EVEN MORE interesting is that in the case of this Customkit creation, the purity of the white became the dominant colour theme against which all the other creative elements came together. 

There are other benefits of using this clean and comforting colour in terms of light reflection and the durability of materials, says Customkit managing director Michael Anselmi. 

“The approximate light reflectance value (LRV) of a colour indicates the amount of visible light that colour will reflect. Black has a light reflectance value of 0% and absorbs all light. The surfaces are consequently very dark and can get very hot. In contrast, white has a light reflectance value of 100% and keeps a building light and cool. That is certainly the case with this house.” 

White is very much part of nature’s colour palette. It captures the heart and soul of the seasons, such as pure white for summer clouds and fresh snow in winter. The house changes in character depending on the time of the day, making the transition into evening with the use of outside lighting. 

This is particularly true with the entry feature with subtle, gentle lighting and the garden feature at the end of ‘journey’ beside the front door. 

Over the years, Customkit houses have become synonymous with the ultimate in lifestyle and rural living, says Michael Anselmi. There are open spaces, roominess, and the use of windows and other design elements to frame country views. 

“Our LVL (laminated veneer lumber) features are what gives the rooms height, openness, and airiness. All of this helps to accentuate the ‘flow’ around the house but also from indoors to outdoors.” 

The flooring and furniture features using wood also accentuates the natural ambience and connection with the main building material for Customkit houses which use sustainable New Zealand pine. 

“We use a variety of outside claddings, particularly board and batten, as this is in keeping with the rural environments we build in and is synonymous with the country ‘look’. In the case of this house, weatherboard was used which, again, is an attractive and durable material to build with.” 

For a house that is inviting, has character, but is clean, cool, modern and the ultimate ‘canvas’ for a family home Customkit provides a world of different looks and solutions.