Facebook Tweet Help Stories New Home Islands in the sun Share Tweet Help Designing a house to capture a 300° view presents its own challenges, says the owner of this island retreat. But the results speak for themselves Image of the exterior of this beautifully designed hill top home. The image shows the magnificent views this house provides as well as the pool and deck areas. Holidays are all about escape, and there is probably no greater escape than an island retreat in New Zealand, accessible only by boat or helicopter.But even with his pick of building sites, the owner of Hurakia Lodge says making the most of the spectacular views from this island near Auckland, New Zealand presented a challenge for the designers. John MacCulloch says the location has an obvious wow factor, and it was important that this wasn't diminished by the building.The solution lay in three long, low pavilion-style wings that form a Y-shaped building, with expansive glazing providing a transparency through the house."It is possible to stand in the central living pavilion and look down either wing and through the glass walls to the sea beyond," MacCulloch says.The design brief given to concept architect Greg Boyden of Jasmax specified a modern, flat-roofed house that would blend in with the surroundings in terms of its color. But MacCulloch says the house also needed to have its own presence."The house needed to make a strong statement in itself, while also providing a tasteful, warm and welcoming retreat." View of pathway which leads to a private wharf from the house. In keeping with the requirement for a contemporary architectural form, the main living pavilion opens up on four sides to a large terrace that wraps around the building. Large eaves provide shelter from the summer sun. And the owners can open the large sliders to suit prevailing weather conditions.The two bedroom wings semi-enclose a sheltered pool courtyard and outdoor living area. Freestanding concrete block walls at the opposite end of the pool are positioned to frame the best view of a picturesque group of small islands."Sometimes, leading the eye to a key aspect of the view is more dramatic than simply exposing a never-ending vista," says MacCulloch.The exterior is also defined by the cladding, which features Aluart anodized aluminum panels. Many of these are designed as permanent artworks. Connecting panels between the bedroom wings and main pavilion, for example, feature a textural fiber pattern, while the anodized panels on the bedroom wings are decorated with a bubble pattern that conveys a sense of movement.The interior, by Stewart Harris of Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors, was designed to complement rather than detract from the view."A simplified palette of colors and materials was the best way to allow the view to dominate it also lets the architecture shine," says Harris. "We opted for natural colors, which have a subtle New Zealand flavor, but the interior also reflects international design influences." Image of the exterior of this beautifully designed hill top home. The image shows the magnificent views this house provides as well as the pool and deck areas. Harris says natural linens and handwoven jute and wool carpets were specified. Wood was sourced from a renewable resource."There is a strong consistency of materials throughout the house. Similar colors provide a visual connection, and the use of contrasting textures adds interest. We avoided a look that is too conservative, frequently mixing classic elements with quirky accent pieces."These items include sculptural lamps and artworks, a coffee table made from native tree trunks, and a Dedon Yin Yang chair on the terrace.Comfort was also a priority, with the spacious, uncluttered living areas providing several grouped seating areas, each positioned to maximize a different slice of the spectacular view. Credit list Interior design Stewart Harris, Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors Spa The Spa and Pool Factory Cladding Aluart anodized aluminum panels installed by Thermosash Commercial Doors and windows Thermosash Delta Series; blackbean veneer doors Lighting Halycon; Nimbus Blinds and drapes Inner Concepts Bathtub Foster from Franklin Plumbing Builder Savory Construction Artwork Donna Harrison at Artscape Roofing Fletcher Dimond aluminum Flooring Bamboo laid by The Specialist; carpet from Source Mondial Furniture and furnishings Lounge seating from Designers' Collection and Trenzseater; dining table from Sefton Powrie; coffee tables from Republican and Advantage Interiors; outdoor furniture from Domo Bathroom floor and walls Flamed Asia basalt tiles from Original Stone; Orito white ceramic tiles from European Ceramics Basins Robertson Agencies; Hansa Design Lino taps Story by: Colleen Hawkes 03 Feb, 2009 New Home Trendsideas Home kitchen bathroom commercial design Latest Post Desert romance 24 Mar, 2024 Connection and cohesion 24 Mar, 2024 Villa from the street – but that's only half the story 24 Mar, 2024 We know the Specialists Related Book More Books > US2501 US2501 Read More Similar Stories