Elegant and adaptable family home respects surrounding landscape

Designed by O'Neil Architecture

Designer statement:

Our Initial challenge was to design the home around the existing beautiful old trees the clients wished to retain and feature. The site was large enough for us to be able to spread out and create a layered timeless modern design which complements the surrounding greenery.

The design approach is restrained, refined, and practical. Large overhangs balance out the dominant use of glass by providing shade and protection. Simple clean forms are achieved by the lack of any distracting details such as exterior roof gutters.

Even though the home is expansive, we were able to create a sense of comfort and intimacy through the use of cleverly sized open plan multiuse areas as well as manipulating the use of varying ceiling heights creating a vertical connection between levels as well allowing the living areas to bathe in natural light.

Because so much natural light was allowed into the spaces it gave us the ability to mix up the materials and finishes.

It was very important to the client that the outdoors were brought indoors, so we focussed on interconnecting and integrating the indoors with the outdoors. The home seamlessly opens up to superb entertaining spaces, while the floor plan almost wraps around the weeping willow.

Dark stained quarter cut American white oak was used to add visual texture in the kitchen, entrance, wine cellar and library which contrasted well with Resene Merino on the walls.

Oversized custom pieces were designed to balance the grand scale of the home including the light fittings.

We were able to design a forever family home for our clients which can adapt and change as their family does, with ample space, storage, and room for kids, pets, guests and entertaining we were able to deliver a stunning elegant home that exceeded their expectations.

Story by: Trendsideas