Gathering place

Australasians are sun-lovers but we are realistic about the weather. We know how changeable it can be in our corner of the South Pacific, and our houses are often designed to reflect this.

This suburban home, originally a closed-in villa, is a prime example. The homeowners asked Richard Furze Design to devise a plan that would open it up to the sun on both the northern and southern sides of the house, while also providing shelter from the elements.

Additionally, they requested an extra bedroom, and an ensuite to be added to the front guest bedroom. However, the central focus for designer Richard Furze was to make the main living space an open-plan, social area, linked to the outdoors.

"The northern side of the house faces the road, while the back gets the afternoon sun. By installing bifolding doors at either end, the two sides are connected. This way, if friends arrive at the front while you are sitting out the back, they can walk straight in and see you," he says.

Bifolding doors also make it possible to duck inside for shelter should the rain set in. The front deck is covered, while the rear is enclosed on three sides to provide shelter from the wind. This area leads down to the pool, also a new addition.

"A new double garage at the front has replaced the old garage at the rear of the house, leaving space for the back deck and pool, which is elevated above the garden and lawn," says Furze.

A new bedroom opens onto the back deck. Designed to match the existing gable opposite, this addition makes use of a window from the lounge at the front of the house, and appears seamless with the existing structure.

The kitchen was moved from the centre of the house to the front. It features a symmetrical design, with three charcoal- grey back-painted glass cabinets above the freestanding range and benchtops. The central cabinet conceals the rangehood, while the other two are used for glassware. The refrigerator is integrated into one of the large cabinets, to match the pantry on the other side, and the island is positioned parallel to the wall.

"People often gravitate around kitchen islands, so it makes sense that you can see both ends of the living space from there, as well as the television. It is also an easy layout to move around, so it works well for social occasions," says Furze.

Also catering to the owners' love of entertaining is the top-end sound system. Speakers have been installed throughout the house, with surround-sound speakers in the lounge area.

The original matai flooring was retained throughout the living area. As the floorboards showed clear signs of the many changes the house had been through over the years, they were treated with a dark stain for a more uniform appearance. Carpet was laid in all the bedrooms for warmth and comfort.

Furze says lighting decisions were based on the homeowners' art collection.

"There are recessed task lights over the kitchen, but the rest of the living area is lit by spotlights on spigots. These can be directed to shine on the many paintings in the house, and moved when the artwork is changed."

The art collection also directed the wall colours. Subtle neutrals throughout the house were chosen to highlight the art.

A cantilevered marble hearth provides additional texture and visual interest to the lounge space.

"The original fireplace had a wood-burning fire, but as the homeowners lead quite busy lives, we decided to install a gas fire that is quick and easy to light on cold winter evenings," says Furze.

Also adding some warmth of the visual variety is the integrated timber shelving on either side of the fireplace. A side table in the family space is made from the same wood. This was designed by Furze and acts as a link between the lounge and the family areas.

Aside from the additions and refreshed interiors, the house was re-roofed and its exterior repainted.

Richard Furze Design was awarded three prizes for this home at the 2007 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) Awards. It was the Auckland winner in the Alterations and Additions section, and rated Highly Commended in both the Resene Colour Awards, and the Residential Interiors Awards.

Story by: Camille Butler

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick Gathering