Behind the green door

As designers, Lorin and Grant O’Reilly have always had an interest in architecture – and while they both loved the homes they’ve previously owned, there were always little things they would have done differently.

So when they made the decision to build their own home in 2021, the couple had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. 

To make it happen, they knew it was important to choose a design and build company with a solid track record who shared their uncompromising design standards. 

That’s where Landmark Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty came in.

Mid-century meets modern day

Lorin explains that the vision for their new home was based on form and function. 

“We wanted a house that was tailored to us and reflected the way we wanted to live – a robust family home that could handle kids scootering up the hallways and animals scratching the floors,” she says. 

“We didn’t want a house that felt like you needed to be ‘careful’ in it”.

A big inspiration for the O’Reilly’s new home is their love of Mid-century modern design and the general aesthetic of the Californian Case Study houses from the ‘50s and ‘60s which feature flat roofs, light-flooded interiors, large windows, and easy access courtyards.

“I feel that the space you live in has an impact on your state of mind and wellbeing,” says Lorin. 

“I love the idea you can design a space that transforms the way in which you live your lives.”

Bringing the outdoors in

For Lorin and Grant, having a family-friendly indoor-outdoor flow was a key consideration in the design of their new home. 

“We love the idea of using architecture and landscaping to blur the lines between indoors and out to give glimpses of nature throughout the house.”

The couple wanted a space where their kids would want to be outside in the fresh air playing, so having a pool and plenty of flat grass area was a big priority. 

And thanks to the home’s H-shaped design, both the garden and outdoor play space are drawn into the heart of the home. 

“We love being able to see the garden and our beautiful maple tree from most rooms of the house,” says Lorin. 

“Our office also has good views of the garden and pool so we can still keep an eye on the kids.”

The must-haves

Lorin explains that in their previous home the bedrooms had been split between more than one level, which they found to be impractical. 

“It was really important to us to have the kids’ bedrooms and ours all on the same floor,” she says.

Other must-haves for the couple included a spare room for guests, lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows, nice outlooks, and an internally accessible double garage. 

“Coming from a house with a single detached garage we knew we’d make use of the extra space of a double and the convenience of it being internal.”

Although most of their must-haves had been decided early, Lorin and Grant did make a couple of changes as the design progressed ... read the full story here

Read the full story of how Landmark Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty delivered for the young designer/homeowners and watch a video exploring their much-loved new home here

Designed by: Landmark Homes

Story by: Trendsideas