brief to WP), the upstairs zone is all about breathing out and private time. Perhaps the view of the sea, the soft jute carpeting underfoot throughout the upstairs floor or the oversized master bedroom and matching monochrome bathroom (the sleek black bath is a beauty), but the serenity is palpable. Patches of afternoon light fall in just the right

places, a gigantic leather upholstered bed in the master bedroom begs to be leapt on and here and there a cat stretches in repose. It’s no wonder the Templetons love spending time together in their new home. And it’s also no surprise that they have a steady stream of house guests “we love having people to stay, our Johannesburg friends and family love it here too and they can see exactly why we’ve moved to the Cape,” says Clare whose enthusiasm for her new life and home, with her new husband, is absolutely evident. “The reason I think our home ended up being so perfect for us is because despite all of our constant ideas and us being on site just about every day, WP kept encouraging us to rein it in and to stick with our earliest thoughts of what we wanted, and it worked. We feel it’s a perfect balance of style and comfort and we honestly couldn’t be happier here”.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O M E

creaĹ&#x201A;e Ĺ&#x201A;he look:

LOW-KEY LUXE

Resene Alabaster

Resene Porter

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Nemolighting Horizontal Pendant matisse.co.nz; Selected 100% Cotton Cushions boltofcloth.co.nz; Eucalyptus Branches redcurrent.co.nz; Katrine Nest Set of Three Nesting Tables danskemobler.co.nz; 'Absolute' sculpture annekebester.com; Heritage Sofa matisse.co.nz; Vitae Stool in American Walnut matisse.co.nz; Them Throw countryroad.co.nz; Resene Porter and Resene Alabaster resene.co.nz/colorshops

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

LIFESTYLE

recipes for

a healthy home IN HER NEW BOOK, WENDYL NISSEN SHARES HER RECIPES FOR FRESH, CLE AN L AUNDRY WITHOUT THE HARSH C H E M I C A L S T H AT C A N B E I N C O M M E R C I A L P R O D U C T S .

D O IT YOUR SE LF

Natural laundry liquid

his mixture is easy and fast to make. It will keep you going for ages and it works just as well in cold as in hot water. For the budget version use Sunlight soap - you’re still doing less harm to the environment than using commercial cleaners - but for a really nice version use Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap. For a pleasant fragrance add lavender or use eucalyptus oil, which is great for washing woollens. You will need + ½ bar or 60 g Castile or vegetable based or Sunlight soap, grated + 1.5 litres water + ½ cup washing soda + ¼ cup borax + 6 litres hot water + 20 drops lavender or eucalyptus + essential oil (optional) Method 1. Place the soap in a saucepan with the first quantity of water and heat on low until the soap is dissolved. Stir in the washing soda and borax. Stir for a few minutes until thickened, then remove from heat. (If you’re using Castile or vegetable-based soap it will not thicken straight away, but don’t worry, it will thicken overnight in the bottles). 2. Pour one litre of hot water into a bucket. Add the soap mixture and mix well. Add another five litres of hot water and mix well. If using, stir in the essential oil. Pour into old milk bottles or other containers and set aside for 24 hours or until the mixture thickens. Fabric fragrance If you’re not so fussy about having soft clothes but want a nice smell, then put about 10 drops of any essential oil into the fabric softener receptacle in your washing machine with enough white vinegar to fill it. Or make up this rinse: + 1 cup baking soda + 1 cup white vinegar + 2 cups water + 1 tsp lemon oil + 1 tsp eucalyptus oil Mix together and store in a bottle. Add 1 cup to the final rinse of your wash cycle.

This is an edited extract from The Natural Home: Tips, Ideas and Recipes for a Sustainable Life by Wendyl Nissen. Published by Allen & Unwin.

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LIFESTYLE

"People are surprised to hear I clean my house with not much more than baking soda and vinegar."

Washing soda soak I never wear new clothes without giving them a soak first to get rid of any formaldehyde or chemicals that may have been used in their preparation. This is also a handy stain remover. You will need + Water + Â˝ cup washing soda Method Simply soak the garments in water and washing soda overnight (the soak setting on the washing machine is good for this). This also works well if clothing has a funny smell from pesticides or anything else that may have been added.

ClAddiNg

PlASTER iNg

Lemon and sunshine stain remover For spot stain removal. You will need + Lemon juice + Salt Method Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and then rub in some salt. Place the item on some grass in direct sunlight for as long as you can, then wash as normal. Your stain should have gone if not, repeat until it does. and set aside for 24 hours or until the mixture thickens.

PAiNT

M A N U FAC T U R E R S

15 YEAR

gUA RA N TEE

tkplastering.co.nz

Tel: +64 27 840 0033

tkplasteringnz

tkplastering

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

LIFESTYLE

Is native the new green? AB O D E’ S L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T U R E E X P E R T T O N Y M I L N E P O N D E R S N E W Z E A L A N D E R ’ S P R E O C C U PAT I O N W I T H M A I N TA I N I N G G R E E N , M A N I C U R E D G R A S S A N D S U G G E S T S T H E P O S S I B I L I T Y O F A N E W A P P R O A C H T O T H E K I W I L AW N .

TONY MILNE Rough & Milne Landscape Architects

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

erek, cajoled by Joy, has one, so does Trevor. Chris, Nigel and the glimpses I get of Cory’s confirms he too has one. Much to the chagrin of my family we don’t. I deflect blame to our carnivorous family pet Lulu, or more precisely her nitrogen loaded urine. We have suggested she adopts a plant-based diet but we’ll probably have better luck encouraging her to drink more water. However, that may be a little unfair. Lulu, our black Labrador, can only shoulder some of the blame. I am equally responsible. While I make reassuring comments to my family, I cannot match Derek’s attendance to broadleaf weed removal and Chris’s regular weed and feed routine. I’m sure Trevor chalks his mowing lines and I’m convinced Nigel has leveraged his contacts to get pedigree seed. The only time I have got close to grass as green as Nigel’s was in the lunch break at Hagley Oval. Oh, the wonderous experience of lying on such a manicured carpet of turf, I can only imagine the return you would get from a sweetly-timed cover drive.

And, if Cory’s Robinia shaping reflects his attendance to lawn maintenance, then his would be a greenkeeper’s dream. I am told some people also trim their edges with scissors. My family is taking some convincing that a mosaic of Onehunga, hawksbeard, clover, dandelion, dock, nettle, rye, and browntop is an acceptable alternative to the well-loved and manicured carpets our neighbours keep. Let’s face it, what is wrong with a little creeping oxalis, wood sorrel or speedwell. I am sure the bees and butterflies think our patch is quite luxurious. Anyway, isn’t a weed simply a plant in the wrong place? Visually, a mosaic of interest I suggest and sometimes it is green. I do like keeping a sward of grass, to call it a lawn would suggest something finer. A line trimmer may suffice, but I do mow it when I can. I enjoy the regularity of the Saturday morning mowing. I was brought up to never mow on a Sunday, Presbyterian roots I’d suggest. Setting three on the Briggs and Stratton Sprint 375 for the verge, four down the side of the path and five for the mosaic patch enclosed by our front fence. So, you can understand my mortification to arrive home from work one day to find our lawn crisscrossed with intricate mowing lines and patterns. These were unlike my own, very much the work of a lawn mowing franchise. This was a one off, I was told, out of desperation. It followed our neighbourhood petty thief strolling off with our mower. That was the last we saw of it. Although we did receive a letter from the Police letting us know the said thief had, while incarcerated for another offence, confessed to the taking of our mower. I am comfortable with my predilection for a good lawn, I take my role as president of the Tonbridge Street Lawn Cricket Club very seriously. However, as I continue to mow, sometimes even fertilise, and even at times contemplate scarifying our mosaic of weeds, I do ponder why. For some time now, we as a practice have been advocating alternatives to rye, browntop, and fescue. Renowned ecologist Colin Meurk has been waging this war for much longer. Possibly I should relinquish my battle for the greenest lawn and look to native groundcover to provide a mosaic of ecological and aesthetic interest instead. Perhaps I could even tempt Derek, and the others, to try a little Acaena, Dichondra, Leptinella – filiformis, minor and squalida, Pratia, Selliera, and even, Zoysia? 03 366 3268 | roughandmilne.co.nz

