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Derelict to delightful in Dairy Flat

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This quaint 1920’s bungalow has had a very adventurous life! It was built in Park Ave, Takapuna where it stayed until 1977, at which time it was shifted to a beautiful site in Dairy Flat. It’s had many renovations over the years, the most recent a top to bottom refurbishment to create the now stunning home it is for Ed Aitken and family.

Ed bought the home 5 years ago in a seriously tired and lived in state. Renovations started by adding 25m2 to make a total of 230m2 for the 4-bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 living spaces. The aim was to totally modernise the home for comfortable living while still retaining the classic charm of the era. This includes wide skirting boards, solid timbers and using the high ceiling space to maximum effect.

The house is filled with warm tones and inviting textures. The entrance way features beautiful old Kauri boards which were uncovered during the work and whitewashed as a stunning entrance feature. Sliding doors were recycled from a clifftop home in the North Shore Bays and used to give the home interest.

The galley kitchen has utilised existing marble on a spacious island bench – simply perfect for entertaining and feeding meals through to the light and bright dining room. State of the art appliances make it a cook’s dream.

Most interior spaces were painted in Resene White and Alabaster, with the lounge in Triple Sea Fog and the kitchen in Double Tapa. Full underfloor ducted air conditioning by Panasonic has been chosen to keep the home warm and dry.

The children have bedrooms to envy, one with a well-constructed sky bed, perfect for the privacy and space a teenager needs.

The exterior has been lovingly restored from top to bottom. Weatherboards stripped back and painted in Resene Sonyx 101 Double Foundry which is basically a dark grey with a blue tinge. Windows and trim in Resene Waterborne Enamel white gloss for contrast.

All framed perfectly with Marley Stratus Design Series® Typhoon® spouting and RP80® downpipes in Grey Friars®.

Ed was keen to have external brackets which look amazing with a traditional homes and they’re also great for high wind zones, like this site. However, rather than having them positioned every 300mm as recommended, Ed opted to alternate between internal and external brackets. This means every second bracket is external and positioned 600mm apart with the added strength from the internal ones. It looks great and is super solid!

Typhoon® is a stylish yet functional half-round profile which has excellent capacity and flow characteristics. It’s available in a range of colours with matching RP80® downpipes from the Stratus Design Series®; Grey Friars®, Ironsand®, Black, Copper and Titanium. Also, the well known and loved, white range.

Check out the stunning pool and pool house which was here already when Ed bought the home. It has however been refurbished and is a great asset in the summertime.

Not a bad view from beside the pool also + some furry friends as company – what an absolute dream life to be had here!

Ed and family are over the moon with their home and have future plans for more expansion to finish it off exactly as they hope. This home definitely doesn’t look like a 100-year-old property anymore!

A roomy rebuild in Onehunga

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Louise and Eugene Barry bought their quaint Onehunga, Auckland home in November 2009 when the house was only 112 square metres for 4 bedrooms! But the central location, being close to Cornwall Park and motorways, and the warm and friendly community made up for the size.

With a growing family they simply needed more space, so it was either move or create a larger home on the same site. They opted for the rebuild to increase the size to 270 square metres. Every single interior wall from the existing structure was removed to accommodate the new floor plan. The work took around 8 months.

For the cladding they opted for timber weatherboards which are painted in Resene Silver Chalice with Arctic White joinery.

The roof is Colorsteel® in Grey Friars which works perfectly with the Marley Stormcloud® spouting and RP80® downpipes also in Grey Friars® from the Stratus Design Series®

The Stormcloud® quarter-round profile has clean, strong lines which fit in with the modern yet classic styling. Marley Stratus Design Series® has a 15-year guarantee and excellent UV resistance.

A lot of effort went into ensuring the home was well insulated including Viridian ComfortPlus, a leading Low E performance laminate, for the double-glazed windows.

The interior of the home has a neutral base palette, painted throughout in Resene Black White for walls and ceiling and Resene colour matched Arctic White for architraves and skirting.

The kitchen was designed by Moda Kitchens and the cabinetry is Acrylic soft touch from Laminex which is an anti-fingerprint material. Like so many other homes, their beautiful kitchen is the hub, so the central island lends itself perfectly to being able to still interact with the rest of the family whilst cooking or baking.

Louise and Eugene specifically designed the kitchen with storage in mind and the butler’s pantry is perfect to hide away any clutter (and the craft beer fridge too!). The bookshelves on the front of the island, and on either end of the overhead cabinets, add a nice yet practical feature.

The bathrooms in their home are stunning, with dark grey concrete look tiles utilised with white and timber. Under-tile heating and recessed shelving in the showers was a must, plus mitred edges on tiles throughout added to the lovely finishing.

David Trubridge lights and custom-made oak slats are featured in the central stairwell which is the first thing you see when you open the front door – simply gorgeous!

Louise, Eugene and their two little ones are loving their roomy rebuild, and the peace of mind they have from future proofing with quality products such as the Marley Stratus Design Series®. Great work you guys!

Five tips for building or renovating by the sea

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This recently renovated home in stunning Waiheke ticks all the boxes when it comes to coastal living. A sturdy weatherboard home, a stunning view of the ocean, a pool and plenty of living spaces. After supplying the lucky owners with new Marley Stormcloud® spouting and RP80® downpipes in white, we picked their brains for five tips to having a great coastal home and here they are.

1. Make the outdoor living space a priority

Think about including some functional and inclusive outdoor areas. These will become the centre of any party as you cook or enjoy them. Some ideas might be:

  • An Argentine fire
  • A pizza oven
  • Outdoor kitchen
  • A pool
  • Nooks and chill spots
  • A games area with darts, or pétanque
  • An outdoor dining area
  • A gazebo

  • Having a spot for outdoor dining is essential at a coastal getaway. Just make sure to break up any direct sun so that it’s not too hot during the day.
  • Build these spots for an ideal number, most likely 6 or 8 so they are intimate yet functional. You can use plants and planters to close in spaces to make them cosy.
  • Outdoor fires are mostly illegal now, but if they are a cooking tool, like a pizza oven, councils will often allow them.

  • If you’re lucky enough to have (or fit in) a pool, it’s important to make it blend in with the surroundings. For example, their pool utilises stone from Waiheke helping it blend into the natural rock surroundings.

2. Salt and rust are your enemy

It’s essential that you use durable materials that are rust resistant. This includes stainless steel, powder coated aluminium and uPVC.

  • Marley Stormcloud® spouting and RP80® downpipes are perfect for coastal environments as they are made of long-lasting uPVC which is UV resistant and has a 15-year guarantee.
  • Did you know that the quarter-round Stormcloud® profile is New Zealand’s most popular spouting style?
  • It has clean, strong lines that suits both traditional and contemporary homes.
  • It’s available in white and also Black, Grey Friars® and Ironsand®

3. Think about flooding / storms

Even if your house is well above the tide, you need to make sure everything else is elevated above the possible storm-induced highwater mark.

  • This home is north facing and in recent years they’ve had a dramatic increase in coastal northerly storms with heavy rain. This has prompted them to invest in better-than-adequate drainage to avoid any future flooding.
  • If you do have an area that may be prone to flooding think about practical flooring and emergency drainage (a sump for instance).

4. Frame the view

Think about framing the view, not dominating it. Do it in a way that uses the view as nature’s artwork. This allows you to enjoy the view from many places in your home.

  • White floors, walls and doors allow the view to do the work. Avoid using a lot of colours which will compete with the view.
  • A simple interior with a range of natural timbers, tones and textures will work in harmony with a coastal view.

5. Build an escape from the view

Believe it or not, you will need a break from the sunning sea views once in a while!

  • Build sheltered, shaded inward-looking spaces to occasionally escape from the view.
  • A nook that is dark enough for TV watching during the day allows for a cool escape from the sun.

If that isn’t enough to make you dream of a coastal house for now, or possibly retirement, nothing will!

And if you would like to find out more about Marley Stormcloud® spouting click here.

Or more about the Stratus Design Series® range of colours click here.

An Oasis of Calm with Neutral Shades

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In our overstimulated lives and minds, the movements of minimalism and mindfulness continue to resonate for people. Neutral colour palettes are an excellent base for incorporating these mindsets in our homes. It’s a tranquil and versatile trend that will be big in 2020.

By definition, neutrals are without colour but they can have undertones which are either warm or cool. You want to keep this in mind when mixing and layering shades. It’s best to stick with shades that have a similar undertone. The result should be visually restful — your eye flows easily from point to point.

Beige, through the name alone, can sound drab and safe but when used thoughtfully can be warm and welcoming. As you can see from this kitchen it pairs well with soft wood tones. The result is an open, light and calming space but definitely not boring!

Bring nature inside

Along with natural wood tones adding a touch of green with plants can work perfectly on a neutral backdrop. They help to purify the air and add a touch of life and colour while adding to the natural harmony. Structural and hardy snake plants, large tropical monstera leaves or perhaps the deep green of a lily. The chinese money plant below is another hardy choice that doesn’t mind a bit of shade in the bathroom.A neutral colour palette is a great opportunity to mix up patterns and textural elements without the risk of a visual mess. Layer different textures and place unique objects to add interest and personality. Just be mindful to keep the change in contrast low so it doesn’t get too busy.

As always lighting is important and will transform a room throughout the day. You can imagine how the look is changed when this structural pendant light is illuminated. The texture and shapes are complemented by the natural light through the louvre shutters.

Interior spaces with a neutral foundation are easier to change up and transform. You’re free to mix up the look of a room with different décor and furnishings without the time/cost of completely changing the colour scheme. Something that will appeal to potential buyers.

In the same way, the use of neutrals in exterior design also makes a lot of sense. They have timeless appeal which is important when considering resale value.

In tune with nature

Rather than standing out like a sore thumb we love the idea of a house which is designed to sit harmoniously in its surroundings. Natural materials of timber, brick and stone and other textural elements that will weather well over the years.

This home in Raumati used quite a few neutral tones which has worked to create heaps of interest plus draws you into the entrance. Coupled with Stratus Design Series® spouting and RP80® downpipe in Titanium, the outcome is stunning. See more on this home here.

Inspired by nature, the Marley Stratus Design Series® has a versatile collection of spouting and downpipe styles to add the perfect finishing touch.

The Marley Stratus Design Series® spouting and RP80® downpipe in Copper used below perfectly enhance the cedar cladding, making for a real feature home. You can read more about this modern build which embraces the earthy/natural aesthetic here. The Stratus Design Series® is available in a range of colours that will complement any exterior colour scheme and the natural elements used in your build. So, there you have it. Neutral colours are a shrewd and flexible choice which can cater to a range of design styles from traditional to modern. Get inspired by the warmth, light and beauty of the natural environment. [Read more…] about An Oasis of Calm with Neutral Shades

An innovative build in Kinloch

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In 2016 John and Suzanne Callesen bought a Kinloch section with extensive views across Lake Taupo, surrounded by bush on both sides.
A stunning location to build a holiday home for themselves and their three children.

Following an 11-month build with Monteith Central Construction Ltd, they were finished in time for Christmas 2019. They’re in love with the result – a home with an understated modern style which sits comfortably in the landscape. A black beauty on the hill.

On arrival the glass front door delivers a pop of colour (Ontario Sunset), matching their vintage Corvette (Ontario Orange) in the driveway. Gorgeous sunsets are one thing they love about their location.

Innovative use of materials

Bondor/Metalcraft insulation panels have been used inside and out. They consist of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with a metal skin stretched to cover. Being prefabricated, they are economical in terms of cost and time. The finish is also durable and low maintenance.

We didn’t know that houses were being built from it but saw another house and fell in love with it.

Typically used for large storage warehouses where insulation is critical – they minimise both heat loss and heat gain. For living this means it’s easier to keep a consistent temperature inside, cool in summer and cosy in winter.

Cosy it sure is!

Inside there is a warmth of lighting and form. Tom Rossau lighting (floor lamps and pendants) were specially brought in from Denmark by the owners. These helped to inspire architect Malcolm Taylor’s choices for the interior design. The handmade sculptural geometric shapes transform when illuminated.

The natural birch veneer of the lighting is reflected by the colour of the plywood walls (Classique Birch Ply) adding to the warm glow. Their light also highlights another intriguing feature – custom acoustic hanging ceiling panels. They’ve been placed where needed to absorb noise: kitchen, living, dining, lounge and media room.

With the hard surfaces, we need these to absorb sound and they work!

Overall, the materials used are modern and inviting with a slight bach-like feel. Certainly, when you come to the bunk room, which has three sets of bunks sleeping six. Plenty of room for holiday guest overflow!

There are plenty of small spaces to escape to that could also be transformed when entertaining a group. It’s full of style but also comfortable and functional. One well-used feature they love is the Insinkerator hot tap. Instant near-boiling water without the noise of a kettle. Simple, but a game-changer for making tea!

The kitchen/dining/living area opens wide out to a concrete deck – with BBQ, fireplace and pizza oven. Perfect for entertaining, outdoor sunset dining and that view!

