Copper

The McCallum Residence

17 May, 2019 by

Five generations of luxury

If you would like to experience the life of the landed gentry, The McCallum Residence is the perfect place to do just that. This beautiful, grand family home was built in the 1930s and has been home to five generations of the McCallum family. It is in a very private bay on the Clevedon/Kawakawa highway just south of Auckland and sits on 4 hectares of landscaped grounds, which run all the way down to water.

Every room has a story to tell

The family worked closely with designers and tradespeople to retain as much of the spirit of the original home as possible. The restoration work has been painstaking. Nothing has been spared in an effort to recreate the ambience of a grand family home of that era. The furniture has been restored so that it is in many cases better than new. Old paintings have been lovingly brought back to life.

Even the original colour schemes have been faithfully matched.

Heaven is in the detail

Because the McCallum family were so particular in keeping to the original design of the house, they were going to install copper spouting and downpipes. But price proved to be a sticking point.
However, there was an alternative, a very good one; the Marley Stratus Design Series^®. The copper coloured Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® downpipes captured the desired look exactly. And they had the added benefit of not being affected by the salt spray the house is subjected to as it is so close to the water.

Enjoy a modern twist to yesteryear

You want the charm and magic of yesteryear, but don’t want the drafts or antiquated plumbing. That’s what the designers had to deal with here. Without an army of servants to take care of your every need some clever planning was needed to introduce modern day standards of luxury and comfort.
The large bedrooms all now have elegant ensuites, some of which provide you with spectacular views across the grounds and out to sea while luxuriating in a deep, hot bath.

It couldn’t be more accommodating

In summer, you’ll enjoy sea breezes wafting through large sash windows. In winter, you’ll be sheltered from the elements by massive concrete walls that have stood the test of time. There are nine sumptuous bedrooms, all different, all furnished with the highest quality bedding and linen, and of course with Dan the butler on call.

The perfect marriage

Restoration and renovation work is often a case of marrying the old with the new. And restoring a large manor house certainly threw up some major challenges. Yet the selection of long lasting Marley uPVC spouting and downpipes has proved to be an inspired choice.

The external brackets on the spouting perfectly match the traditional design. And the fact that it is durable and easy to clean is a huge benefit. The Typhoon^® profile is big enough to cope with sudden downpours, and Marley spouting and downpipes come with a 15-year guarantee.
All of which means, it is sure to serve the McCallum Residence for generations to come!

A huge thank you to the McCallum family (and Tofu the dog) for sharing their property with us.

Offering incredible facilities for weddings, conferences or special events, The McCallum Residence will deliver an unforgettable experience. If you would like more information about The McCallum Residence click here.

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.

Classic in Te Awamutu

12 September, 2017 by

Located 30kms south of Hamilton, Te Awamutu is often referred to as ‘The Rose Town of New Zealand’ because of its elaborate rose gardens in the centre of town.

Te Awamutu is also home to a brand new house built by Daniel Kraayvanger and the team at DK Designer Homes.

The finished home has a timeless, classic look, with shingle roof, plastered walls, deep window reveals, and copper lighting and spouting. This entertainer’s delight also features a games room and in-ground pool.

A design challenge

The biggest challenge from a design perspective was fitting a 370m² house, plus a separate 34m² games room, on an irregularly shaped, 3,200m² rural section.

The 10m setbacks on all boundaries allowed for a limited building platform.

It helped that the house was able to be positioned on site to maximise the north orientation, with outdoor living areas, the games room and the pool all located to make the most of the sun.

None to done in one

“The owner had a very clear idea of what they wanted from the outset and had done extensive research over a long period of time.” Kraayvangar says.

“It was particularly helpful for the designer and builder that they had had an extensive image library of what they were after.”

Plans were drawn up one year out, and the build was achieved from woe to go in just 6 months, transforming the empty site to a beautiful new home.

When we asked the owner if he would have done anything differently looking back on the process, he told us “No, we wouldn’t. We love it just the way it is.”

Entertainer’s delight

Clever exterior layout and design, using a covered outdoor entertaining area within view of the inviting pool, gives the owners the ultimate flexibility to make the most of their easy-care outdoor areas all year-round.

With the Waikato region offering warm, humid summers and mild winters with prevailing winds from the west and southwest, the siting of the house, planting and fencing, provide protection for the outdoor living areas in most weathers.

