Scene stealer

Positioned to savour the stunning views from its prime Redcliffs site, the real showstopper is this exceptional home, superbly executed by John Ross Architectural Builders.

words Anna Scaife photography Sarah Rowlands

John Ross Architectural Builders have made it their business to seek out the winners amongst the remaining hill sites, and this Redcliffs beauty sits proudly on one of the best. Enjoying an expansive view of the estuary and across the city lights to the Southern Alps, it also ticks the ‘flat section’ box – the holy grail of hillside living.

Proud owners Sarah and Paul lived in Fendalton for many years having renovated and built homes in the area. Their decision to move up the hill was inspired by the appeal of this Redcliffs section and the unique design of the house, which was already under construction when they made the leap and purchased.

John of John Ross Architectural Builders created the concept plans for the angular, wedge-shaped home, which was then designed by Invercargill-based M.A.S Architecture to maximise and create a usable, sheltered outdoor area. John says, “The house is designed to get the best out of the section. When the house sold, we were selling the vision of the finished home.” Paul and Sarah loved the design and bought the house at the foundation stages. Coming in early in the project meant there was flexibility for the couple to make changes to suit their lifestyle and John says, “The elements that Sarah and Paul added have made the house what it is today.”

John Ross’s established design and build company specialises in 100 per cent hill projects, making them the experts to call when it comes to sourcing the perfect piece of land to build a dream home. This experience working on the hill has proved invaluable for clients when working out what is achievable and what will be affordable. John says, “Great design doesn’t have to cost more. It’s possible to build an amazing, timeless home within a set budget with careful planning.”

Aspect The house has been designed to face the views, ensuring a captivating outlook from every room.

The Redcliffs home is an excellent example of thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. John Ross and team painstakingly extracted the the multi-toned Redcliffs stone to be used in the striking feature walls on the exterior and inside the entranceway of the house.

Spread over two floors, the upper-level layout comprises a dramatic double-height entranceway, with an exquisite oak screen, leading up to the open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The split-level configuration allows for a separate media room which Sarah says is a brilliant space to curl up in and watch a movie.

The integrated audiovisual set up for this media space and throughout the home was designed and installed by Le Comte Electrical, whose work features in all of John Ross’s projects. Le Comte Electrical offer a full design and install service for lighting, security, media and household wiring and the team completed a full wiring install for Paul and Sarah’s home. Damien Le Comte says, “We can design the electrical plans for our clients from scratch. This superior service is what sets us apart from other electrical contractors.”

Damien and his team worked very closely with Sarah to make sure they met every need and the design elements were just right. Selected for their sleek architectural styling, the switch plates throughout the home are Clipsal Saturn Zen. For this project, there was an existing lighting plan. Still, Damien recommended some special finishing touches with the addition of LED strip lighting to illuminate shelving in the impressive walk-in wardrobe.

Kitchen The dining table is integrated into the kitchen island for a modern, practical look to this relaxed and stylish space.

The walk-in is a standout feature of the generous master suite on the ground floor, along with the ensuite bathroom which boasts a freestanding bath plus a shower with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the garden. Three further bedrooms, a spacious laundry and the main bathroom, make up the remainder of this level, positioned so that each bedroom faces the view. All of the interior layout and design are the results of the successful collaboration of the homeowners with Detail by Davinia Sutton. Sarah says, “It’s very satisfying, taking a unique home like this and making it your own.”

With the completion of this and many other successful projects, John Ross Architectural Builders are establishing themselves as ‘the people to call’ when it comes to building on the hill. John stresses that people should not fear hill sections, saying, “It’s all in the design; it doesn’t have to be scary.”

Master ensuite The expansive private bathroom features a freestanding bath, double vanity and stunning tiled shower with floor-to-ceiling window to enjoy the view.

Of the finished product John Ross says, “I wanted the driveway and the entry to be special, and every time I come up here I think, ‘that worked out really well’. We are so proud of what we were able to achieve for Paul and Sarah with this home, and it was a real team effort.”

Looking back on the project and working with the experienced teams, Sarah says, “It was a challenging project, and it took a fantastic team effort to deliver this home.”

INTERIOR DÉCOR Sarah and Paul collaborated with an interior designer to choose the soft furnishings; the finishing touches to an elegant and cohesive interior.

For people who previously enjoyed life on flat ground, the couple is delighted with how the big move has worked out. Sarah says, “I feel like I am on holiday. We love the location, sea views and the boats, and of course, the city lights too. It gives Paul and I great pleasure to live in a house like this, with such unique architectural styling.”

027 312 2932 | johnross.nz

Outdoor living The outdoor entertaining area, including timber deck and fireplace with stone surround, is protected from the prevailing winds by the house, making it a fabulously usable space to enjoy the outdoors.