Looking to the sun

Strong green credentials, an open-plan, 3.5m high, north-facing social heart and rugged exterior come together in this character-rich home

The heart of the matter – looking from the entry area and lounge through to the kitchen and dining area.

The mono pitch roof translates into high ceilinged

Textural cladding elements were desired and feature locally

The home’s contemporary styling – with a mix

Citta pendants set off the dining and kitchen

Black, white and served by large open shelving

A single storey home means everyone can walk

The master bedroom bedhead wall was built cost

The clean, crisp pale-toned master ensuite.

Designed by David Reid Homes (Kapiti) Ltd

From the group home builder:

Design statement

Set within the leafy, eco-friendly subdivision of Ferndale, the focus of this design was to embody the green principles of the Ferndale philosophy in a way that complemented the existing houses, but with a form and aesthetic that also offered a point of difference.

Encapsulating easy living in a simple yet sophisticated floor plan, the home offers style and functionality.

Plus, the home’s contemporary styling – with a mix of neutral colour tones, textures and natural materials – creates a light-filled, relaxing retreat.

Initially used as a showhome, it was important that the property met a competitive price point with wide appeal while encompassing a bespoke design characteristic.

A strong, singular mono pitch structure utilises the width of the section and provides height in the northern living area.

Textural cladding elements were specified and addressed with locally sourced macrocarpa weatherboard cladding contrasting with bagged and painted brickwork.

Integrated open plan living forms the hub of this home, featuring a 3.6m-high plywood ceiling.

The custom-designed kitchen includes soft-close cabinetry, engineered stone and stainless steel benchtops.

A stunning dark vertical timber profile feature wall extends down the hall of the bedroom wing and is separated from the living space by a full height surface sliding door.

The hallway features a wider space at the bedrooms and this is filled with light courtesy of a carefully placed Velux skylight.

The master bedroom bedhead wall was built cost effectively with the simple use of battensovera baseboard.

The room opens out into a private courtyard space for morning sun.

The fully lined and insulated double-garage can effectively be used as a universal habitable space and features a generous workshop which leads out to a raised garden bed.

Designed to make the most of the sun, the north-west facing section is an extension of the interior living with both covered and uncovered outdoor entertaining areas.

Considered landscaping mixes natives and permeable materials to contribute to low maintenance, easy care living.

Sustainable features incorporated into the design include an underground 22,500L stormwater retention tank and a grey water recycling system – both of which reduce demand on council utility systems.

Insulation, well above code requirements, was incorporated into the ceiling cavity and 140 mm external framed walls.

Double glazed windows were fitted with thermal spacers and low E glazing.

LED lighting was installed throughout and the home retains a relatively moderate temperature with background heating, when required, provided by a ducted central heating system.