Custom home by GJ Gardner Homes, with Linea weatherboards and Rockcote plaster

Just as every family is different, so too is every building site many require a unique design response to maximise light and space.

This new home was custom designed and built on a tight site in an established neighbourhood by GJ Gardner Homes Manawatu/Horowhenua.

GJ Gardner Homes franchisees Duncan Palmer and Trevor Low say they were able to provide an extra-large floor area of 310m², while minimising the mass of the four-bedroom house with a smaller second storey and asymmetrical monopitched roof. The central core of the home is clad in low-maintenance Linea weatherboard painted in Resene Double Cod Grey. This contrasts the use of Resene Wan White on the Rockcoat plaster system that clads the outer volumes of the house.

Trevor Low says materials were specially selected to define the entry.

"There is an Austral Designer Schist stone column beside the front door, and a feature striped wallpaper that helps to create the all-important first impression."

The monochromatic palette continues inside the house, where white cabinetry and white walls are contrasted by timber and charcoal accents.

Duncan Palmer says the design team came up with an innovative solution to provide a highly functional kitchen that wouldn't detract from the visual appeal of open-plan living area.

"We created a 1500mm-wide cavity slider to the scullery that is recessed into the wall when open. A small slot in the benchtops ensures that the door can slide right back so the kitchen and scullery benchtops form one large workspace. This gives the owners instant access to all the stored goods, a second oven and sink. Yet all the clutter can be hidden from view by simply closing the door."

The kitchen teams Caesarstone Nougat composite stone benchtops, mitred to 40mm thick, with Arboform satin white kitchen joinery and Melteca Dark Oak feature panels. Cabinets are equipped with high-end Hettich Innotech drawers and have Heritage Hardware Verselli handles.

"This attention to detail is typical of all our projects," says Low. "Another example is the way we have introduced natural light into the home."

A double-height atrium with tall windows allows light to flood the stairwell. A frameless glass balustrade also helps to keep the stair and landing light and airy.

Other key features of the home include a generously sized master suite with a custom walk-in wardrobe, and a private sunroom with views to the mountains. This has its own kitchenette so the owners can make tea and coffee in the mornings and enjoy the peaceful outlook.

There is also a separate guest suite on the ground floor, and a laundry, study and double garage with internal access.

For details, contact GJ Gardner Homes, phone 0800 42 45 46. Or visit the website: www.gjgardner.co.nz

Story by: G.J. Gardner Homes