Designed for the elements

The large half-round profile of Marley Magnum® spouting adds to the industrial look of the house. It’s also a smart choice for the local weather. Its flow capacity is more than enough to cope with any storm.

We get heavy downpours in Taupo and also, due to the style of the house, we needed a bigger spouting than traditionally used.

Although typically used for commercial projects, Magnum works equally well on residential builds, and its sturdy external brackets make it popular from a functional styling point of view.

The landscaping, designed by Jonathan Harrison, was also carefully chosen with the climate in mind. Hardy plants to cope with the elements.

We have a colourful bank above a rock wall, planted for the climate – frost, wind and sun. Diagonally planted with leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’, purple flax, astelia, euphorbia.

A getaway to enjoy

In hindsight, John and Suzanne wouldn’t have done anything differently. The result is a gorgeous getaway. It is creative in its use of materials yet humble to its location and has all the comforts they could want!

Beside the Seaside, Whitianga

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Undisturbed sea views across Buffalo Beach and Mercury Bay attracted Richard and Hannah to buy this Whitianga property in 2018. Stacks of potential for the family home of their dreams! No wonder it won Gold in the Auckland, Northland & Coromandel region of the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition.

With 20+ years in the building game, Richard (HAMR Home Building Contractors) had a strong idea of what he wanted to build to replace the 1950’s dwelling and take full advantage of the location.

He picked up his pencil and drafted plans for a spacious two-storey home. Designs were developed alongside Studio 77 Ltd and a 9-month build followed.

Now that it’s a reality, the family are even more delighted with the location than they had expected. The extraordinary views are a stand-out from almost anywhere in the house.

Bright and spacious living

From the open plan kitchen/dining/living area, high stud ceilings and huge windows flood the room with natural light and frame the view. They open out to a substantial deck built using FSC certified Kwila with a frameless glass balustrade for a seamless view.

Sliding doors from the living area also open wide to an internal deck with louvre roof for shelter from the elements if needed. Good old kiwi BBQs no matter what the weather.

The furniture throughout is stylish, yet comfortable and inviting, meaning there are lots of spaces to relax and enjoy balmy Coromandel summers. Come winter, they can tuck themselves in with the usual features to keep in the warmth: double-glazed windows, heat pumps and Hotwire electric underfloor heating in the tiled areas.

Family kitchen with entertaining in mind

Our whole family enjoy cooking together and we love entertaining, so we needed a large kitchen to do that.

The island is solid oak – which is mainly used as a servery. The benchtops are pure black granite, with a honed finish – plenty of space to work in. The high ceilings, low hanging pendant lights and red stools at the breakfast bar create a very inviting space.

A walk-in pantry allows the small appliances to be handy without cluttering up the main kitchen. All hardware is Blum soft-close, and Blum Tandembox drawers give a quality touch in everyday use.

A striking exterior

A mix of cedar weatherboards and plastered AAC panel gives a clean-lined, solid appearance. The dark stain of the cedar (Wood-X Foundry oil) against the lighter colour of the plaster in Dulux Whakarewarewa contrast perfectly. Not to mention the choice of black Marley Stormcloud® spouting to frame the whole exterior and connect it to the roof.

As builders we try and specify cedar into all of our houses, if we can. In fact, virtually wherever you stand inside, all you can see is the warmth of timber when looking out

Built to endure the elements

Living just a stone’s throw from the beach, Marley Stratus Design Series® was an obvious choice for the spouting and downpipes.

Being beachfront we don’t have to worry about corrosion or rusting. We specify Stratus Design Series® in almost all the houses we build.

The Stormcloud® spouting profile was chosen for its clean, simple lines. The black colour discreetly ties in with the window framing and True Oak® Corrugate roofing.

Marley RP80® downpipes complete the system and offer the same 15 year guarantee as all products in the Stratus Design Series®.

An escape for the kids

A self-contained area downstairs was designed with their three growing girls in mind. A comfortable place they can retreat to, so they can all have privacy as they get older.
No queues for the bathroom! The kid’s bathroom is built in three parts: the vanity in one room, toilet in the next and bath/shower in another. The vanity has three sets of drawers — one for each daughter.

Future-proofed

The Warwicks had the foresight to prepare for the future. The house has been pre-wired for solar panels to be installed on the roof at a later date. A dedicated circuit in the garage allows for a charging point for an electric vehicle.

A mixture of tropical and native plants, suitably fitting for the coastal location, will develop and grow over the years to come. Many years that the family will be loving their seaside lifestyle, we’re sure!

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