Horotiu Home, Waikato

We're particularly fond of clients who dare to innovate, and Keith and Jo Clapson's remarkable new construction in Horotu, Waikato, stands as a prime illustration.

For a quarter of a century, Keith and Jo have cherished living on their semi-rural land, deeply enamoured with its breathtakingly mature garden and expansive views. However, their residence was in dire need of an overhaul, and they were uncertain if it warranted the significant investment required. After considerable contemplation, they decided to proceed, leading to the demolition of the old structure.

After years in an outdated home, the Clapsons aspired to build something striking and contemporary. Their success is evident in the use of meticulously stacked Oamaru Stone, glass, Colorsteel, and tinted timber, achieving an exceptional result.

Stack bonding is increasingly popular in New Zealand, catering to the growing demand for modern façade materials. Keith's pursuit of a pristine, monochrome look led him to invest more in our whitest stone selections. He chose Oamaru Stone for its unparalleled purity, free from any significant brown or yellow hues.

This architectural masterpiece features three distinct pods linked by a glass corridor, with the north-facing steel louvres as its crowning glory. These louvres can be closed with the simple press of a button, offering protection against the Waikato sun.

The challenge with dark exteriors is their potential to seem stark and dull without the balance of lighter materials. In the Clapson's design, the stack bonded stone frames the main entrance beautifully, contrasting with the dark cedar and Colorsteel, and highlighting each part of the house. This, along with the timber cladding, enriches the exterior's texture without overwhelming it.

It's a well-known fact that black surfaces attract heat, and with the stringent insulation standards for new constructions, this can lead to uncomfortably high indoor temperatures. This contrasts sharply with the experiences of those over 40, who recall homes without insulation where warmth came solely from an open fire, finding modern, overly insulated homes somewhat stifling.

The Clapsons have cleverly mitigated heat absorption by enveloping the exterior of the pods in stack bonded stone, which reflects rather than absorbs light. They've also extended its use inside, particularly in the entrance hall, achieving a balance of style and functionality.