Tailored to the landscape

It is one thing to design a house on paper and quite another to take those drawings and create a home. This is why it makes good sense to choose a building company with proven designs that are able to adapt to individual landscapes.

At David Reid Homes, clients can choose from 63 standard plans, all of which can be modified to suit the specific features of each location, says director Richard Freeman.

"Although we offer clients the economic advantages of bulk purchasing power, we are still able to tailor each design to its particular environment and the homeowners' specific needs."

In this Wanaka property, Mt Iron looms above the expansive one-storey home. Built on a one-acre section, its silver grey roof matches the natural features of its dramatic setting. Bare cedar timber provides visual accents that echo the Manuka trees at the back door.

From the living room and kitchen the homeowners enjoy a view of the Southern Alps. This alpine climate dictates architectural features such as expansive eaves which provide shade in summer and shelter from the rain in winter.

Three skylights ensure natural light illuminates the internal areas of the home such as the foyer and hallways. While 2.7m-high ceilings and tall internal doorways contribute to a spacious interior, the entire home is kept warm throughout the year by gas-powered central heating.

An emphasis on open country living is also a feature of the David Reid home in Kinloch, near Taupo, shown above. Its rustic appeal is enhanced by the use of local river stone for the front porch pillars. The same stone also features beneath the bay windows and at the foot of the front wall.

The traditional timber weatherboard exterior has been stained in earthy tones, to reflect the landscape.

With a gabled porch, a side gable and a loft above the three-bay garage, this 300m² home presents a wide frontage above landscaped grounds. In addition to being orientated towards the sun, the living areas open out to take advantage of the view of Lake Taupo.

Inside the living area, a granite hearth provides a cosy focal point. Double-glazing and underfloor heating ensure that warmth is spread throughout the house.

The kitchen and bathrooms feature grey granite benchtops, aluminium edgings and sand-blasted glass cupboard doors. Stainless steel appliances complete the contemporary look.

Where river stone is used to enhance the exterior of the Kinloch home, in Canterbury schist stone distinguishes the David Reid Home shown above.

This stone is used for the chimney and the stone facing beneath the tall rectangular windows. It also forms the low walls that border stone pathways at the front entrance to the home.

The enduring appeal of this locally sourced stone is visually balanced by the light-coloured Linea weatherboard. This traditional look is further enhanced by a shingle roof.

Tall bifolding windows fold back to provide cross-ventilation during the summer months, while double-glazing ensures a warm house in winter.

Although location is a primary consideration, the staff at David Reid Homes ensure homeowners have plenty of choice when creating their new home, says Freeman.

"Among the services we offer are professional in-house complimentary colour consultants and a lighting designer. This enables our clients to be informed about the latest design trends."

Standard features of most David Reid Homes include kiln-dried framing, gas fire or underfloor heating, data cabling, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and completion of driveways and fences. In addition, clients can choose options such as spa baths, home theatre cabling, a central vacuum system and landscaping.

For more information, contact David Reid Homes, national office, PO Box 20-476, 1148 Victoria St, Hamilton, phone 0800 000 007. Website: www.davidreidhomes.com.

Story by: Trendsideas