Question of balance

For many years, country homes were defined by an architectural style that verged on the rustic a design that often referenced traditional farm buildings.

The owners of this large country house, designed through Nautica Homes by Dan O'Connor, didn't want to go down that predictable route. Tony Fraser of Nautica Homes says the owners wanted a more refined home one that would still connect with the picturesque surroundings, but with a more formal symmetry.

"The architect's floor plan maximises the sun and views, and also provides a sense of flow between the living spaces," says Fraser. "It has an open, inviting feel, but there are also separate pavilion-style spaces that can be closed off if required."

Nautica Homes built a solid masonry home that wraps around a large outdoor living area, which features a concrete pool by Ground Control International. The pool surround and patio feature concrete coloured with Peter Fell #155. Incorporating the colour in the concrete provides a permanent, low-maintenance, natural finish.

Dan O'Connor says the roof geometry plays a significant role in the design. While it rises to the centre to define the main living spaces, it ties down either side of the entry vestibule to bring an intimacy and a human scale to the entry much like houses built in the Arts & Crafts era.

Four large chimneys enhance the look of substance and strength that defines this solid masonry house. Visually, they also help to anchor it to the land, reinforcing the sense of permanence.

Key features of the interior, designed by Trinity Interior Design, include formal and informal living areas. These are separated by the kitchen, which forms the social hub of the house and opens up to the morning courtyard.

Designed by Maree Carr of The Kitchen Centre (Auckland), the kitchen has a sleek, modern look, with Kashmir White granite benchtops and lacquered cabinets. The Kitchen Centre also designed and manufactured the bathroom vanities, wet bar and games room cabinets, and the audio cabinets.

The flooring features American red oak from Just Hardwood Floors, which was enhanced by a double depth of stain to give the required warmth and hue.

Nautica Homes specialises in the design and construction of masonry villas. The firm, which has been in business for more than 25 years, mixes innovative, modern technology with traditional craftsmanship to ensure each and every home is built to the owners' precise requirements and lifestyle.

Nautica Home's successful formula has been recognised nationally with Gold Reserve awards in the Registered Master Builders' House of the Year competition.

For additional information, contact Nautica Homes, phone (09) 415 3200. Email: enquire@nautica.co.nz. Or visit the website: www.nautica.co.nz.

To contact Trinity Interior Design, phone (09) 486 0599. Or visit the website: www.trinityinteriordesign.co.nz.

To contact The Kitchen Centre (Auckland), phone (09) 837 0201. Email: info@thekitchencentre.co.nz.

To contact Just Hardwood Floors, phone (09) 272 2890. Or visit the website: www.jhf.co.nz.

Contact Ground Control International, phone (09) 416 8007, mob 0274 744 835. Email: philbrent@xtra.co.nz.

To contact Peter Fell Ltd, visit the showroom at 81 Patiki Rd, Rosebank, Auckland, phone 0800 4 A Colour (422 6568). Website: www.peterfell.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas