With incredible views from the Harbour Bridge to the Upper Harbour and even a sneaky peek of Rangitoto, it was no surprise the brief called for a family home to embrace the stunning views on offer. Privacy was another key request and to position the house so as to maximise a North facing outdoor space for all-year-round living.
Materials were to be easy care and robust and the clients wanted a classic timeless aesthetic with a few touches to remind them of their Indian heritage. Curved elements were also on the wishlist and these include the stair and a feature circular skylight in the living room.
The design was also to incorporate a self-contained apartment for their parents, a snug that could be closed off from the rest of the open-plan living, an office/man-cave and plenty of space to entertain, including a generous kitchen and butler’s pantry.
Floor to ceiling glass sliders allow for the front of the house to open entirely to the view and an associated deck runs the length. Glass is repeated along the eastern façade as floor to ceiling fixed windows. The open flow of the ground floor interior allows the view to be seen throughout the main living and ensures the house is flooded with light.
The spacious kitchen is beautifully detailed in timber and two tones of marble and the affiliated butler’s pantry ensures all prep can be achieved out of sight and provides ample storage.
The dining space features a stunning brass screen which works as a stand alone feature, bringing a warmth to the mainly white interior and tying in nicely with the timber. It also provides privacy from the neighbours and screens the entry access to the downstairs garage.
Extensive use of cabinetry has been incorporated into the design so that the timber box in the living room that wraps to become the kitchen, also includes a hidden door to access the requisite man-cave. This ‘secret’ space is suitably masculine in its furnishings and décor.
Upstairs houses the family bedrooms, a guest room and an extensive ensuite and dressing room. The deck upstairs also provides a private spot to enjoy the view as does a second sitting space at the top of the stairs.
An outdoor room provides a sheltered spot even in the most inclement weather. Furnished as another sitting room this space opens seamlessly from the entry and allows for views directly through to the cityscape.
As the sun moves around the house the shadow play created is stunning and as evening arrives and the city lights go on across the harbour the view is quite breathtaking.
Photography by Emma-Jane Hetherington