2022-02-01 HOME Magazine NZ

Matt-black Shaker-style cabinetry meets a black
benchtop in Cosentino’s Dekton Domoos, manufactured
by Stone by Design, which was also chosen for its
durability and ability to withstand heat from pots
and pans. The Miele induction hob has an integrated
downdraught extractor, which removed the need for
overhead cabinetry, so instead there’s open shelving —
the focus being on layering and elegance.

The kitchen is completed with brass hardware by Buster
+ Punch, a European brand Annika uses a lot.

“The cross-knurling on the hardware is gorgeous,” she
says. “It’s a lovely way to add more texture with a
luxe appeal.”

It’s a design element that has been carried on through
the home with interior door levers.

Texture has been added to the kitchen island with criss-
cross slats, and the skirting from the rest of the house
has been taken around the island to give it a more built-in
effect. This was custom-painted to match the cabinets.

It’s a large kitchen, and a space for which there are big
plans: the house will eventually be used to host large
retreats, and the land around it is slowly being planted
with vegetables as an orchard matures.

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 49

Urban
encampment

DESIGN:13

A high-profile Auckland home with an
interesting history, designed by Bossley
Architects, was recently demolished.
Architect Pete Bossley talks to Melanie
McDaid about the project and its heritage.

Words Melanie McDaid
Photography Mark Smith

50

A beautiful headland, surrounded by water on three foreshore reserves, the new designs were mostly
sides, this Westmere property oozes prominence and restricted to the original footprint.
personality. However, when Auckland-based architect
Pete Bossley, of Bossley Architects, first visited the site Playing with ideas of concealing/revealing and
around 2007 he was met with two neglected buildings. compression/release, Bossley’s master plan for the site
included two impressive buildings that talked to each
“The wooden windows were in terrible shape, the other — a newly transformed main house out towards
main house was leaking, the decks were sagging, and it the headland and a new, smaller, studio/guest house
was really quite sad,” Pete recalls. close to the road.

The main original house, a notable ’80s arts This design strategy of more than one building on a
and crafts home with pitched shingle roofs, timber site is somewhat of a regular practice for Pete.
weatherboards, and wooden windows, was designed by
Peter Sargisson of Cook Hitchcock Sargisson. “Because it’s two houses it becomes somewhat of an
urban encampment. It’s the idea of taking big houses,
Bossley’s clients were committed to paying homage or footprints, and breaking them down into smaller
to the original home. elements and letting people walk outside to get inside
again. The pleasure of enjoying the exterior environment
“They wanted to be sensitive to some extent to what is there, but also the relationship between the two
was there, which I thought was a very lovely approach.” buildings becomes really important.”

Because of this, and tricky restrictions around

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 51

A garage and “a couple of rooms for guests, a studio
for [the client], who is a painter, and a sound studio”
make up the smaller house, Pete explains. The main
house provided a six-bedroom family home, which
included various living spaces, another painting studio, a
music studio, and a large theatre.

The theatre space soared above a group of thin,
brightly coloured columns, which allowed for a visual
link between the studio/guest house and the garden of
the main house. Bossley Architects utilised the existing
layout downstairs but modified it slightly to “do some
of the things we always like to do, which is to create
outdoor spaces on both sides of the house. We tried
to make the new house relate a bit better to its site,
opening out more to the headland”.

A series of coloured panels to the exterior defined
the spaces they enfolded, stretching beams extended
the areas, and a lively selection of colours and varying
proportions to the exterior gave an energy to the house
that can be found in many of Bossley’s designs.

After having one appreciative owner for over a
decade, the waterfront property was sold — reportedly
as New Zealand’s highest residential sale of 2020. The
main home on the property was demolished shortly after
the sale, and a new home is being built to replace it.

“It’s a great shame. It makes you aware of how
ephemeral architecture is,” Pete says.

52

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House on a rock

DESIGN:14

A large boulder discovered during
excavation of a Port Hills site became
a central feature of this home designed
by architect Ken Powrie for his family.

Words Melanie McDaid
Photography Sarah Rowland

Ken and his wife, Sarina, aren’t Christchurch natives,
moving from Waiheke in 2012 for a job opportunity
following the earthquakes and upon their return from
the UK. They haven’t looked back since, revelling in the
warm and welcoming community atmosphere they have
experienced since settling there.

Sarina Powrie found the north-facing site for their new
home while walking her two girls — now nine and 11 —
in their buggy around the Port Hills, Canterbury. The
hills lie between the city of Christchurch and its port
at Lyttelton.

They are an eroded remnant of the Lyttelton volcano,
which erupted millions of years ago. The natural features
of the site are spectacular: the wider Port Hills to the
south, the Pacific Ocean to the north, and a view of the
Kaikoura ranges on a clear day.

Ken Powrie recalls the early design stages fondly.

“We spent a lot of time up there with the kids, pegging
stuff out, moving it, changing it.”

He explains that the environment deeply inspired the
design. “The climatic elements were really strong — the
hills up behind us have a really strong contextual palette,
with the native grass and the rock formations through
there and the Pacific Ocean. So we used that as a basis
to drive the material palette — texture and colour.”

The site was not without its challenges, however,
experiencing strong prevailing winds. The family had
some key elements that drove the design response.

“We really wanted space that would bring us together
and that we could occupy together as opposed to a
whole bunch of little rooms segmented off … we wanted
to be able to move freely between our main spaces both
internally and externally,” Powrie tells us.

54

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 55

Orientated on the north/south axis to capture the views, Once excavation began, a large and sculpturally
three rectangular pods with curved edges are the basis beautiful rock seam was exposed. Powrie explains:
of the plan form that makes up the three-bedroom “We started designing the deck and the external areas
— plus guest sleep-out — 245sqm home. Beautifully around it. The guys on the diggers were exceptionally
responding to the family’s brief and the magnificent talented and were able to expose it carefully; we just
surrounding natural features and challenges, the home is manoeuvred the design around the rock.”
clearly designed both to fully embrace and to moderate
the elements. The pods take cover under a large The rock seam is a key feature of the impressive outdoor
sweeping roof plane that encompasses all of the spaces area to the south of the home that feels hunkered down
below, while a large Vitex timber deck and polished and protected, helped by the sweeping roof eaves
concrete floor play host at ground level. being closest to ground on this side of the house and
the fact that the southern areas of the home sit into the
The topography of the site is mirrored in the form of landscape here. A continuous overarching roof plane,
the roof and deck, and both horizontal and vertical the single level, flush flooring of polished concrete inside
relationships to the site were considered. The result and Vitex decking outside, and a cohesive timber palette
is a building that seems to sweep down to meet the across the property create a symbiotic relationship
landscape to the south and soars higher towards the between external and internal spaces.
north and the Pacific Ocean.
“We really wanted that seamless connection. When
Two of the pods and the open-plan central living space the big sliders are pulled back, internal space feels like
created between them make up the main home while the external space and they are treated the same in terms of
third pod comprises a guest sleep-out and ensuite off care and texture,” explains Powrie.
the back of the garage.

56

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 57

58

On the northern side, the timber deck, lush grass, and Warmth, quality, and comfort are what the family love
views of the Pacific are liberating. about their home. They marvel at the views and how
they change daily.
The striking material palette, both inside and out, is
made up of an array of timbers: cherry beech, cedar, Powrie elaborates, “We are still, all of us, finding spots
larch, Vitex, and rosewood. that surprise us on a daily basis, because you’ve got a
whole bunch of pockets of spaces you can inhabit.”
“Essentially, there’s very little gib in there,” says Powrie.
He revelled in the opportunity to design a home with
There is also a sentimental element to the material and for his family. He says that he enjoyed the additional
palette. “We wanted some recycled brick in the house design time he gave himself.
because it told the story of the earthquakes, and a
bit of a touch to past history as well. We managed “Because it’s yours, you can take your time and take risks.”
to find an old warehouse that was being demolished
and got 20 or so pallets of recycled bricks,” the How did it work out for him having his wife and girls as
architect tells us. clients? “We wouldn’t have got anywhere near what we
got without that interaction,” he says happily.

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 59

Books

DESIGN:15

Words Federico Monsalve

Local goods In the Company of
Gardeners
A brief look at some of the
local (and hyper-local!) books By Juliet Nicholas
we are keeping in our radar & Sue Allison
this coming season. Godwit

Every Home Should
Have One: The
Appliance Age in
New Zealand

By Terry Moyle
New Holland Publishers

Moyle’s two previous books (Art Deco Eighteen highly visual stories of working
Airports and Art Deco New Zealand) with the land and the people who
captured a very niche type of nostalgia cherish this.
for that era when aviation was luxe,
design was streamlined, and architecture From edibles through to artistic
reflected a very specific type of optimism. expressions within the landscape,
this book explores how New Zealand
In this, his latest tome, Moyle has gardening has evolved ever since its early
expanded his quest to focus on a more fascination with the British manicured
domestic range of product design: genre. There is more of a passion for
appliances. natives, a better understanding of
microclimates, and a higher interest in
Thoroughly researched and charmingly sustainability, says its author.
illustrated via drawings and vintage
advertisements, the book traces all “If there is a common thread running
manner of gadgets, their history and through these gardeners’ stories,”
usages as well as how they came to states the introduction, “it is a growing
define New Zealand interiors in an era mindfulness of the beauty and fragility
of rapid industrialisation — the ’30s to of the natural world, especially given our
the ’80s. It’s like stepping into an old, power to destroy it.”
untouched, high-end bach as imagined by
the advertising gurus of the era.

Of note

The Bookseller at the Road People of More than a Roof:
End of the World Aotearoa Housing, in Poems
and Prose
By Ruth Shaw Photographs by
A&U New Zealand Paul C Gilbert Edited by Jansen, Begg,
Rim Books Chester, Hollis, Ratcliff
A promising, upcoming Landing Press
memoir of a bookseller This is a stunning compendium of
who runs two tiny photographs of house trucks and their A promising, mixed-
bookshops in the small village of Manapouri inhabitants. As a road person himself, the bag of poems by both established
in Fiordland and who has led a full, intense late Gilbert had unprecedented access to and amateur New Zealand writers
life full of adventure and depth. a unique and enigmatic subculture and its on the subject of housing, homes
many tones, shadows, and stories. and the multiplicity of emotions and
interpretations those two engender.

60

iiff yyoouu lliikkee
ttooddaayy’’ss ggaass,,
yyoouu’’llll lloovvee
ttoommoorrrrooww’’ss..

Gas energy has a bright future in New Zealand. For tomorrow’s energy, we’ll look to
new gases like hydrogen, biogas and bioLPG to energise our homes and businesses,
and help us achieve our 100% renewable energy aspirations.
The good news is that, right now, most modern energy efficient gas appliances
are already able to run on bioLPG, or a blend of natural gas with renewable hydrogen
gas or biogas, so you can be confident that the gas energy you love will continue
to flow and is here to stay.

Find out more gasenergy.org.nz

FS_HME_001

1 2
4
Au naturale 3 7

DESIGN:15

As the mercury begins
to drop, find warmth in
soft tones and organic
materials.

1 — ‘AB’ Table Lamp, $690 from 5
Citta, cittadesign.com 6

2 — ‘Arch’ Chair, POA from Snelling,
snellingstudio.com

3 — Fujitsu General anywAIR
technology ducted zone
controller with Wi-Fi control, POA,
homemagazine.nz fujitsu-general

4 — ‘Otto’ Vase, $119 from Citta,
cittadesign.com

5 — ‘Arcade’ Daybed, Simon James,
$5,182 from Simon James Store,
simonjames.co.nz

6 — ‘Ezra’ Coffee Table, POA from
David Shaw, davidshaw.co.nz

7 — ‘Milan’ Hand Towel, $39.95,
from Ottoloom, ottoloom.co.nz

8 — Outdoor Ansel Sofa by Antonio
Citterio for Flexform, $37,600 from
Studio Italia, studioitalia.co.nz

9 — ‘Ava Curve’ Couch, POA from
David Shaw, davidshaw.co.nz

10 — ‘Industrial’ Pendant (Large), by
Gidon Bing, $170 from Good Form,
goodform.co.nz

11 — AvanTech YOU [Drawer
System] by Hettich, POA,
designwithhettich.co.nz

12 — York’ Bench Seat, $3,240
from Tim Webber Design,
timwebberdesign.com

62

8 Earthen
9 palette
10 11
12 Resene Meteor

Resene Half Hairy Heath

Resene New York Pink

Resene Tall Poppy
Choose well for your
walls with Resene Zylone

Sheen.
Environmental Choice-
approved, low odour and

no added VOCs.

forma.co.nz

65

In Detail

A deeper dive into the interior and
architectural products specified by

designers in this issue of HOME

Simon James

Offset Coffee Table
and Stool, designed
by Philippe Malouin
for Resident
simonjames.co.nz
@simonjamesstore

The connoisseurs of designer furniture tell
us what we’ll be seeing more of in 2022

For many, there’s the pandemic reality that
our homes have become the main stage
sets for our lives, where we work, sleep and
socialise. As we rethink the way we use our
homes, the purpose of our interiors evolves,
to imbue comfort, calm and joy.

Design by nature

The minimalist colour palette of contrasting Città
black and white is about to take a back seat, as
we start to experiment with enveloping earth- Pinto Placemat
tone hues and organic, comforting textures. cittadesign.com
@citta
“New Zealanders are typically known for
our restrained use of colour and a desire to
‘play it safe’. In these times of uncertainty,
colour has the power to influence our mood
for the better,” explains Sophie Clapson,
textile designer at Città. “There is a focus on
thoughtfully crafted objects, which feature
natural, hand-woven fibres, as seen in our Pinto
range.” Design manager of Studio Italia Joanna
Hoeft is looking forward to including heavily
textured materials such as boucle, sumptuous
velvets and soft leathers to complement the
softer, more relaxed approach to interiors.
“Think 1970s tan, mossy greens with hints of
golden oak timbers,” she shares. Simon James,
is drawn to natural colours. His fabrics are
chosen for their “tactility to the senses and
textural detail. For an individual personal style,
layer these fabrics to create the depth and
warmth anticipated within your home.”

Curves, not edges 2022 Trends

Joanna is anticipating a softer, more relaxed ECC
approach to furniture and homeware design.
“We will continue to see curved lines and Cask Armchair
organic shapes, exemplified in the Saint by Expormim
Germain Sofa by Poliform,” Hoeft explains. ecc.co.nz
Reminiscent of the sensual shapes of 1970s @eccnewzealand
design, these curved lines transform any space
into a warm and cosy setting.

Similarly, the Cask collection by Expormim,
which is available at ECC, highlights the effect
of cosy and relaxed design. The circle-driven
design of the armchair creates a friendly,
inviting and altogether relaxed atmosphere.

ECC

Upper Side Sideboard
by Massimo Castagna
for Henge
ecc.co.nz
@eccnewzealand

Studio Italia

Saint Germain Sofa
by Jean-Marie
Massaud for Poliform
studioitalia.co.nz
@studioitalia

67

Studio Italia

Echoes Dining
Chair by Christophe
Pillet for Flexform
studioitalia.co.nz
@studioitalia

Something new,
something borrowed

Reflecting the familiarity of past craftsmanship,
contemporary designer furniture is blending
the processes of ancient traditions in a modern
palette. The Echoes Collection from Flexform,
designed by Christophe Pillet, is a series of
linear, sleek chairs which combine a rigorous
metal frame with a fine woven cord for the seat
and backrest, blending quality and emotion to
withstand time and fashion (Studio Italia).

Bonham Art & Design Trends 2022

Little Jagged Cabinet
by Troy Smith
gallery.bonhamgroup.com
@bonhamofficial

Metal and marble Functional sculpture

Combining the best of natural materials, the The division between art and practical
Henge collection, available from ECC, creates homewares is a thing of the past, as sculptural,
custom styles in a mixture of wood, marble and artistic-driven pieces are leading the pack in
burnished brass. This intriguing combination designer showrooms. A mirror as an art piece
highlights the veins and textures of the natural is a simple, yet effective solution to show off
stone by encasing it in glass. your personal style. Mirrors such as the Sweet
Gervasoni, by Italian designer Paola Navone,
have become very popular, especially as clients
are moving into smaller homes, and have less
wall space for traditional gallery space. Savvy
art collectors can find fluidity between art and
design, showcased in the recently launched
Bonham Art & Design collection. Creative
Director Jason Bonham sources and curates
objects from global artists and designers,
exemplified in the collection by Canadian artist
Troy Smith.

ECC

Teke Sideboard by
Massimo Castagna
for Henge
ecc.co.nz
@eccnewzealand

69

Ico Traders

Piha Lounger
icotraders.co.nz
@icotraders

Ico Traders

Oneroa Table
icotraders.co.nz
@icotraders

Piha House

The Kitchen Hub

Blanco Linus S Kitchen Mixer with Pull
Out Spout - Anthracite Black
thekitchenhub.co.nz
@thekitchenhub

Warmington

Nouveau Outdoor Fireplace
Nouveau
warmington.co.nz
@warmington_fires

Matisse

Tufty Time Sofa designed by
Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia
matisse.co.nz
@matisse_nz

71

Touchstone

Touchstone Marble & Granite
tsmg.co.nz
@touchstonebenchtopsnz

Warmington

Nouveau Pizzeria
warmington.co.nz
@warmington_fires

WRW & Co.

QT Dining Table
wrw.co.nz
@wrwandco

Tara Iti House

Dryden DBJ Furniture

Dune WoodOil dbj.co.nz
dryden.co.nz @dbjfurniture
@drydenwoodoil

73

COASTAL HUES

On an elevated site above the Tara Iti golf course, a low-lying pavilion sits
subservient to the landscape. The materials, neither ostentatious nor pared
back, were selected to blend into its surroundings.

Set among the sand dunes of rural Mangawhai, this home by John Irving
Architects is a marriage between the clients’ love of global cultures, and the
coastal New Zealand vernacular. Here, the design and materiality reflects a
relaxed aesthetic, expressed in the hints of luxury and leisure.

The exterior palette mirrors that of the land. Entrance is by way of
rectangular coloured concrete pavers in Peter Fell’s Premium Sandstone 835,
a colour that was chosen to blend into the environment. “If sand blew over
the concrete, you wouldn’t see the difference,” says Michael Ross, general
manager of Peter Fell. “We conducted a series of trials to find the perfect
tonal match.”

Step inside, and the material palette continues with the use of
light-coloured timber. From the master bedroom, the pavilion opens to an
al fresco area overlooking the Pacific. Here, the coloured concrete pavers
reappear – momentary reminders of the tactility and organic beauty of this
ever-changing coastal environment.

peterfell.co.nz
@peterfellltd

Tara Iti House

Images Sam Hartnett

75

Fisher & Paykel

OB60SD11PB1 Oven, 60cm,
11 Function, Self-cleaning

Fisher & Paykel ULTIMATE KITCHEN SOLUTIONS

RF610ADBU5 Freestanding Transform ingredients into cuisine, chores
French Door Refrigerator Freezer, into beautiful experiences, and routines into
90cm, 569L, Ice & Water rituals with combinations of luxury kitchen
appliances designed to work seamlessly
Fisher & Paykel together. The kitchen is the heart of the
home, a place where people come together
CI905DTB4 Induction Cooktop, to eat, share and live life. Combine beautiful
90cm, 5 Zones with SmartZone design and exceptional performance
fisherpaykel.com with appliances that encourage unique
@fisherpaykel configurations tailored for your lifestyle.

The minimal-style cooking products aim
to perfectly balance aesthetics, technical
precision and intuitive functionality with their
pared back, refined styling and colourway.
And the French Door Refrigerator Freezer in
contemporary style is now available in Black
Stainless Steel.

INLITE Regina Street
Delta Light’s Momba Down-Up
LED 930 Wall Light 77
inlite.co.nz
@inlite_nz

South Pacific Timber

Decking - 140 × 19 Vitex
(slivered off as pictured)
southpacifictimber.co.nz
@southpacifictimber

CTL Construction

Built by CTL Construction
ctlconstruction.co.nz
@ctl_construction_nz

Matisse

Husk Chair designed
by Patricia Urquiola
for B&B Italia
matisse.co.nz
@matisse_nz

lux Powde oom

Basin erve
dulux.co.nz
@duluxnz

Dulux

Mt Aspiring Half - Interior Walls
dulux.co.nz
@duluxnz

Rotoiti House

Studio Italia

Knoll 1966 Outdoor Table & Chairs
studioitalia.co.nz
@studioitalia

Matisse

Tense Table
for MDF Italia
matisse.co.nz
@matisse_nz

Abodo

Vulcan Cladding in Protector Oil - Nero
abodo.co.nz
@abodowood

Studio Italia

PF Fidelio bench
studioitalia.co.nz
@studioitalia

‒ FINALISTS
RHYTHM AND GREEN ANNOUNCED

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Homes / 81

82 Back in black

In Piha, a family home steps
down a steep hillside, disappearing
into its native bush surrounds

96 At home on the course

International influences and a
relaxed sense of luxury define the
design of a house on the dunes

110 Rhythm and green

A contemporary urban abode in
Auckland's Westmere plays with
volume and proportion

124 Idyll by the bay

A Far North holiday home on the
coast meticulously stitches together
form and sunlight

138 At the water's edge

On the shore of Lake Rotoiti, a
cleverly conceived renovation
delivers an alluring holiday retreat

H



―

BACK IN
BLACK

Concealed on a bush-clad hillside
site above Piha, the dark facade
of this home mimics the tones of
the ironsand on the beach below.

―

Words Kirsten Matthew Photography Simon Devitt

84

“Eternally the fragile surf is shattered on this iron beach,”
wrote Kevin Ireland in his poem “Summer Evening: Piha”.
It’s a delicate description of the harsh coastal setting in
which this new home sits.

Set up the hill from the north end of Piha Beach,
overlooking Lion Rock (Whakaari) and pockets of dense
native bush, the Richard Priest–designed home needed
to withstand the elements, the demands of a large
family, and parameters dictated by the local council’s
planning department.

“The house had to be sited in a particular spot on
the really steep site; the developer was told by the
council where the houses had to be. Access was also
a constraint. The question became, ‘How do you get
cars onto the site, and then how do people have a good
experience coming into the house?’,” explains Priest.

The answer was to design a home that tumbles down
the verdant 3908m section. Visitors arrive at the top, to
an angular coal-black garage and front door.

Opposite A central deck Above At the entrance a “The building disappears into the
takes in sweeping views of the climbing wall provides hanging environment, which is a council
coastline and Lion Rock space for wetsuits requirement, but it’s also a better look”

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 85

Tongue and groove cedar Below The black kitchen is Opposite Full height glazing in
walls are stained onyx and recessed, juxtaposed against the living area retains the views
the custom kitchen cabinetry, lighter timber to create a natural, of the coast when the room is
kitchen island, and dining table textural interior closed to the elements
are all black, too

86

Once they step inside, the first floor of the home and The facade is pitch black, like many things in West
a spectacular view are revealed. Auckland — that black iron sand Ireland writes of; the
Waitakere Ranges described by writer Steve Braunias as
“It’s like opening into Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole,” a “dark and formidable wall of fern and earth and moss”;
says Priest. “You don’t know what you’re going into until the black wetsuits the locals favour.
you descend.”
“Everyone’s using black to the point of it being
The exterior of the home, constructed from aluminium overused, but the darker the buildings are, the more
and stained cedar, is a response to the punishing they disappear into the bush,” says Priest. “The building
environment. disappears into the environment, which is a council
requirement, but it’s also a better look.”
“It had to be really sturdy and solid. Out here you
need lovely big overhangs, exterior covered courtyards,” Inside the 370m² home, there’s more black. Tongue
says Priest, who lives out west and is well versed in the and groove cedar walls are stained onyx and the custom
terrain. “If you’re not getting blasted by wind and rain, kitchen cabinetry, kitchen island by Granite Workshop,
it’s sunshine, so you have to be super careful of the and dining table are all black, too. A luxe bar area slotted
materials you use.”

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 87

Above A bar area in the kitchen into a kitchen wall and backlit with warm lighting adds a
is defined by lighter timber and touch of glamour to the dark heart of the home.
backlit to create a moody feature
“We decided on the dark aesthetic in the kitchen
Opposite American oak floors right from the start. It looks like a solid form that
meet cedar in the living and we’ve carved into,” says Priest, who breaks up the
dining space, which is stepped black on the main living level with panels of warm
down from the entrance wooden cedar and American oak floors. “The variation
of the natural timbers looks cool and freshly cut cedar
smells beautiful.”

All parts of the living room, kitchen, and dining areas
are open plan and look out to a large deck, where there’s
an outdoor fireplace in a U-shaped courtyard and black
outdoor furniture. The master bedroom is on the same
floor, as is a den cocooned in cedar panelling and
built-in green velvet seating.

88





Opposite Cedar panelling and The owners, who between them have five children,
a green velvet couch create a were involved in every architectural detail; one of them
relaxed den area even drew the plans in CAD architecture software. Their
meticulousness and firm opinions when it came to
Right Intricate detailing materiality make for a better home, says Priest.
throughout the house allows for
a luxe yet relaxed aesthetic “It’s a very precise, detailed house. That’s what
happens when you place everything so beautifully.
We spent a lot of time on the interior aesthetic, with 91
different combinations of woods, and I really liked their
enthusiasm for clean lines.”

The furniture is new, chosen specifically for the
spaces, and much time was spent sourcing the right
pieces. A well-considered handful of contemporary art
adorns the walls. That was another conscious decision
by the homeowners, who didn’t want a cluttered
aesthetic or to detract from the view.

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ

Above The generous master Right Above the iron sands of
bedroom on the upper level Piha, the exterior of the house
has an ensuite and walk-in was designed to blend into its
wardrobe, and a deck with natural surrounds, from above
views to Lion Rock and below

92

Downstairs, the house is as precise but more Although it’s a
functional. There’s a bunk room that sleeps five, more permanent home, it
bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a rumpus room with a fits into New Zealand’s
drum kit and walls of practical storage. The carpet is historical bach aesthetic
dark grey to accommodate a family that is often out
in the surf and in the bush, and the bathrooms have
hard-wearing midnight-blue floor tiles.

As a whole, it’s a considered, utilitarian piece of
architecture. Although it’s a permanent home, it fits into
New Zealand’s historical bach aesthetic, described by
James Garrett in The Encyclopedia of New Zealand as
“This flexible, timber vernacular, modest and restrained ...
with a strong emphasis on simple living.”

“I like buildings that have a simplicity to them, a simple
form that you carve into,” says Priest. “Here, you want the
architecture to be about the bush; about the view.”

HOMEMAGAZINE.NZ 93

Piha House

Auckland
Richard Priest and Waterfall Associates

ENTRY LEVEL






 Entrance MID LEVEL
 Garage
 Storage   
 Dining
 Kitchen    
 Living    
 Deck
 Master Bedroom
 En suite
 Wardrobe
 Media
 Guest WC
 Laundry
 Bedroom
 Lounge
 Bathroom

LOWER LEVEL

    


94

MIDNIGHT
DRYDEN.CO.NZ

At home
on the
course

This home in Mangawhai,
designed by John Irving
Architects, is inspired by
California, by its sporting
context and by a subtle, relaxed
expression of luxury and leisure.

―

Words Federico Monsalve Photography Sam Hartnett

There is a kind of chilled-out, California vibe going on here. The small,
uplit bar beside the kitchen has enough tequila to fuel a small revolution.
The background music is hip-hop and R&B, with equal measures of
smoothness and autotune. Although the house is immaculately styled
and maintained — not a leaf of grass seems to be uncombed — the one
thing to have escaped housekeeping is an American football wedged
inconspicuously in one of the kids’ bunk beds.

Yet not everything here is an approximation of the United States’ West
Coast — where the owners have spent significant amounts of time. It’s
as if a Malibu pavilion had been lent a Scandinavian palette, some of
Martha’s Vineyard’s self-assuredness, and plenty of that Kiwi, laid-back
attitude. Given that the house rests on an impressive, elevated site within
the boundaries of a coastal golf links (Tara Iti), the mood is right on point
for its intended context.

“We wanted a place that feels like, every chair you see you should be
able to just go and sit down and make yourself comfortable and put your
feet up; you know, just hang out and relax,” says Jim Rohrstaff who, with
his wife Kara, commissioned and owns this home by local studio John
Irving Architects. “That’s what people are here to do. The architecture,
the design, the style here is very much aimed at that.”

Right Set within the sand dunes designer selected many local brands
and a golf course, the interior of such as Simon James and Maker Design
this home uses natural materials Studio (pendant) to fit with the
and neutral tones to emulate its New Zealand beach mood they were
surroundings. The owner/interior trying to emulate.

96



These pages An L-shaped
pavilion clad in light-coloured
timber. A gentle gable defines
the roof form which, in turn,
cantilevers over the ends to
provide shade.

98