The 30m² covered outdoor living area, complete with outdoor gas fire, provides maximum opportunities for outdoor living in all but the most inclement weather, further enhanced by the 20m² covered barbeque area to the Games Room.

Aqua oasis

The undercover paved patio, combined with extensive north-facing tiled areas, maximise comfort no matter the weather.

All the better for enjoying the generous in-ground pool in eye-catching aqua, complemented with the large pale tiles in the same colour as the cladding.

The owner knew the type of pool and shape he wanted, and with the help of building consent drawings from a structural engineer, DK Designer Homes turned the owner’s dreams to reality.

The finishing touch of glass balustrades for the pool fence avoided visually cutting off the pool from the house, adding to the expansive resort feel.

Clean lines

CavityClad, an autoclaved aerated concrete panel cladding system, was used on the exterior, with the plastered finish painted Resene Double Thorndon Cream. Battened plywood soffits to the outdoor living areas were stained.

The roofing is CertainTeed asphalt shingles on a plywood substrate, supplied and installed by Bay Pacific Roofing of Tauranga, in colour Landmark Weathered Wood.

The clean, classic aesthetic was continued indoors, with the interior of the house painted Resene Alabaster, with wallpapered feature walls, and the walls to the interior of the Games Room painted Resene Half Truffle. The ceiling, doors, architraves and trim are Resene Alabaster.

On-trend copper

Stylish copper feature lighting adorns the exterior, with bronze water features and large pots making a design statement against the paler exterior cladding.

Marley Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® downpipes in Copper, part of Marley’s Stratus Design Series^® range, continues the on-trend copper features of the home.

“The client liked the ‘copper look’ without the cost of real copper” Kraayvangar said.

Marley copper uPVC spouting and downpipes also suited the timeless, classic style of the home.

Marley’s Typhoon spouting reduces maintenance while still getting the elegant copper look without the risk of theft of metal copper spouting.

Copper home design trends 2017

11 July, 2017 by

All that glitters is not gold. Copper became the design trend de jour in 2016. Showing no signs of slowing down in 2017, copper in and around the home has now grown up, becoming more relaxed, natural and inclusive, moving away from 2016’s statement ‘look at me’ approach.

From interior design, to architecture and home exteriors, copper is a luxe accent colour that lifts your home inside and out.

Get inspired for your new home build or renovation, or just add the finishing touches to your home’s interior, with these home design trend ideas from cosy bedrooms and inviting bathrooms, to copper accented exteriors.

Copper in the kitchen

Interior designers made the call early in 2017; this is the year of the minimal kitchen.

Trends see clutter being hidden away, push and pull cabinetry without handles, pots, pans and appliances neatly stowed out of view, hidden storage areas, and slimline benchtops.

Although white will always be popular for kitchens, 2017 sees designers and homeowners favouring softer, more muted colours like greys, greens and blues, and more natural textures and materials, such as wood and marble, moving away from glossy monochrome surfaces.

Instead of last year’s statement copper pendants and accessories boldly contrasted against stark white, copper now blends in to the kitchen, highlighting natural materials.

Like this kitchen above, with its pale wood-grain cabinetry, charcoal tile splashback and copper tapware with exposed pipes over a generous butler sink.

Copper brings a soft warmth to the kitchen compared to the industrial black metal trend, or highly reflective silver, making it easy to achieve a warm and inviting space.

Like this elegant kitchen below. A copper-lovers dream with polished copper cabinets and clever use of black negative space creating instant wow factor. The natural wood parquet floor is complemented by copper tapware and a slim, pale-grey marble benchtop and dove-grey walls.

Copper bathroom trends

With kitchens and bathrooms both being key selling points for a home, cohesion between the two is easily achieved when using copper, from tapware to handles and small accessories, to the entire bath.

2017 sees bathroom colour and material trends echoing the kitchen, turning away from stark white towards more luxurious, darker shades to create a haven – an escape from the hectic outside world.

Like this soothing bathroom below with its inviting copper bath reflecting the natural wood floors, and relaxing sage-green walls.

For budgets that don’t quite extend to the scale of a copper bath or full bathroom renovation, a change to copper tapware, basin, light fittings or accessories can instantly update your bathroom.

