Stratus Design Series[reg]

House of the Year – Whitianga

17 May, 2019 by

When Kirstin and Matt Castle were designing their new home in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, they concentrated on what was best for themselves and their two young sons. Pleasing the judges in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition was the last thing on their mind. But please them they did! They won the gold award in the Placemakers New Home $450,000 – $550,000 category.

We were quite chuffed to win actually. It’s really nice to know that others also appreciate what we have done. And it’s a big tick for our company’s design studio – said a delighted Kirstin.

The ideal location, location, location

The Castle’s new house sits on a large, sunny, flat 4,035m site in Whitianga township. The beaches, marina, shops and restaurants are all within very easy reach. The site was completely bare when they purchased it in 2016 and HAMR homes took just six months to complete the project.

We’ve heard the horror stories of new builds. But HAMR took care of everything for us. It really was stress free and we totally enjoyed being part of the process.

Designed for easy living

This is a home that ticks all the boxes on a homeowner’s wish list. It’s got open plan living, indoor outdoor flow, a generous veranda, large decks, easy care native garden, loads of storage, bunkbeds for the holiday guest overflow, and even a games room.

As Kirstin said, We wanted this to be a home that had some of the elements of the traditional Kiwi bach and all the comforts of a modern home.

It ‘s a home you can open out in summer, or close in for winter. Clever use of Velux skylights and ventilating louvres lets you regulate the airflow, so you can avoid those sticky and hot sleepless nights in summer. In winter, the double glazing, fully insulated walls and ceilings, solar capturing concrete floors and super efficient wood burner all make for a very cosy and comfortable home.

It’s easy maintenance too. The exterior cladding is bevel-back cedar weatherboards coated with Resene Woodsman Tiri Stain. The roof is corrugated iron with Flaxpod powder coating and the Marley Stratus Design Series^® Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® downpipes are all hardwearing uPVC which won’t rust, so is perfect for the coastal location.

We got lucky with the spouting. Marley released their Stratus Design Series^® in black midway through the build so we had time to change to it. It’s the perfect match for our colour scheme.

There is no doubt that dark exteriors are very popular right now, however we love the way the Castles have gone for white (Resene Half Merino) soffit and posts to offset the moody cladding and black Marley spouting and downpipes. Looks so good!

The half round Typhoon^® spouting profile frames the house with a modern look, and the external brackets give some added detail, while also making it easier to clean the spouting out.

A new twist on the indoor/outdoor flow

Nothing quite says ‘beach house’ like an outdoor shower. It also means no more sandy togs in the bathroom, or sand on the floor. And nothing says indulgence like having a bath under the stars. The reconditioned bath is one of the most popular features of the home – it gets good use all year round from all members of the family.

Designed and made in Whitianga

The Castle home is very much a local product. Kirsten has her own architectural business, Studio 77 Ltd, which is based in Whitianga. The kitchen and bathroom cabinetry were supplied by Dimax, another local firm, and the Castles didn’t have to look very far to find their builders as HAMR Home are just down the road.

It’s great to be able to use local contractors and suppliers. You can’t beat the personal service and not one local tradie let us down. They were all great.

But wait, there’s more!

The most surprisingly thing about the Castle’s new home is the fact that it’s not really their home in the long term. It’s just stage one. In time, as the family grows a new house will be built on site and the house you see now will become the guest house/boat shed. So, watch this space for House of the Year 2020!

Natural Elements in New Plymouth

17 May, 2019 by

Paul Russell’s New Plymouth home is a modern space, one that ties in with the surrounding nature seamlessly. The single-storey home pays homage to its surroundings, using plenty of glass, greenery, natural wood and polished concrete to create a sleek and modern oasis.

Paul found the empty site in July 2015, and was attracted to the area because of its close proximity to the ocean. The build took only eight months from start to finish – and was designed, managed and built by Paul himself – an impressive feat that only adds to the essence of this family home.

Bringing the outside in

Native plants have been used to withstand the harsh winds famously known in the region and Paul has really made a feature of them. Opting for a see through glass feature above the stove and bench instead of a splashback, the view is both inspiring and relaxing. The stunning feature garden in the living and dining area is Bauhaus-esque in its design. High glass sliding doors and parallel cladding frame the tropical and native plants, cleverly allowing an influx of natural light into the space, while adding to the modern open plan feel of the home.

Earth first

Choosing supplies and materials for the build was easy for Paul, because of his love for “natural, earthy products”. The exterior is parallel cedar cladding stained in Elm which adds length and depth to the home. This is simply framed by fascia painted Resene Ebony, black window frames and an Ebony ColourSteel^® roof to really make the cladding pop. The Marley Stratus Design Series^® Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® downpipes in Copper complement the cedar, and the half round Typhoon^® profile with external brackets adds a reflective feature to the outside of the home. This creates a positive balance between earthiness and modern and “(it) gives a lot more interest to the eaves as they generally look bland.”

Another huge benefit for Paul of the Marley Stratus Design Series^® Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® downpipes was their durability against the area’s rough winds and salty sea air. Being made from uPVC means that they can withstand the elements, hold their colour for longer, and most importantly – they won’t rust. This was paramount for the new build and its future as a family home.

