Back to basics
Built by McKenzie Builders, this family home walks the line between rustic romance and modern industrial.
Built by McKenzie Builders, this family home walks the line between rustic romance and modern industrial.
With travel and work commitments encroaching on precious family time, Kylie and Greg McKay decided to trade their labour-intensive lifestyle block in North Canterbury for the simple life in Pegasus.
Determined to free up the time previously devoted to looking after animals, the pair still sought the tranquillity and open spaces they’d become accustomed to. And, with good friends singing the praises of life in Pegasus, they were sold on the idea.
With views out to majestic Mt Grey and over the lake, where they can enjoy paddle boarding, and with the beach and biking tracks all within easy walking distance, the location was ideal for their family of five.
Having decided on a location, the McKays quickly set about enlisting a builder. This being their first building project, they’d be forgiven for feeling apprehensive. Yet, in the capable hands of McKenzie Builders, their confidence soared.
With almost 20 years’ experience in the building industry, McKenzie Builders’ Managing Director Louie McKenzie was onsite daily to oversee the construction process and act as a liaison between the crew of subcontractors and his clients.
Louie’s relaxed, yet professional approach suited the couple’s personalities down to the ground. And, while other builders may have deemed their demands ‘impossible’, Louie happily accommodated all their requests and saw that these were executed to the highest standards.
‘Louie has exceptional problem solving abilities. Nothing ever seemed to be a problem and we were able to tweak our design ideas as we went to ensure functionality as well as aesthetic beauty’, Kylie shares.
Being the pair’s first ever new build, Kylie says they were keen to tick everything off their wish list. High on the agenda was a swimming pool for their three young children. This would act as a pivot point around which the building would form a U shape.
The site’s unique shape presented the first challenge for Louie. As space to manoeuvre was limited, the pool had to be completed before the construction of the house could commence.
Working closely with McKenzie Builders to excavate the site and form the hardfill for the foundations, Thornz Landscapes also provided hardscaping and planting. Continuing the strong black theme indoors and out, and providing parking for the boat, the driveway was finished with a hardwearing driveway mix of asphalt. To soften the hardscaping, low maintenance plants were selected for their ‘formal, yet natural feel’.
Relishing the opportunity to work on architecturally designed homes such as this, Advanced Exterior Plastering achieved outstanding results with a StoArmat Render System. StoColor Lotusan Exterior Paint gives the home’s façade an immaculate finish. Ensuring the rendered surfaces remain pristine for longer, this cutting edge paint technology applies the same scientific principles as a Lotus leaf, repelling both dirt and water.
Through the weathered corten steel front door, polished concrete floors pave the way for the industrial vibe that characterises the ground floor. Creating a seamless continuity throughout, while offering great thermal properties, the concrete floors were poured and placed by NS Reid Concrete, along with all outdoor paths and patios.
Sealed for optimal practicality in high traffic areas, the industrial warehouse effect was created using finishing additives and four machines. Given that polished concrete floors are their specialty, NS Reid Concrete produced exceptional results – for which they are renowned.
Creating a show-stopping focal point in the foyer, a hanging staircase sports pitted and pock-marked timber slabs from an old railway bridge in Rakaia. This beautifully aged and naturally weathered timber was also used to create the two impressive sliding barn-style doors off the foyer – both engineered by Christchurch Wrought Iron & Metalwork.
Having not produced a hanging staircase before, this provided the team with an exciting challenge. And, to match the rust-look corten steel front door, they aged the staircase steel pipes by leaving them out in the elements for three to four weeks.
Upstairs serves as a retreat for the adults, comprising the couple’s spacious master bedroom, walk-in dressing room and luxurious bathroom. Downstairs, a separate wing for the children’s bedrooms also houses a separate laundry, bathroom and home office, while the other downstairs wing is dedicated to living, dining and entertaining.
To ensure the precise alignment of the large format Casserto tiles, meticulous attention was paid to the layout and installation. Supplying and installing all tiles indoors and out, Exquisite Tiles achieved a quality finish.
By selecting the same tile in different shades for the downstairs bathroom, kitchen and laundry, they created a cohesive feel throughout. Meanwhile gunmetal porcelain tiles were used outside to delineate the area around the swimming pool and complement the timber decking.
Raylight Aluminium supplied and installed Nulook AllSeasons thermally broken aluminium windows and doors. Reducing thermal transference of hot and cold, the suite provides greater economy in terms of energy output to heat and cool the home.
Enhancing the home’s sleek, modern look, matt black frames with grey-tinted Low-E double-glazing were selected. By recessing the stacker sliding doors, which lead from the foyer and living areas out to the swimming pool, Raylight Aluminium achieved a seamless threshold between inside and out.
Selected for their premium quality, performance and simplicity of form, all lighting and electrical products and materials were supplied and installed by Regenerate. To match the moody interiors, it was important to Kylie and Greg that all fixtures and fittings were black. Because black fixtures and fittings are surprisingly difficult to find ready-made, powdercoating was required to achieve the desired look.
Finding a way of installing the tread lights into the swinging stairway and hiding unsightly wires required a team effort between the electrician and the building team.
Without a doubt, the kids’ favourite place to hang out and entertain their friends is in and around the swimming pool. Providing uninterrupted views around pools, stairs, balconies and showers, while creating the illusion of more space in confined areas, frameless glass fencing is suitable for any architectural style.
Glassforce products and their professional installation service ensure enduring quality, strength and protection. To meet current compliance safety standards, self-closing gates were installed in conjunction with the Glassforce 175 Pool Fencing System.
And, during the hottest summer on record since 1909, the McKays were perfectly positioned to maximise fun in the sun while finding respite from the heat between the swimming pool and the lake beyond.
Striking the balance between rural tranquillity and modern simplicity, family life and fun with friends, this home fulfills all their wishes.
