Third time’s a charm

Implicit trust and respect for their builder resulted in Brad Carlyon from Robust Homes Limited being taken on for his third project with this homeowning couple. This time it involved demolishing a 1970s two storey farmhouse and building an extensive 509m² home in rural Waikato.

The homeowners’ goal was to create a refined midcentury modern inspired design, overlooking rural scenery and Lake Kainui, and serving their family for future generations. As project and construction manager, Brad worked alongside the architect and homeowners to refine the design, using his experience to suggest many features and solutions to problems. He went on to lead his team and multiple contractors through the 12-month build, which features five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gym, bar, games room, theatre room, pool, and tennis court.

The modern aesthetic, mixed with timber and gold touches, begins in the striking foyer where the midfloor was redesigned to raise the height of the ceiling, creating an expansive entry. Pendant lighting and mirrors reflect light while a vertically clad cedar wall travels up the stairwell to the upper level.

To create two intimate spaces in the open plan lounge, a dividing wall with an integrated fireplace was requested by the homeowners during construction. “There were more than 20 structural amendments to navigate on this project, including the fireplace wall, which we built twice to ensure the perfect position. It can be challenging for clients to visualise spaces before construction commences, but I was determined to create this feature exactly as they wanted it,” explains Brad. Throughout the property, the streamlined look is evident in the finishing, with curtain rails rebated into the ceilings, cavity sliders appearing without jambs, and walls finished into the joinery without architraves. Extensive pendant, spot and strip lighting is used in every room. To cement the minimalist form, recessed channels in the soffits were crafted to conceal lighting in the outdoor entertaining areas. A parapet roof was used to conceal the guttering, avoiding the need for internal channels. “A substantial amount of time, care, and technical detailing were required to achieve the desired look,” says Brad.

“Brad is an amazing craftsman. The process was seamless because he built a great relationship not only with us, but with the architect, the interior designer, and the lighting designer. We definitely put him through his paces in creating our forever home, but his attention to detail and patience were faultless,” say the homeowners. The admiration is mutual. “I’m proud we were able to complete this expansive build within a year,” says Brad. “It is a unique home, carefully crafted to bring the homeowners’ wonderful design ideas to life.”

www.robusthomes.co.nz