On permanent vacation

An idyllic resort holiday is a sure way to shake off the winter blues. But it can have another beneficial spin-off it can open your eyes to a better, more relaxed way of living.

For an increasing number of people, it's a lifestyle they wish to replicate back home. And, as this project shows, with the right design it's possible to recapture all the magic of a resort holiday.

The house, designed by Mark Wilson of Masonry Design Solutions (MDS), presents pavilion-style architecture reminiscent of a boutique tropical resort hotel. The evocative imagery starts with the entry, which was designed to create a sense of arrival. Large stepping stones cross a reflection pool that is flanked by gas flares.

"The large portico, cedar soffits and symmetrical blade walls enhance the tropical look, but they also bring a touch of grandeur to the entry," says Wilson. "They help to set up the same feeling of anticipation that you get when you first enter a resort hotel. The lobby of the house reinforces this, with its intricately detailed sandstone wall and timber inserts on the tiled floor."

Resort architecture also inspired the 40° pitch of the shingled roof, and the design of the three linked pavilions that make up the solid masonry house.

And the influence is evident in the relaxed layout and spacious circulation areas. Both the formal and informal living areas open to a landscaped poolside outdoor living area, complete with a tropical-style lanai and Real Fires gas fireplace.

"Resort living is all about a seamless transition between inside and out," says Wilson. "With the large sliding glass doors fully opened, the entire house flows from one area to the next. Even on cooler days, the lanai can be used, because of its sheltered position and the gas fireplace."

Wilson says the landscaping, by Shafer Design, is another crucial element, and an integral part of the house. Plants and hard landscaping features were chosen to fit with the theme and the local conditions.

"We specified Peter Fell Coloured Concrete for many of the outdoor living areas and the pool surround," Wilson says. "This was laid to resemble elongated flagstones, so the size and scale balances the strong architectural features."

Colour No 155, a subtle grey-brown shade, was chosen for the Peter Fell Coloured Concrete. Because the colour is an integral part of the concrete, it won't chip or wear away.

"Durability is always a key factor in our choice of materials, and it was one of the reasons we chose this concrete system," says Wilson.

The attention to detail that typifies all MDS projects can also be seen on the interior. Much of the furniture and many of the decorative features, including the dramatic sandstone wall, were sourced by the company internationally. Wilson says MDS sources many such items for clients on a regular basis.

The kitchen, built by Fyfe Kitchens, pairs dark-stained American white oak with CaesarStone Osprey benchtops.

"American white oak features on the flooring in the kitchen and family living room as well. This wood has a very distinctive grain that works with the resort-style character of the house," says Wilson.

The colour palette throughout the house reinforces the sense of retreat. Walls in the living areas are painted in Resene Akaroa and Resene Triple Akaroa from The Range Whites & Neutrals fandeck.

The master suite is painted in Resene Windblown Green from the Karen Walker range. Compiled by one of New Zealand's leading fashion designers, this palette offers a collection of subtle hues that reflect the latest colour trends. Other bedrooms are painted in Resene Secret Garden from The Range fandeck, and Resene Dark Rum from the Multi-Finish collection.

Wilson says he specified Resene Zylone Sheen VOC-free paint to ensure a professional, smooth finish to all surfaces. This Environmental Choice-approved paint is a low-sheen acrylic well suited to interior broadwall areas.

Story by: Trendsideas