ALL IN THE FAMILY

Three bedrooms, one bathroom and a quarter-acre property many of us grew up in homes like that, but already they seem like ancient history.

In response to changing needs and lifestyles, house designs are becoming much less conventional.

The house shown here is an example of this, with three generations living under one roof. And, although it looks like one large homestead, the structure actually contains two family homes.

Creating this all-in-one appearance was a crucial part of the brief, says architect John D'Anvers. Equally important was the design reflecting the home's proximity to the ocean.

The exterior walls are basalt with sand-coloured plaster, the roof is cedar shingles and copper is used for the guttering and flashings.

"We used materials which weather well and will become very mellow over time. As the building ages it will appear more in harmony with the site," says John D'Anvers.

"At the same time we wanted the house to fit into the site from day one."

To make the most of the seaside setting, a joint outdoor area was created. This comprises a large paved courtyard and swimming pool. To facilitate entertaining, the kitchen of the parents' home opens onto the courtyard.

While the two homes are linked here, the families also have their own private areas. A system of well-placed walls, windows, screens and cedar louvre shutters creates individual spaces at each end of the courtyard.

"With large, covered verandas and exterior bifold doors and shutters, the house caters for an outdoor lifestyle," says John D'Anvers. "It also acknowledges the fact that we do get rain as well as a lot of sunshine."

D'Anvers describes the overall style of the house as Pacific Rim.

"It could be in California, New Zealand, or on the coast of Australia, and there are some influences from luxurious Hawaiian hotels," he says. "It has a good response to its site, the beach and the sun, so it creates an easy indoor and outdoor flow in terms of lifestyle."

The house is also completely computerised. From a hand-held remote, many parts of the house can be controlled, such as the front gate, lights, fireplaces, hot water and the home theatre. The remote also includes a layout of the house for easy reference.

Story by: Trendsideas