A family-friendly retreat-style home in Greenhithe, Auckland, boasts an industrial aesthetic with a luxury twist, thanks to striking timber features and chic brass fittings. The brief was to create flexible, useable spaces that provide separation between entertaining spaces and private areas – and within a set budget, which was achieved.
The existing house on a 1238 m² section in Greenhithe, Auckland, had watertightness issues – and wasn’t suitable for the ‘dream retreat’ lifestyle envisaged by a family with two young boys and an enthusiastic dog. Our brief was to demolish the existing house, design and build a new home with an industrial aesthetic but with a luxury twist – and with useable, multipurpose spaces that provide separation between entertaining and private spaces. After a fact find, Michelle Leonard held a collaborative workshop with the client to work on new plans, and then presented the final designs to him.
Behind large cedar gates awaits a surprising open-air entry garden. Glass front doors lead to a light-filled double-height atrium featuring striking American ash fins. The fins form a line of separation between the entrance and private areas, and run vertically to form the balustrade of the atrium’s upper level.
Every space in this home has a purpose, and minimal corridors create more space for living. Large sliding doors break up spaces, creating cosier nooks for entertaining, and more cost-efficient heating. A low table wraps around the kitchen bench, creating an informal family-oriented dining area. The boys’ bedroom can be split into two in future. Spaces are flexible and practical.
Feature painted masonry and black Nu-wall provide an industrial look that’s contrasted with the cedar cladding, which softens the visual impact from the main road. Internally brass tapware adds a luxury feel and the polished concrete floor is hard-wearing for busy feet and muddy paws.
The existing pool on site had perished: the same location was utilised for a new pool, and it’s easy to access via sliding doors from the family and living rooms. The guest room’s semi en-suite bathroom is only a few steps away from the pool. Underslab heating is via a hot water heat pump and the same unit also heats the pool. The outdoor pergola deck features wisteria: these deciduous plants provide shade
Carrying out a full design build service meant we were able to work through the details of the build while the detailed plans were still being completed, which saved time on the project. Once the consents had been issued, LC Designer Homes could commence the building work straight away.
Rendered images
Completed project
