A STATEMENT IN KIWI STYLE

This stunning contemporary townhouse expresses perfectly the lifestyle of a busy professional couple in today’s New Zealand.

When architects refer to the “kiwi vernacular” this is what they mean.

Designed for the 368m2 tree filled site the corrugated panels and flat planes of the exterior put it “outside the square”. Enter the foyer and warm terracotta tiles and vibrant green feature wall confirm expectations.

The double garage opens into the foyer and two double bedrooms, served by a bathroom and separate toilet, opening off it. “We throw our guests down here,” says the owner. Oh, to be thrown! Sun filters through wooden blinds and the atmosphere is of creamy comfort.

Ahead a light and welcoming stairwell leads up to what could be the perfect apartment layout. It seems natural to head for the kitchen, the obvious nerve centre of the home. Hard to believe this kitchen is, like the home, five years old. Easy to believe it was an award winner!

The owner’s daughter who cooks professionally says this is a real chef’s kitchen. The central granite island is ideal for “plating up” to use the jargon. Also excellent for casual meals and a chatty coffee! There is plenty of storage, large and small oven and microwave stacked conveniently on one wall, and Italian cook top which features both gas and electric hobs. Cleverly hidden are big scullery – room for espresso maker and all those gadgets you don’t need in view – fridge freezer and special wine shelving.

A family occasion saw 30 catered for here - all seated, by combining the ten seat dining table and large outdoor table from the deck off the dining area.

Sun floods across the lounge also warmed by a gas fireplace on the internal wall above which a colourful canvas cleverly pulls down to cover the recessed TV. This is one of many artworks that are displayed to advantage in a home that has an abundance of light but plenty of wall space and high ceilings.

Double doors open up or close off the master bedroom. Spot the cleverly hidden ironing board and love the “edgy” en suite with a stainless basin set in glass and tiled shower wet area.

Colour pulls the design together with cream as an anchor colour and the use of the kitchen’s rich reddish brown on the opposite stairwell extending the line of sight.

While deft design simplifies living inside, landscaping and lack of lawn makes outside easy. The owners love the privacy, greenery and birdlife, delighting in recently finding a morepork in the rimu tree. They have enjoyed living here so much they intend to replicate some of its features in their next home.