Tropical Remuera Home

Location: Auckland Project Type: Residential family home A challenging site with huge potential was transformed into a magical, tropical oasis for a family of Remuera. Backing onto a nature reserve, the original landscape comprised an entertainment area restricted by a fence and steep bank which made the adjoining reserve inaccessible. The brief to lead designer, Mark Read, was to increase usability and maximise space for child play and guest entertainment. Natural Habitats embraced the site's natural elements, maximising vistas and extending the outdoor living area. A louvre roof was installed as an extension to the house for sheltered outdoor living; the deck was rebuilt and an artificial turf area was developed to provide a maintenance-free platform for children's play year-round. A feature bridge was also created to extend over the stream and into the ‘tropical jungle’, remaining child-friendly whilst enhancing views inside and out with a sleek glass fence. The mature Kentia palms and Nikau palm at the entrance created a real statement and high impact, as well as adding value to the property.