Just add trout

Home builder – Design Builders Taupo

From the home builder:

This home sets an architectural benchmark. 

An imaginative use of natural timber adds warmth, texture, and a unique visual signature to this home. 

Family living spaces, private places and working spaces are balanced while seamless indoor-outdoor flow includes a destination deck designed for pure relaxation.

The Taupo holiday home uses Abodo eco-timbers internally and externally, bringing warmth and cohesion to the design.

The bold architectural forms of this lakeside home coexist cohesively with the natural and built environment due to the use weatherboards, while indoors a warm atmosphere is created.

The land had existing plans in place, however, which meant the owners were restricted in their design choices. 

Working with construction company Design Builders – Taupo, they were able to alter the design slightly to meet their requirements, with material choices becoming a key method for putting a personal stamp on their new escape pad.

“The Nero finish was chosen as the homeowners wanted something quite dark to help the house fit into the landscape, despite being a fairly large and bold home, says construction manager Dan Fawcett. 

“The ceilings inside were then something that developed during the build. 

They were designed to be gibbed ceilings but we suggested using Vulcan Panelling instead to bring a natural contrast between the black exterior and the warmth of the natural timber – we also used it to line the lift shaft and stairwell.”

Inside, the panelling creates a warm glow that ties in well with the timber flooring and is picked up throughout the house in the choice of furniture. 

A beautiful moment is created in the living room, where a panel of leathered granite is set on a rolling door track, hiding the television above the chunky fireplace. 

Here, the timber ceiling lends a lodge-like feel to this inviting space.

The interiors are designed with longevity in mind, with full bedrooms and bathrooms, a study and large-scale underground garaging allowing the home to be used full-time in the future if desired. 

Bedrooms are upstairs, with the master bedroom cantilevered over the front deck, providing shelter and sun protection below. 

This deck is well connected to living spaces and the kitchen, allowing for easy flow through to the outdoors in summer. 

Another sheltered deck space is provided on the street-facing side of the home as a place to shelter from the on-shore wind.

How the design fulfilled the requirements of the owners' brief

• For the homeowners, the low-maintenance qualities of material as the land already had plans assigned to it

How the design was developed in response to its site and surroundings/challenges

• Odd shape section – house was designed to make the most of the views
• Extensive engineering due to the site, multiple storeys and house structure

Designed by: Design Builders Taupo

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Matt Westerman Photography