Clever gadgets

Paul has included some modern and useful extras such as the central vac system from Rob Rhason, central gas radiators from Paul Garner, central air conditioning from Heatcool Taranaki, plus a cosy Escea gas fire – perfect for staying warm in the winter months.

The Russell family home seamlessly balances the natural, the modern and the homely. From Paul’s loving involvement through the whole process, to the large shared spaces, we can tell that this home will have many memories made in it.

Sentinel Homes, Millwater

17 May, 2019 by

Spouting: Typhoon^® half-round
Colour: Titanium
Bracket Type: Internal
Downpipe: RP80^® 80mm Round Downpipe
Location: 2 Colonial Drive, Millwater

Beautiful in Black

17 May, 2019 by

Ben and Tess Annabell found their 2.5 acres of paradise in Taranaki back in 2008. The location was ideal; Hawera had great schools, a vibrant community, lots of nearby family and friends, excellent hunting and fishing, plus the added attraction of a beach only a salt spray away.

On site was a 1914 villa, which they would have loved to renovate but unfortunately it was well past its use by date. So, it was a case of starting from scratch.

We had a good idea of what we wanted in a home. So, we took our rough design to Location Homes in New Plymouth and they did the rest.

Made to fit right in

The choice of building materials was influenced by the surrounding buildings. Batten and board was chosen so that the house blended in with Ben’s workshop and helped connect the buildings. ColorSteel^® was used as a cladding and roofing because it’s a material that’s right at home in a rural setting yet at the same time provided a contrast to the warmth of the cedar.

The cedar cladding gives a soft, natural, earthy feel to the place which was exactly what we wanted.

Wind? What wind?

Rumour has it that it can blow a bit on the Taranaki coast, so Ben and Tess built with that in mind. The house has entertaining areas on both sides of the house, so they are protected from the most common westerly and northerly winds. Large verandas also provide protection from the sun and rain as well as substantially increasing the usable living space.

Inside the house double glazing and an extremely efficient wood burner, which heats water as well as the air, keeps the comfort levels well into the cosy range.

All black, almost

It’s pretty obvious, we’re keen on black. We looked at lots of magazines for inspiration and we were always drawn to the darker colours.

From the Ebony ColorSteel^® on the roof, to the Resene Pitch Black stain on the verandas, the black oxide on the driveway to the Black Marley Stratus Design Series^® spouting and downpipes, the colour black is very prominent. It has the visual effect of making the house sit down in the landscape. It blends in rather than shouts out.

PVC – a plumber’s pick

Ben runs Evergreen Plumbing and he’s been using Marley product for many years. He chose the Stratus Design Series^® in the Typhoon^® profile for a number of reasons. Its’ smooth profile, 15-year guarantee, UV resistance, and suitability for the collection of drinking water were all factors to consider, but the number one reason is that it’s made from tough uPVC and won’t rust with all the salt spray.

We’re only 700 metres from the surf so salt spray is a real issue. That’s why Marley PVC was the only way to go. And we love it!

The black looks really stunning with matching RP80 ^® 80mm round downpipes.

So, from both a practical and design viewpoint the Black Stratus Design Series^® was ideally suited to the location and added a very stylish finishing touch to the home.

A brilliant mix of old and new

The timber from the original villa didn’t go to waste. The kitchen and bathroom benchtops are all made from Rimu salvaged from the old home and the library shelving is using the old Matai floorboards.

The lovely native timber was just too good to use as firewood.

On trend metallic touches were used throughout the home with copper lampshades in the lounge and dining area working beautifully with the exposed brick.

Despite their clear love of black, the odd splash of colour has been used around the home, like the gorgeous Studio Edward Van Vliet wallpaper (Design number 48957) on the lounge wall, coupled with a classic camel leather couch.

Ben and Tess are suitably in love with their new home and we agree it’s truly beautiful in black!

Mixed Metals Design Trends 2018

16 May, 2019 by

Like peanut butter and jam, tables and chairs or rubber and road, some things are just meant to be together. This year, all things shiny are pairing up to create an exciting trend; mixed metals are in for 2018.

A juxtaposition of brass, copper, iron, rose gold and gold gives a modern touch to any home, and it is easy to achieve on any budget. Get inspired with the latest in design trends for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms and the exterior of your home below.

Make your kitchen shiny like new

Start with the basics. Use your everyday necessities such as your oven, fridge and dishwasher as a base to incorporate this trend into your home. Kitchen accessories can be a great place to start too, create a warm glow with copper vases and pans and gold containers and vessels, like this kitchen below.

Another striking way to incorporate the mixed metal trend is to mix up door handles, lighting and tapware. Take note from this kitchen – its gold tapware looks striking with copper handles and they’ve even added some brushed chrome handles to take the ‘mixing’ to the max.

Bold and brave in the bathroom

Add the mixed metallic trend by opting for stainless steel cabinetry, and gold lighting or mirror frame, to add a little shine to any bathroom space, large or small.

Dare to make a statement with a gold splashback, silver bath tub or metallic furniture for an eye-catching look. Take note from these luxe bathrooms.

Make your bedroom soft and warm

Accessories are the best way to mix metallic in the bedroom. It’s easy to use soft furnishings like pillows, throws and poufs to add extra shine and texture.

Teamed with a simple white palette this bedroom oozes the perfect balance of copper, silver and gold and they all work together seamlessly for the overall look.

Add some bling to your bed and decorate with affordable copper seed or fairy lights to create a dream-worthy bed like this one below.

Shine inside and out

Your spouting and downpipes are another great way to make a statement outside the home. Team aluminium joinery with copper spouting to mix it up. Marley offer the Stratus Design Series^®range in both Copper and Titanium making it easy to get shiny on the exterior of your home.

Stratus Design Series^® Copper doesn’t discolour like traditional copper and it really does stand the test of time in harsh or coastal conditions.

You can also incorporate the metallic trend outdoors with a lick of metallic materials over awnings and sills, add a little bit (or a lot!) of sheen to your cladding or roof like this stunningly modern copper sheet roof.

For anyone on a budget, this luxe trend is set to be a game changer this year!

If you are ready to give it a go for yourself, be sure to order your Stratus Design Series^® spouting and downpipes from your local plumbing and building merchant.

A Complete Transformation

16 May, 2019 by

What was once an ugly duckling of a property is now unrecognisable. Back in 2013 when Michael and Jude Anselmi discovered this sprawling rural property in Patumahoe, just South of Auckland, there was only a Skyline garage and an old hay barn with a dirt floor.

Fortunately, they could see the potential of the site and had the experience to tackle the fairly major renovation. They had over the years developed a number of houses for themselves and clients, so they possessed a keen eye for design as well as having a team of trusted tradesmen to call upon.

Firstly, the garage was converted into living accommodation, then the barn was upgraded to act as a workshop and farm shed.

Looks great from any angle

The renovation made the most of what was there to begin with. A new living area and main bedroom suite was neatly joined to an accommodation wing by a wide interior walkway and the angles of the two buildings created a sheltered, sun-drenched courtyard. Wrap-around Kwila decking also helped to make the two buildings work as one.

Interiors are a highlight

Large picture windows let the outside in. The views are stunning, yet the double glazing ensures that the temperature is moderated all year round. The high vaulted ceilings create a wonderful sense of space, yet the large wood burner keeps everything cosy no matter what’s happening outside.

The kitchen features a stunning combination of gloss black, satin white and timber. The splashback is an eye-catching yet subtle fork print in black and white. A butler’s pantry also helps to minimise the space required in the main kitchen for everyday items, which adds to the simplistic and tidy approach of the space.

The ensuite bathroom is clean and simple with white marble tiles and black accessories and tapware. The wet room style shower is very generous on space, future proofing for the potential of growing old in the amazing home – an important consideration when building. The Veil Intelligent Wall Hung Toilet by Kohler, automatically opens when you approach!

Michael and Jude have gorgeous touches of personality throughout their home. And, the small bathroom is a great example of this. The wallpaper adds a tropical and playful burst of colour to a usually bland bathroom space.

A farmyard in the backyard

This was not to be a toy farm. It had to be a working farm and pay its way, fattening and finishing cattle as well as breeding lambs. So, a lot of effort was put into improving the pasture, fencing and water reticulation on the farm before rushing in and designing the additions to the house.

Having time to live on the site and carefully consider the design of the house was a huge advantage.

Michael and Jude knew they wanted a comfortable home that had everything that they need now and into the future. A swimming pool was installed as a touch of glamour, and it works in beautifully with the rural surroundings; adding a splash of blue to the sprawling green pastures.

Has its own night life, too

Look to the North and you’ll see the city lights. Look straight up and you’ll see an amazing light show of stars, which is too good to miss out on. The outdoor shower is a bit of light-hearted luxury that also makes the most of its stunning surroundings.

It’s wonderful and private (the road is 700 metres away) yet all the big city amenities are within easy reach.

Easy maintenance was a must-have

ColorSteel^™ roofing, board and batten cladding, and Marley^® spouting are all materials that fit the low maintenance brief. And the natural colour palette; Flaxpod for the roof, San Sebastian on the cladding, and Marley Stratus Design Series^® Ironsand^® for the spouting and downpipes combine to create an elegant impression that’s perfectly apt for its rural setting.

No detail overlooked

The Amselmi’s were very mindful of the role that spouting plays in the finished look of their home. They chose Marley Stratus Design Series^® Typhoon spouting and RP80^® downpipes to crisply frame the house.

Because of the nearby trees in the central part of the home, they installed four Marley Curve^TMLeaf Diverters to keep debris out of their drinking water.

Having external brackets on the spouting also made for easy cleaning and a great aesthetic. Marley Stratus has the added advantage of being easy to customise so that even tricky joins cause no problems. The tight corner below was custom made by Marley to suit the plans.

We went for the Typhoon half round spouting profile because it can carry more water, which means we could use fewer downpipes. And that’s great from a design viewpoint.