LIFESTYLE

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

LIFESTYLE Serves 6 INGREDIENTS

Piripiri Marinade zest and juice of 3 limes 5 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp sweet paprika 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp sea salt 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1½ tsp dried red chilli flakes ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper Roast Chook 1 large fresh chicken 1 onion, cut in half, skin on 1 whole head garlic Guacamole 2 long red chillies, deseeded 2 avocados 3 cloves garlic, crushed few sprigs of coriander, finely chopped few sprigs of mint, finely chopped 1 small Lebanese cucumber, finely diced juice of 1–2 lemons or 3–4 limes sea salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve few sprigs of thyme few sprigs of mint METHOD To make the piripiri marinade, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Lay the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up, and add the onion and garlic to the pan. Smother the chicken with the piripiri marinade, cover the pan with cling film and pop it into the fridge to marinate for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to roast the chicken, remove the pan from the fridge and preheat your oven to 180°C.

Mexican-inspired roast piripiri chook with crunchy guacamole LOTS OF CHUNKY GUACAMOLE MADE FROM ABUNDANT L O C A L LY G R O W N AV O C A D O S M A K E T H I S D I S H A

Remove the cling film, pop the bird in the oven and roast for approximately 1 hour. If the top starts getting too brown, cover the breasts with foil. To test whether the bird is cooked, pull away one of the thighs and poke a knife into the very middle of the thigh – if the juices run clear, then it is cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the oven and set it aside, covered, to rest for 10 minutes. To make the guacamole, finely chop one of the chillies and finely slice the other. Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl, and roughly mash it with a fork. Add the finely chopped chilli and the garlic, coriander, mint, cucumber and enough lemon or lime juice to get the consistency and taste you like. I like mine a little chunky, very lemony and not too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Scatter the sliced chilli over the top. Decorate the chicken with thyme and mint. Serve with the guacamole and a green salad, and some kumara wedges if you wish.

D E L I C I O U S A LT E R N AT I V E T O T H E T R A D I T I O N A L R O A S T C H I C K E N A N D A FA M I LY FAV O U R I T E . Extracted from Wild Delicious, by Amber Rose, published by Random House, 70

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LIFESTYLE

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

LIFESTYLE

Entertain by Flame Nothing brings people together quite like food and flames. Now Escea has found the perfect way to combine them both with the EP1350 Fire Table. Simple to start and easy to use, the Fire Table offers a 360Â° social cooking experience that gets everyone involved. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cooking dinner for two, or hosting a tribe, the Fire Table creates intimate campfire moments. Learn more at escea.com/FireTable

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overseas model shown

LIFESTYLE

S PE CI F I C ATI O N S

Mercedes-AMG GT S 4MATIC

Room to move W I T H D R I V I N G D Y N A M I C S AT M O T O R S P O R T L E V E L , T H E N E W

Key Features

M E R C E D E S -A M G G T 6 3 S 4 M AT I C+ 4 - D O O R C O U P É C O M B I N E S

+ AMG Performance seats

P O W E R A N D P E R F O R M A N C E W I T H T H E L U X U R Y O F S PA C E .

+ 12.3-inch central colour media display + Slim MULTIBEAM LED headlamps + Frameless wide windows

he new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, due to hit New Zealand later this year, delivers exceptional driving results combined with a comfortable, spacious interior that is specifically designed to enhance the highperformance driving experience. Sitting firmly in the top spot of the four-door range, the coupé shoots from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. The explosive power of the 639 horsepower strong engine and the RACE drive programme that includes Drift Mode, combines speed with a sporty driving style. Ready for any handling situation, the dynamic AMG engine mounts provide the best possible connection between body and engine. Designed for a dynamic driving experience, the cockpit combines highquality materials with fingertip control of your personal setup via the auxiliary

Technical Data

switches on the AMG performance steering wheel, finished in Nappa leather. A 12.3-inch central colour media display ensures you always have the information you need at hand. Options to take your vehicle to the next level include AMG performance seats or the AMG Dynamic Plus package for driving agility. For a little luxury you can treat your passengers to an exceptionally comfortable ride with the High-Class rear that features superior individual seats, as well as a range of infotainment and comfort options. Experience the roads of New Zealand like never before with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door as it delivers more power and space. You’ll find the spirit of motorsport in every element, making this exceptional vehicle a pure-bred sports car.

