In 2016 John and Suzanne Callesen bought a Kinloch section with extensive views across Lake Taupo, surrounded by bush on both sides.
A stunning location to build a holiday home for themselves and their three children.
Following an 11-month build with Monteith Central Construction Ltd, they were finished in time for Christmas 2019. They’re in love with the result – a home with an understated modern style which sits comfortably in the landscape. A black beauty on the hill.
On arrival the glass front door delivers a pop of colour (Ontario Sunset), matching their vintage Corvette (Ontario Orange) in the driveway. Gorgeous sunsets are one thing they love about their location.
Innovative use of materials
Bondor/Metalcraft insulation panels have been used inside and out. They consist of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with a metal skin stretched to cover. Being prefabricated, they are economical in terms of cost and time. The finish is also durable and low maintenance.
We didn’t know that houses were being built from it but saw another house and fell in love with it.
Typically used for large storage warehouses where insulation is critical – they minimise both heat loss and heat gain. For living this means it’s easier to keep a consistent temperature inside, cool in summer and cosy in winter.
Cosy it sure is!
Inside there is a warmth of lighting and form. Tom Rossau lighting (floor lamps and pendants) were specially brought in from Denmark by the owners. These helped to inspire architect Malcolm Taylor’s choices for the interior design. The handmade sculptural geometric shapes transform when illuminated.
The natural birch veneer of the lighting is reflected by the colour of the plywood walls (Classique Birch Ply) adding to the warm glow. Their light also highlights another intriguing feature – custom acoustic hanging ceiling panels. They’ve been placed where needed to absorb noise: kitchen, living, dining, lounge and media room.
With the hard surfaces, we need these to absorb sound and they work!
Overall, the materials used are modern and inviting with a slight bach-like feel. Certainly, when you come to the bunk room, which has three sets of bunks sleeping six. Plenty of room for holiday guest overflow!
There are plenty of small spaces to escape to that could also be transformed when entertaining a group. It’s full of style but also comfortable and functional. One well-used feature they love is the Insinkerator hot tap. Instant near-boiling water without the noise of a kettle. Simple, but a game-changer for making tea!
The kitchen/dining/living area opens wide out to a concrete deck – with BBQ, fireplace and pizza oven. Perfect for entertaining, outdoor sunset dining and that view!
Designed for the elements
The large half-round profile of Marley Magnum® spouting adds to the industrial look of the house. It’s also a smart choice for the local weather. Its flow capacity is more than enough to cope with any storm.
We get heavy downpours in Taupo and also, due to the style of the house, we needed a bigger spouting than traditionally used.
Although typically used for commercial projects, Magnum works equally well on residential builds, and its sturdy external brackets make it popular from a functional styling point of view.
The landscaping, designed by Jonathan Harrison, was also carefully chosen with the climate in mind. Hardy plants to cope with the elements.
We have a colourful bank above a rock wall, planted for the climate – frost, wind and sun. Diagonally planted with leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’, purple flax, astelia, euphorbia.
A getaway to enjoy
In hindsight, John and Suzanne wouldn’t have done anything differently. The result is a gorgeous getaway. It is creative in its use of materials yet humble to its location and has all the comforts they could want!
No queues for the bathroom! The kid’s bathroom is built in three parts: the vanity in one room, toilet in the next and bath/shower in another. The vanity has three sets of drawers — one for each daughter.
