Detail by design
Designed to impress and built to last, Feutz & Goldsmith Builders have executed an exceptional architectural home that punches well above its weight.
When the tenants of the tiny white weatherboard bungalow in the neighbouring front section decided to move on, Tony and Julie Trengrove jumped at the chance to build an investment property that would complement their own proposed rebuild behind it.
Engaging CoLab Architecture to design a spec home like no other, and enlisting the construction nous of Feutz & Goldsmith Builders, the couple were in capable hands. Fortunate to have found the ‘dream design/build team’, Tony says all involved were of the same ilk – die-hard perfectionists, through and through.
The couple entrusted the project to CoLab’s architectural designer, Tobin Smith, who was given carte blanche to achieve the full impact of his architectural vision.
United by their unwavering passion for exquisite detail and exacting standards, Tobin worked in close collaboration with Feutz & Goldsmith’s project manager Jeremy Webb and site foreman Steve Carey to achieve a stunning contemporary home.
Fully engaged every step of the way, Tony says he would often call into the CoLab studio where he was always greeted with enthusiasm; no question he asked was ever deemed silly or inconsequential, he says. Jeremy was equally approachable, keeping Tony in the loop at every turn, and calling on his input throughout the construction phase.
Working in accordance with the architectural design crafted by CoLab Architecture, Tobin says Feutz & Goldsmith Builders were ‘a dream to work with’, given their shared appreciation for the finer details, their consummate professionalism and impeccable processes.
Skilful manoeuvring and some creative solutions were called for in order to meet new council regulations around subdivisions in the area. The proposed design had a larger footprint than the previous dwelling on the site, prior to subdividing, which, as Tobin says, provided its fair share of ‘hair-pulling moments’. However, he says, the effort made to challenge the process with the council was well worth the outcome.
‘The scale of the house and quality of the outdoor spaces surrounding it is incredibly successful, and illustrates how any negative effects of a small site can be mitigated through considered design.’
Using ‘honest materials’, Tobin says the vertical shiplap Western Red Cedar with milk-wash stain finish was chosen to weather and age with the changing of the seasons. Balancing the Cedar, and used for the surrounding garden walls, Rockcote Integra from Resene Construction Systems was expertly hand-applied by the team at Plaster Works.
The high performing concrete plaster facade is a lightweight, durable cladding solution that is also low maintenance. Providing the home with a weather-tight envelope, it also offers remarkable acoustic benefits.
Well versed in meeting the exacting demands of high-end architectural builds, John says it’s always rewarding to see a quality architecturally designed home come to fruition.
To match the sleek ebony roof tray, matte black aluminium window and door frames from the Fairview Architectural range were supplied and installed by Fairview Concepts. Creating a striking counterbalance to the pale cedar cladding, the black detailing in the window frames is further accentuated by the deep recess of the windows at each of the main gable ends. And this play on light and shadow gives the form a commanding street presence.
The architectural design that specified massive 2.7 x 2.3 metre door panels required a clever solution – and this was carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Fairview Director Daryl Gommans explains that each unit was fitted with a plasterboard adaptor in order to achieve a seamless finish.
The monochrome palette on the exterior is mirrored indoors with the use of blonde French oak flooring, which has been matched with oak joinery in the kitchen and open-plan living area, with black accents seen in the staircase’s steel balustrade, in the polished engineered stone benchtops and in the linear black pendant suspended above the kitchen island.
Comber and Comber joined forces with CoLab on this project to launch their new home-staging service: Stage-It: Architectural Series. Providing the ‘complete package’ for homeowners, architects, and builders seeking to present their properties in the best possible light for optimal returns, Comber and Comber’s principal interior designer Paula Comber says this new service caters specifically for architectural homes.
As high-end architectural homes demand extra special treatment, the quality of furniture and styling props are carefully selected to reflect the home’s exceptional design and attention to detail, Paula explains.
Working in closely with Tobin and the homeowners, Paula says the carefully curated pieces allow the architecture to take centre stage. All in all, the home delivers the ultimate statement in contemporary luxury and is guaranteed to attract potential buyers.
To that end, timeless, yet iconic pieces, inspired by furniture design heavyweights like Ray and Charles Eames, Tom Dixon and Isamu Noguchi, have been selected in combination with sumptuous reindeer hides and Tibetan lamb skins, with luxury scented candles, premium bed linen and lush greenery creating that lived-in vibe.
As Tobin concludes, working with ‘good people’ – from the client, to the building team and craftspeople – makes for a thoroughly enjoyable journey, and this one has arrived at an utterly satisfying destination.
Pouring their heart and soul into this investment property project, Tony says they ‘pulled out all the stops’ to create a truly exceptional home that rivals all others on the market. And the reaction they’ve received from friends and family – especially the discerning design buffs amongst them – confirms that they have achieved what they set out to do: create a stunning contemporary home that simply takes your breath away.
Words: Majka Kaiser Photography: Mick Stephenson
