Award-winning country home with black cladding

Never underestimate the power of black. It may be a colour made fashionable by Henry Ford and Audrey Hepburn, but it can also be an architectural force to be reckoned with, as this project shows.

The new home, designed and built by Fowler Homes BOP, makes a strong design statement with its black weatherboards, soffits and roof, which are contrasted by white-painted wood trim.

Owners Julie Turnbull and Mike Foster chose to paint the house in a black Resene CoolColour to help it stand out against the bush backdrop and rolling countryside.

"I love bold colours, and wanted a look that wouldn't date," says Turnbull.

The distinctive look of the house is one of the reasons it has won three major Master Builder awards this year, says Tony O'Brien of Fowler Homes BOP.

"The house won the Regional Gold Award in the Master Builders House of the Year Awards, and subsequently won the Gold Reserve Award, which meant it was a finalist in the National Awards. It also won the People's Choice Award."

The street appeal is reinforced by a large canopy entry, with handmade honeycomb terracotta tiles.

On the inside, spacious living areas open out to a sunny terrace. Cavity slidersensure the formal living space can be closed off if required.

The kitchen continues the black and white theme, with white lacquered cabinets contrasting bold black granite benchtops. Solid Indonesian hardwood tongue-and-groove floors and matai shelving help to warm the space visually.

Turnbull says the success of the project is a reflection of a team effort.

"Fowler Homes is a great team to build with we are absolutely thrilled with our new home, and the unexpected awards."

Fowler Homes offers a complete design and build service for clients, which can include landscaping.

"Our selected contractors make the process seamless and enjoyable," O'Brien says. "We have a very hands-on approach with open discussions so that clients know we are doing our best for them.

"As a Master Builder, all our homes come with an independent 10-year guarantee. Clients are also covered for loss of deposit and non-completion."

Fowler Homes BOP has a show home at 1 Pumice Glade, the Lakes, Tauranga. For details, contact Fowler Homes BOP, phone (07) 579 9200. Or visit the website: www.fowlerhomes.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas