67 At Home

Valley with a view

Words: Adrienne Matthews

Ahidden spot in a small valley in Atawhai has provided the site for a couple’s dream home. Spying the land five years ago, it took until last year to finally get title and begin building. During that time, they lived in many rental properties and even did a year long stint in their caravan in Tahuna Holiday Park with their two children which was a good way to see what they really did and didn’t need in a living space. Meeting Russell Bruce of Bruce Design & Build put the couple instantly at ease. “He really listened to us properly and was very down to earth. He understood our ideas right from the beginning which made the whole process straightforward.” The couple knew they wanted a non-fussy, minimalist but functional home that blended into the environment but was a bit different to the norm. They were delighted that Russell

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Bruce of Bruce Design & Build was prepared to help them achieve that while maximising the views to hills of native bush and out to Tasman Bay. With multiple eco covenants on the subdivision ensuring the use of top-quality building materials, a high degree of energy efficiency required, including solar, wastewater and rainwater systems, it was a task that Russell and his team relished.

Having emigrated from England’s colder climes, the couple were determined to have their house warm. It is built on a New Zealand made, Italian designed, Cupolex pod foundation which, as well as providing optimum reinforcing, is also used as a heat transfer system to keep the house cosy throughout the winter months. The exterior is clad in a combination of cedar and coloursteel with a large deck constructed from sustainably sourced hardwood garapa timber. The pair lead busy work lives with one of them commuting to work in Wellington so they needed someone to guide them through the building process who understood their needs

and who they could trust. Two things were non-negotiable - a mud room and a separate area where their boys could play within view, but their “mess” kept out of sight. The family’s weekends are filled with physical activities whether out on their bikes, the boys playing rugby, or their father indulging his passion for kite surfing. The mud room is like a well organised locker room with cupboards for each person in the household, a place for all the outside clothing and footwear along with laundry facilities. It works brilliantly, a place where all the dirt of the day can be discarded before the family walk into the living area. The boys’ zone was trickier to achieve as the couple wanted it on a mezzanine floor, a challenge with a maximum building height permitted of only 5.5metres. Fortunately, Red Box

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Architects presented a workable solution, and the resulting space is much enjoyed by boys and parents alike. A well-made and simple kitchen was a must with an island where everyone could sit and enjoy eating together. A striking feature is the window splashback with provides views to a growing native plant garden outside. The installation of an induction cook top meant more drawer space and the butler’s pantry provides extra storage space. The main features in the bathroom were chosen by the couple. They opted for dark coloured concrete sinks “because they are more forgiving than light coloured ones.” The boys’ shower has no glass which makes for less cleaning. Striking are the tiles with tropical leaves and flowers while in the master bathroom the Prisma textured wall tiles are a rich design element.

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Knowing that the family will one day have another dog, the floor chosen for downstairs is Quick-Step Perspective Nature brushed oak due to it being “kid-proof, scratch-proof and dog-proof.” The house, with its warm and spacious feel, flows perfectly into the outdoor deck space and garden. The couple agree that the build process was really enjoyable with great camaraderie between all the Bruce Design & Build tradespeople and contractors. “Russell has a great app that kept us constantly updated with progress and he was very particular about coming in on time and budget. We couldn’t ask for anything more and just love living here.”