Natural selection picturesque clifftop show home by David Reid Homes

Most modern architecture is all about ensuring a design works with its setting. In a city this might mean taking the local architectural vernacular into account, while the design of a country home is more likely to reflect the natural landscape.

This new family home in Upper Hutt, designed and built by David Reid Homes Wellington Region, takes its cue from the picturesque clifftop site, which overlooks the Hutt River, a golf course and the bush-clad ranges.

Tim Sunderland, managing director of David Reid Homes Wellington, says the house is essentially a composition of cube-like volumes clad in vertical cedar boards over Rigid Air Barrier (RAB) board, which will be left to weather naturally. The other walls feature plaster on Ezi panel aerated concrete painted in earth tones.

"Both cladding systems provide a secure, watertight home, which provides the peace of mind all homeowners are looking for today."

Sunderland says the house was also designed to allow a degree of separation between the parents and children.

"The owners wanted a very flexible layout. They needed to be able to open the interior right up or close off the different living areas. The formal living area and dining room can be closed off from the informal living-kitchen area, effectively creating separate spaces for the adults and children."

David Reid Homes also created a sanctuary for the parents on the upper level. This floor is dedicated to the master suite, and includes a separate sitting room as well as the bedroom and ensuite. The sitting room opens to a private balcony, which reinforces the sense of retreat.

"All the living areas also open up to the outdoors and a terrace," says Sunderland. "As well, we have ensured the design maximises the warmth from the sun in winter the house is insulated to a high level. There is also gas-fired, hydronic in-slab underfloor heating, and a gas fire in the formal living room."

In addition to designing and building the house, David Reid Homes managed the project from start to finish.

Over the past five years, David Reid Homes has won numerous industry awards for its projects, which range from the highly contemporary to designs with a more classical influence. Three homes have gained national title status.

The house is temporarily open as a show home, at 87 Mt Marua Way, Upper Hutt.

Contact David Reid Homes Wellington Region, phone (04) 904 5959. Or visit the website: www.davidreidhomes.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas