Stepping out in style contemporary duplex by architectural designer Allan Huntington

Location may be everything when it comes to great views and proximity to amenities, but even a corner site can make a difference when planning for functionality.

This three-level duplex, developed by Tawera Group and designed by Allan Huntington with interiors by Josephine Love, is in a prime position, on a sloping corner site. Huntington was able to set garaging access at the lower level on the side street, with the front entrance on the mid level of the stepped-back residences.

The convenience of dual entries was a plus for these large apartments, and is just one way the duplex responds to its setting, says Huntington.

"However, a more obvious connection is the orientation to the lake views. The front of the building, facing the hill and street, is finished in schist embedded in lime mortar and metal panels the opaque materials help ground the structure and bring privacy on this side. On the side facing the lake, the building opens up to the spectacular views with large glazed walls."

Huntington selected the material palette of metal, glass, stone and concrete as a response to the rugged setting and, in terms of the stonework, the immediate environment.

This traditional treatment of the schist half mortar, half stone was used on another house nearby, so its use here brought a sense of cohesion.

"The design of the duplex is also influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright," says Huntington. "It has a similar strong, solid massing, use of natural materials and features generous overhanging eves. While the lake side of the development is often in shade, the street side has a sheltered, sunny courtyard."

Besides responding to the sun, view and neighbours, the units have versatile interiors, offering the owners maximum flexibility. Expansive open-plan living spaces are on the mid level, with two large bedroom suites on the floor above. Additional bedrooms are set at ground level.

"The bedroom areas are split between the lower and top level to allow for flexibility of occupier configuration and a sense of separation for guests," Huntington says.

The unit's interior colours and finishes were all chosen by Josephine Design. The main goal was again to let the scenery take centre stage.

The look was to be simple, inviting and comfortable. Dark colours give an enclosed, warm feel and contrast with the light, bright outlook. A massive fireplace surround provides a feature in the living area. Finished in the same metal as the exterior panels, the floor-to-ceiling fireplace has visible rivets and fixings to bring a light rustic touch to the mainly clean-lined interiors."

On the opposite side of the room, the kitchen's dark wall cabinetry creates a balancing element. As the hub of the home, the kitchen is positioned centrally between the sheltered front courtyard, expansive rear decking, dining area and main living space. The long island forms the outer edge of the kitchen and, together with the change in floor material, helps demarcate the central passage from front entry to the decking at the rear.

Upstairs, the subtle decor also defers to the scenery. While dark carpet is repeated in the bedrooms, the bathrooms offer a cooler, more refined appeal, with marble floors and walls, and glass shower stalls.

Story by: Charles Moxham