Attractive sand-bagged brick facade and textured, pressed metal tile roof add to the street appeal of this Orewa showhome

Size does matter but, when it comes to your new home, clever design matters a whole lot more. This four-bedroom home just 40 minutes north of Auckland is an excellent case in point.

The contemporary Orewa showhome was designed and built by Fowler Homes North, West and Rodney. Sales manager Chris Hanley says everyone who steps into the showhome is impressed with its sheer comfort and livability.

"Entered by an impressive atrium, the interior is centred around a kitchen-and-storage hub which naturally directs flow for example, the owners can reach the master suite from the living spaces or via a second hall that leads straight to the bedroom side of the home," Hanley says.

Everything about the home is designed to make life easy. The living room and open-plan kitchen, dining and family space both open to the undercover patio with solid stacker doors.

"This home has all the up-to-the-minute features you expect from Fowler Homes, such as an electronic key and centralised air-conditioning.

"Then there's storage. This is also next level, literally, with drop-down stairs leading to an attic reinforced with its own trusses. Often attics are used for storage but not built to take weight."

The bedrooms are generous in both area and height, and the double garage is also roomy.

In terms of street presence, the low-upkeep home has a sand-bagged brick facade that's lightly painted to preserve the character of the material, and a textured pressed metal tile roof.

For details, contact Fowler Homes North, West and Rodney, phone (09) 421 0657. Email: auckland@fowlerhomes.co.nz, or alternatively head online: www.fowlerhomes.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas