Making waves

When compiling a wish-list for our dream home, most of us would make sea views a priority.

The owners of this house commissioned Don Nelson & Associates to design their mod-ern, Mediterranean-style home on a prime site overlooking Tauranga Harbour.

Having seen another recent Don Nelson design, they were keen to achieve a similar look.

But they also had a number of specific design requirements. Among them was the desire for ground-floor, open-plan living areas that provided access to the pool, garden and outdoor entertaining area.

They wanted the bedrooms to occupy the upper level of the house, to take advantage of the sea views, says Nelson.

"Our aim was to maximise the views from every room in the house, in order to make the best use of this harbour-front site," he says.

The owners also requested that the existing tennis courts, together with a large tree on the site, be retained. The new house was designed taking these elements into account.

Its modern interior blends contemporary living areas with well-planned indoor-outdoor flow. Floor-to-ceiling glazing is a prominent feature and free-flowing curved forms lend an organic feel to the light and spacious living areas. Rich-toned timber floors on the ground level accent the modern decor.

For details, contact Don Nelson & Associates, phone (09) 486 4698, fax (09) 489 6447, mobile (0274) 967 450. Email: dn.arch.1@xtra.co.nz. Website: donnelsonarchitecture.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas