Country family home with schist columns, cedar weatherboards by Design Construction Home

When at last the time comes to build the home of your dreams, you're likely to choose the design-and-build company with care. A firm big enough to have all the resources and know-how, but small enough to offer individual attention will give you the confidence you need for this major undertaking.

When the owners of this house approached Design Construction Home (DCH), they wanted a resort-style residence that would echo the schist and weatherboard homesteads often found in Central Otago. While they were living overseas, the owners kept up with progress on the project online. When they were in town, company director Grant McIntyre was on hand to go over every design detail in person, to ensure the house met the owners' expectations.

"This house really looks the part from the moment you arrive," says McIntyre. "The custom rusticated cedar weatherboard, Wanaka schist and plastered Rockcote Integra panel cladding all paint a picture of a rugged, robust hill-country home."

The three pavilions of the timber-framed house feature warm, spacious interiors and an easy indoor-outdoor flow. There's also a pool, spa pool and tennis court. A pool house with gymnasium is in a separate building that has the same high gable as the home.

The house is designed for entertaining, with the two public pavilions extending out to the alfresco dining areas a shared roofline leads the eye to read the indoors and outdoors as one.

The entry, formal dining and living are in the central pavilion with its dramatic high vaulted ceiling. The kitchen, family room and informal dining are in an adjacent pavilion. In constant use, this volume includes a central media room or study that can be screened off with pocket sliders. There is also a wine cellar. The other wing is linked to the central volume by the master suite. This pavilion has three bedrooms, a guest suite and a three-car garage to the rear.

"The house was precisely tailored to meet the specific needs of the family," says McIntyre. "For example, a ring main circuit ensures that hot water is instantly on tap anywhere in the home. Two heat pumps keep all the rooms, and the pool, at comfortable temperatures."

Design Construction Home specialises in large and small architecturally designed-and-built custom homes at fixed contract prices.

Story by: Trendsideas