+ 4.0 Litre V8 biturbo engine + AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed sports transmission + 315 km/h Fuel Data + 257g C02 p/km + 11.3L/100km combined cycle

03 343 2468 | mbchristchurch.co.nz M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

LIFESTYLE

THE GOOD LIFE A life well-lived is a life worth living

READING NOOK

The Alchemy of Things:

Interiors Shaped by Curious Minds By: Karen McCartney Publisher: Murdoch Books Author Karen McCartney is an esteemed interior design editor and writer, in her latest book The Alchemy of Things, she takes you into the homes and minds of eighteen creatives for a curated tour of interior design and home decor, and the philosophies behind their creations.

John Scott: Works By: David Straight Publisher: Massey University Press This elegant collection of beautiful architectural photographs by David Straight is a tribute to the work of one of New Zealand’s most influential but least documented architects, John Scott. The author tracked down over 40 of Scott’s projects in order to preserve his legacy.

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TA KE M E W I T H YO U Use it to carry the olive oil and condiments or maybe your knitting gear. The Toolbox is a handy carry-all for all those little bits that need to move with you. Sturdily made from solid ash, you can have yours in one of two finishes: natural or tinted oil. designdenmark.co.nz

S M A L L A N D B E AU T I F U L

WEEKENDER

The Cutter mini-wardrobe from familyowned Danish design company Skagerak, is a multifunctional storage solution that’s perfect for tight spaces. This stylish, minimalist all-in-one solution is a shelf, hanger stand and coat rack all at once. Choose from three timber finishes to suit your décor. designdenmark.co.nz

Take off with the Landon Carryall from Dagne Dover. Lightweight and chic on the outside, organised on the inside, it’s ready for wherever you want to go. It has a dust bag for shoes, a leash for keys, and a pouch for any other goodies you can’t travel without. Made from washable neoprene it comes in eleven colour combinations and four sizes. dagnedover.com

LIFESTYLE

insta inspo

I W I L L FO L LOW YO U

I N S P I R AT I O N A L

A S P I R AT I O N A L

OUT THERE

@remodelista Beautiful, but doable, interior spaces

@themodernhouse Homes that dreams are made of

@ettoresottsass An homage to extraordinary design

B E AU T Y B A R 2 3 1

T H E S E B O OT S

5 8 9

Walk into autumn in boots made for adventure but right at home in the city. Blundstone have been making highquality leather boots since 1870 so they know what they’re doing. These women’s casual boots will take you anywhere you need to go. blundstone.co.nz

1. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick; 2. French Girl Rose Ylang Sea Soak; 3. Kosas Tinted Face Oil; 4. Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys; 5. Chantecaille Pure Rosewater; 6. L’Officine Damask Rose Perfumed Body Oil; 7. NARS Afterglow Lip Balm; 8. Revlon Colorstay Brow Creator; 9. MAC Fashion Fanatic Eyeshadow Palette

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SHOP WINDOW

ELLEN ESTATE INTERIORS

SHOP WINDOW

To feature your business here call Georgia Scott on 021 442 178 or email: georgia@27publishers.co.nz

CORSO MERIVALE

RESENE

resene.co.nz/colorshops

Merivale's iconic boutique for quality designer homewares exudes luxury and enduring style. With a distinctly European influence, Corso's carefully curated selection of ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing and jewellery makes them a top design destination amongst the style-savvy of Christchurch. For exquisite lifestyle pieces that make a life well-lived well worth living, visit Corso Merivale today.

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.

FEATHER AND OAK

brymactiles.co.nz

featherandoak.co.nz

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 longlasting 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.

At Feather and Oak Interiors we design and style homes that are inviting and original, that encompass your history and stories so you can gather, be refreshed and inspired and go out and conquer your world. We have a love of beautiful things! In our gorgeous shop we have curated a range of individual and unique items to accessorise your home. If you would like help creating your haven or are looking for something special come and see us.

DESIGN + SUPPLY CO

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Do you have a desire for your interiors to be stylish, understated or outrageously fabulous? We can assist you, be it new build, renovation or re-styling your home, we offer an in-home design service for furnishing, fabrics including shutters, blinds and drapes. A custom interior that speaks of you, be it villa, classical or modern is our specialty.

corsomerivale.nz

BRYMAC TILES

ellenestate.co.nz

COURT FLORIST

designsupplyco.nz

courtflorist.co.nz

In 2019 Furnishscene is evolving in to Design + Supply Co. You'll still find our popular curtain, blinds, shutter making and interior design services, but now with a fresh twist - we’re collaborating with some clever people and selling an edited collection of interior brands from our studio. We're small but we're stuffed full of quality interior inspiration for you. Come in and bring a friend, talk to us, be inspired and make your mark on your interior.

Since 1937, Court Florist has traded in Christchurch, making it an iconic retail brand and one of the city’s foremost florists. Court Florist offers a stunning selection of fresh flowers, creatively arranged by its team of talented florists for every day or special occasions, for yourself or someone else. Visit their store in the Victoria Precinct at 143 Victoria St or simply order online.

SHOP WINDOW

FABRIC HOUSE

BOLT OF CLOTH

fabrichouse.co.nz

boltofcloth.com

Revitalise windows with new drapes and give tired furniture a new lease of life with drapery and upholstery fabric that includes oilcloth, sheers and a wide range of linens at wholesale prices. In addition to their quality European textiles, they also offer a beautiful selection of cushions and throws. Visit their new store at The Tannery to refresh your interior decor.

Step inside a world of colour at Bolt of Cloth, located at The Tannery. The spacious showroom stocks a huge range of contemporary home furnishings, fabrics, and unique homewares from around the world including Finnish design brand Marimekko. Bolt of Cloth offers custom curtains, blinds, lampshades, canvases and squabs. Free home consultation and measuring service is available in some areas.

ARTISAN

GM HAIR GALLERY

artisancollective.co.nz/sisal

gmhair.nz

Artisan at Designmade have hand-selected a sustainably sourced, natural sisal collection which can be laid as a wall-to-wall carpet, stairway carpet or customised as a rug or runner. With over 50 beautiful styles to choose from, Artisan’s natural flooring is hard-wearing, anti-static, anti-allergenic and also acts as a superb sound insulator. Samples available online or in-store.

Step inside the newly transformed warehouse that is GM Hair Gallery. With 30 years' experience in the industry, styling hair for the world's biggest fashion shows, Mike and Glynis Hamel create magic for their clients from this stimulating space. For haircare that's 100% ugly free, visit their new location at 300 Cashel Street.

BLUM

MM LINEN

blum.com

mmlinen.com

Clever kitchen design calls for the perfect marriage between form and function. Esteemed for its faultless engineering, Blum drawers and pull-outs are specially designed to bear heavy loads, while top quality motion technology enables effortless daily use. Experience the full range of Blum hardware, which includes door hinges and overhead cabinet lift systems, alongside a range of storage solutions in its Woolston showroom.

The new Sketch range from MM Linen is quirky, artistic, and unique. Perfect for the young and those of us young at heart. (The gorgeous duvet design shown here is ‘Top & Tail’) MM Linen provides a wide range of linen that includes beautiful floral kimonos for lounging, and over a hundred cushions to add texture, colour and personality to your interiors. Visit them online for their full range or visit your local stockist.

COCO GIFTS

cocogifts.co.nz

Offering a gorgeous selection of global homewares from the likes of Citta Design, CC Interiors, French Country, Le Forge, Maytime and OneWorld Collection, Coco Gifts has the perfect finishing touches to transform your house into a home. Delivering the highest level of customer service, the team enjoys sourcing extra special gifts for weddings and decor accents to complete your interior spaces.

THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY

thefabricofsociety.co.nz The Fabric of Society has extended its Rangiora showroom to showcase its wide selection of fabric, paint, homewares and occasional furniture, both old and new. A meeting place for those seeking decor inspiration, their textile collection encompasses an eclectic mix of styles, colours and patterns in beautiful natural fibres to suit every home.

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