If you have painted bathroom walls it’s even easier to affordably embrace the latest bathroom colour trends with dark colours warmed by touches of copper. Like these two deliciously dark bathrooms, with inky wall colours paired with copper accessories, mirrors, tapware and lighting.

Bedroom trends

Bedrooms aren’t missing out on the copper design trend this year either.

Designers are seeing the same muted colour palette, from moody blues through to lighter, yet still muted pastels – washed pinks, soothing greys and nature-inspired greens. These all are perfect colours for warm copper metallic accents. Bedroom fabrics are also showing the same trends, from natural fabrics like linen to lush, textured choices like rich velvets.

Like this Norwegian inspired bedroom with linen bedding in dusky pink and dove grey, natural, pale wood floorboards, and clever copper accents in the lighting, bedside table and accessories.

Copper exterior design trends

Last on the list – but number one for that essential curb-side appeal – is copper’s popularity in home exteriors.

Copper spouting and downpipes add the finishing touch of luxe to your home.

Copper spouting blends beautifully with natural wood cladding and brick exteriors, or makes a design statement against New Zealand’s ever-popular white weatherboard Villas and Bungalows, or newer trend of grey home exteriors.

So even if you’re not building new, or doing a full renovation, it’s obvious why copper is such a popular choice when your guttering needs replacing. No need to change your home or roof colour.

Like this unique Nelson stunner by Bruce Design & Build using Marley Typhoon:

These Ellerslie apartments got the high-end finish with Marley Typhoon also:

This home by Bella Homes in Whangarei blends the classic with the modern:

Marley Typhoon spouting in copper beautifully highlights this cedar clad home in New Plymouth:

Not surprisingly, copper is one of Marley’s most popular colours in the Stratus Design Series^® range, and the perfect finishing touch to achieve that on-trend yet classic copper look that won’t date – without the cost or risk of theft that usual metal guttering has.

Get the look

Marley’s uPVC copper spouting and downpipes are available in Marley Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® 80mm round downpipe, making copper not only affordable but also extremely hard-wearing.

Since it’s the copper look you want, you can trust Marley’s uPVC copper spouting to handle NZ’s harsh sun to protect from discolouring or tarnishing with age over time. Marley’s uPVC spouting also mean coastal NZ homes can put copper spouting back on your wishlist without corrosion concerns.

Marley is available from leading plumbing and building supply merchants nationwide.

Oakura, Taranaki

24 January, 2017 by

From Taranaki to the Tasman Sea

You’d be forgiven for missing Nigel and Linda Barbour’s 2016 Taranaki Regional Supreme Renovation Award winner, down a driveway off the main road to Oakura Beach. Once you see the unobstructed views, soaring out across the Tasman Sea, this Master Builders winning house won’t be one you’ll forget.

For a decade prior, Nigel and Linda lived in the adjacent street-front house. When their friends next door decided to downsize, they took their chance to buy it.

Architect Glenn Brebner and Builder David Fabish transformed the house, reshaping a bitsy exterior and boxy interior.

Subtle rather than stand-out, the exterior combines a Sto plaster system finished in Resene Wan White, concrete block and tiles finished in Resene Double Foundry, natural Kwila rain screens and cedar clad carport. Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® 80mm round downpipe from the Marley Stratus Design Series^® finish the look. Nigel and Linda wanted copper-coloured spouting to match the wood used.

We chose Marley Typhoon^® for the durability and ability to handle heavy rain, which we sometimes get in the Naki. For ease of cleaning we went with the exterior brackets so no interior brackets get in the way

The unusual double staircases were retained. The interior was opened up with skylights added, walls removed, increased door heights and a widened hallway to funnel the eye towards that spectacular view. Yellow-white Resene Rice Cake was used to complement the warm cedar and cool grey tones inside.

To achieve a similar look, Nigel advises “Engage a good architect, designer and builder and involve them early in the process. The greatest amount of value is added at the front end.”

Ellerslie Oak Apartments, Auckland

10 December, 2015 by

Spouting: Typhoon^® half-round
Colour: Copper
Bracket Type: External
Downpipe: RP80^® 80mm Round
Location: Ellerslie Oaks, Cawley St, Ellerslie.
Products: Marley Stratus Design Series^®