Wakatipu Wonderland

From the interior designer:

This architecturally designed five bedroom family home sits in synergy with the mountainous landscape and is ideally articulated with exquisite spaces on varying levels and effortless indoor-outdoor flow.

“Bring the outside in,” was the interior architecture design brief for this modern new home, nestled lakeside and flanked by schist rock and epic mountains – where inspiration was drawn from for and reflected through the strong angular architectural forms.

Given the steep location and close proximity of neighbouring houses we had our work cut out for us as designers of a full interior fit-out for this newly retired couple’s and their extended families' home.

Grand approach

The heated tiled steps lead to the grand entrance where the oversized black steel pivot door opens onto the sand/grey oak timber floor entry, which connects to the double garage on the ground level.

Our homeowners' request was to incorporate texture, layers and interest throughout.

This was accomplished in the main entrance wall by specifying Ambitec plaster finish.

Adjacent to the plaster wall, are floor to ceiling American Oak cupboards, specifically designed for coats, shoes and a hidden wine storage.

Ground floor guest bedroom wing

The downstairs guest bedroom/wing was specified in a deep rich blue, Ambitec plaster finish on the feature wall, return wall and sliding door into the guest ensuite creating depth and intrigue.

This was complemented by the Ink/ombre linen shear curtains.

Steel stairway

The articulated steel staircase reflects anl interplay of steel wrapped around the lift, staircase wall and frosted glass screens.

The lift of course future proofing the home.

Flowing connections

Another requirement was to create a highly functional, flowing space between the kitchen, scullery, workstation and outdoor entertaining and dining areas.

Kitchen

The kitchen located on the second floor expels careful tailoring of heights, between the scullery, tall oven units and blackened wall units – together with walnut-stained internal shelves – help define each unique space.

While a rich, yet soft black Fenix creates a moody, mysterious ambience – further enhanced with stunning Brass Pendant lights, carefully positioned over the dining table not to obscure the stunning view and to work seamlessly within the beautiful surroundings.

The finger tile scullery backsplash, neolith in the main kitchen backsplash together with the continuous movement flowing through the Grey basalt benchtops and mitred island wrapped in Neolith.

To access the media room a bespoke, oversized, slatted black wall doubles as a door that slides delicately into the scullery wall.

The sliding door is replicated to the adjoining media room wall as well as the scullery on the left side of the kitchen.

The scullery boasts a fully integrated fridge to complement the Izona fridge/cooler in the main kitchen.

Due to the oversized scale of these sliding doors/walls and the weight of the fridge these items were both craned onto the second level.

This posed a multitude of challenges with the vast steepness of the actual site and varying levels.

Another feature is the bespoke, slatted ceiling designed by the architect and in close collaboration with lighting specialists and ourselves.

We achieved a seamless, functional and soothing lighting plan carefully articulated within the slats of varying heights (along with hidden speakers).

This was also carried through in the entrance ceiling.

The laundry was to have ample storage with drying room for ski and outdoor gear. Extensive bench space to fold washing and a hanging area for ironing shirts.

Living space

The living room brief was to be functional and practical.

We chose a soothing palette to implement our natural surroundings and bring warmth into the interiors.

Soft green couches, tactile and textured cushions, matching swivel leather chairs, bespoke oak insert side table, round oak coffee table and a luxurious bespoke long piled wool ochre rug all contribute to bringing warmth, to help define the space.

Electric roller blinds were designed into the space to not obscure the views in the main living/kitchen/dining.

The media lounge was designed to be enjoyed by grandchildren and adults.

It has comfortable furniture, including beanbags, with warmth introduced through the theatrical ombre/mustard linen shears, hung on a double track.

Powder room

Inspired by the drama of this natural landscape we designed the powder room to exude both richness and warmth, with opulent, earthy colours.

Centre stage is a freestanding, floor mounted, round concrete black basin with a brass tap, mixer and hidden towel hook, contrasting with the sand grey, oak timber floors that flow into the main living and dining areas and adjoining hallways.

A bevelled edged, softly curved, floating, vertical mirror draws you in and reflects the picturesque surrounding landscape and adjoining rooms – an approach carried through three of the other bathrooms.

Adding intrigue to the natural stone walls is the light cast from handblown, brass detailed opal glass lights that turn on via a hidden sensor.

Tactile, unfilled travertine grey tiles in the space present as a work of art in themselves.

The owner specified the powder room should stand alone in its impact but also connect with the design features of the kitchen, dining and living areas.

We achieved this with discrete, bespoke, vertical slatted wall panelling and a hidden door to mesh the spaces together.

When the slatted door is closed, there is no sign of a powder room.

The brief was to also create a hidden “wow factor” powder room, so when one steps inside the space, it appeals to all the senses.

Working with the delicate medium of brittle unfilled travertine, was another painstaking design element.

Master ensuite

The master ensuite offers a tranquil sanctuary.

Our brief was to tailor a spacious, functional, luxurious space to include a freestanding bath, double vanity, mirrors, a walk-in glass door shower, and a separate toilet with door with sufficient venting.

All to flow beautifully into the walk-in robe and master bedroom.

Well executed lighting brings a refined elegance to this interior space along with subtle recessed LED lights in the shower shampoo alcove and below the vanity.

Lighting also adds drama to the shower by appearing to wash down the natural, porcelain, tactile ripple wall tiles.

We chose the vertical heated towel rails to blend into the design and create a more sculptural effect and with towel hooks carefully positioned beside the bath.

Master bedroom

The master bedroom feature wall is wrapped in unfilled catspaw basalt with a recess shelf and strip lighting to bring the outside in.

This private space is softened by the ink/white ombre linen curtains.

Walk-in robe

The master walk-in robe caters for his/hers with ample drawer, hanging and shoe storage all specified in a refined walnut stain.

The tile layouts in all bathrooms were achieved with close collaboration with both designer and artisan to ensure attention to detail – so the ripple tiles, mitred edges and larger format tiles all flowed seamlessly.

Bunk room

The bespoke bunk room was designed specifically for our homeowners' grandchildren in mind, with sufficient storage and shelving to display their Lego.

We chose a harmonious pastel palette on the walls, complemented with white Italian sheer curtains.

Designing for many

Our brief was to design the interior to cater for multiple families staying together.

It was essential for our owners to cater for their immediate and extended family with partners and grandchildren.

As part of this, it was imperative there was ample storage in all bedrooms and throughout the house.

Floor to ceiling wardrobes were designed and an ensuite or shared bathroom allocated to cater for these requests.

The other bedrooms we kept neutral and light with a shiplap profile, designed on one of the upstairs bedroom walls creating interest and texture.

The sense of lightness was complemented by the Italian linen sheers all on a double track, allowing us to dress each bedroom accordingly.

In summation

We were engaged to design the full interior architecture for this architecturally designed modern home with an overarching brief to create a warm, welcoming forever home, for the recently retired, young couple.

The view was so encapsulating, it was imperative that this was taken into account with all aspect of the design and rooms – executing a stand-alone aesthetic and connecting with the surroundings by bringing the outside in through the strong angular forms inspired by the landscape.