Lakeside lines

Some of the most effective remodelling projectsare those that take simple design concepts, such as the use of line and colour, and then apply them consistently for a visually dramatic effect.

This project an extensive renovation of a substantial 1970s home overlooking Lake Pupuke on Auckland's North Shore demonstrates this theory, says Richard Vincent of Santa Barbara Homes.

"The architect, Paul Rosnell from VRLA, has used the horizontal and vertical lines of the structure to design a contemporary home with distinctive interlocking patterns of masonry and metal," he says.

The floors of each storey are cantilevered out to form balconies and provide shading, and are painted a deep chocolate to accentuate the horizontal lines.

Materials and finishes were important to the homeowners. One of the key elements is a tooled basalt wall that leads up to the front door, where the vertical aluminium louvres and horizontal elements meet. Other decorative features include white crushed marble surfaces around the pool and patio.

The interior designer on the project, Ray Lind, chose pale hues for the walls and floors that balance the colour palette of the exterior walls. Dark American oak timber flooring was selected to complement the exterior's dark horizontal elements.

The home's master suite, which includes both a bathroom and sitting room, forms a private retreat for the homeowners on the third floor.

The developer, Santa Barbara Homes, acted as team leader on the project, co-ordinating specialist design and construction teams.

"Our role is to look after the client, assisting with every stage of the process from the initial concept to the landscaping," says Vincent.

For more information, contact Santa Barbara Homes, PO Box 33-1405, Takapuna, Auckland, phone (09) 489 3848, fax (09) 489 3849. Email: santabarbarahomes@xtra.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas