Design-and-build Lockwood home in Kinloch, Lake Taupo with solid blonded timber interior

Holiday homes are all about low maintenance, maximising a great view and catering to a laid-back lifestyle.

All these factors came into play with this new Lockwood home, which was designed and built by Taupo franchisee Peter Richards Builders.

Owners Peter and Dianne Farmer say they approached several high-profile home builders, inviting submissions for the design and construction of their Kinloch holiday home at Lake Taupo.

"Because this is a second home, we wanted to combine the benefits of modern apartment living, with the look of a lodge," says Peter Farmer. "Lockwood Taupo presented a winning design, which we hardly changed. There are not many things in life that you can say have exceeded your expectations, but this home is one of them. We come here for a break and find we never want to leave."

The Farmers say they had always liked the idea of a Lockwood home, especially the low-maintenance aspect.

"This was partly why we wanted apartment-style living," he says.

The exterior of the home is clad in Lockwood's patented aluminium cladding in the custom colour Silver Comet Satin. Eldorado Stone schist columns complement the grey and convey the look of a lodge.

To maximise the lake views, the large, open-plan living area is on the second storey. Sliding doors open up the space to a long balcony and a deck at one side. Sliding aluminium louvres in the colour Ironsand provide shelter from the wind.

There are also fixed louvre awnings that screen the sun and bring a human scale to the front elevation.

The Farmers chose a solid blonded wood interior. The knot-free wood enhances the streamlined, contemporary feel of the home. The sarking extends out to the eaves, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection. For a crisp look, some walls are painted Gib.

The kitchen was designed by Palazzo Kitchen & Appliances in Tauranga, a specialist in imported European kitchens, sinks, taps and appliances.

Branch manager Brian Stewart says the owners wanted a minimal, highly functional kitchen, with clean lines and European appliances.

"The design also needed to ensure the kitchen was an integral part of the overall living space," Stewart says.

Palazzo Kitchen used the latest European design software for the kitchen, which was then manufactured by Nobilia in Germany the firm has supplied top-quality German kitchens for 45 years.

Handleless cabinets from the Nobilia Line N series, lacquered in white, reinforce the sleek, contemporary look.

Benchtops are engineered stone in Mirror White, and the splashbacks are colourbacked black glass with a silver sparkle fleck. These materials are in keeping with the monochromatic look the owners wanted for the interior, The splashback and benchtops were made by local firms.

A raked ceiling with high windows ensures the workspace gets lots of natural light.

For more details, contact Peter Richards Builders, 99 Woodward St, Taupo 3330, phone 0800 378 945. Or visit the website: www.lockwood.co.nz

Contact Palazzo Kitchens and Appliances, 104 Elizabeth St, Tauranga 3110, phone (07) 578 6948. Or visit the website: www.palazzokitchens.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas