Embracing serenity
With retirement beckoning for its owners, this home was skilfully designed by Redbox Architects to maximise simple living and panoramic views.
WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Virginia Woolf
After spending 50-odd years living and working on the flat of Richmond township, Te Tau Ihu Nelson-Marlborough region, this soon-to- be-retired couple dreamed of owning a home with a view of the sea and the mountains. Having previously built, they were familiar with the process, so they set about looking for sections on the Richmond Hills. They secured their favourite site, only five minutes from town, and approached Brad Beazley from Redbox Architects to get the ball rolling.
“The design approach was to create a single-level dwelling spanning the top of the 780sqm site, allowing the clients to capture the full panoramic views without being impacted by the neighbour in front,” outlines Brad.
But, of course, finding a way to create a retirement home on a steep slope was somewhat of a big ask. Three main factors needed to be carefully considered. “Being a steep site, the ground conditions, the design of the retaining walls and the accessibility for the clients were all key constraints,” says Brad. “On top of that, we had covenants defining the maximum height of the home, and we were also building during the Covid-19 pandemic, where material shortages and inflationary costs all needed to be managed.”
The finished design indeed prioritises simplicity and ensures that the home is a seamless extension of its surroundings. When Brad presented the concept plan to the homeowners, they were immediately on board.
“We couldn’t find fault with it,” says the homeowner. “Brad’s got that flair to envision what can work. He even considered the well-established tōtara tree in the planning – everything was thought through.”
The centre of the design focuses on a living space that extends across the length of the house, allowing the homeowners to move around to suit the sun, season and time of day.
The main bedroom and entry wrap along the west frontage above a street-level garage, creating a privacy screen to the street and neighbours across the road.
The ply and batten cladding of the bedroom wing is extended as a screen to a small entry garden. “This was a way of allowing the house to settle into the hillside while creating a softened transition zone between the motor court and entry,” says Brad. “The Abodo Vulcan timber at the entry and around the deck was a great way to provide a soft, biophilic cladding to evoke the relaxing atmosphere of the home.”
These high-class thermally broken windows and doors were supplied by Insite Nelson and are perfectly suited to this climate. Insite produces a range of aluminium joinery in more than 20 colours, ideal for architectural builds such as this.
The guest wing is located behind the living and kitchen area. It is designed in such a way as to allow the space to be closed off during general use of the home, while also providing a private space for guests with views over the terraced gardens to the east.
And outside, the gardens wrap around the house in a series of terraces, while a concealed courtyard behind the dining area becomes a retreat during high winds and gives the homeowners a reprieve from the open side of the house.
“When considering what products and materials we would use to build this design, durability, budget and ease of maintenance were front of mind,” says Brad. “We were very conscious of the clients’ plans to retire into this home. Hence the use of Colorsteel wraps, Abodo Vulcan timber and concrete blocks – all relatively low-maintenance.”
Brian Mazure, of the construction company IMB Construction, who worked with the homeowners, concurred with the choice of materials.
“The timber frames with a timber cladding system and a little Colorsteel means the clients have little maintenance in the future,” says Brian.
He and his foreman, Des Ching, thoroughly enjoyed working with the homeowners and delighted in their quick decision-making when required. “The secret to building to a budget is to keep it simple, order materials early and leave the manpower at the right amount to complete the job in a timely manner,” says Brian. “When a house is completed with a team of people that enjoy the process, it seems to stay with the house after it is completed.”
The homeowners agree, saying the end result was exactly what they had dreamed of, and is precisely how the architect imagined it. “Brad and Brian were great to work with. They both incorporated our ideas and really listened to our suggestions.”
When it comes to naming their favourite aspects of the home, the homeowners say, “We love the openness of the home, with views from every room. We like the use of cavity sliders throughout the home, and the library wall almost feels like another room – it’s a great space to just blob out in.”
Perhaps the only high-end luxury item was the installation of an internal elevator. “We have a niece and several friends who have to use wheelchairs, so it made sense to be able to accommodate them and also future- proof our new home with a lift,” says the homeowner. The lift also acts as a great transition between storeys: “The vehicle-focused lower level and the human-centred upper level,” says Brad.
While this couple’s retirement is just beginning, they can relax knowing their new home seamlessly merges modern design with the tranquillity of its surroundings. It’s a peaceful retreat to rest awhile and enjoy the golden years.
As Brad says, “We are forever conscious that everything we design and consult on is in our backyard and can have a lasting impact on our clients, the site, the neighbours and the wider community. This is a project that isn’t over the top, but instead a down-to-earth, simple design that is respectful of its site, neighbours and inhabitants.”
In-depth design
An elegant kitchen by the team of interior and kitchen designers at The Sellers Room, Nelson, creates a wholesome and hearty centre to this home. The Sellers Room takes pride in kitchen design that is functional and inviting, and there is a focus on product durability, innovation and longevity.
Involved in this project
ARCHITECT
Redbox Architects
027 348 8596
redboxarchitects.co.nz
BUILDER
IMB Construction
03 546 8161
imb.nz
WINDOWS & DOORS
Insite
03 547 0562
insitenelson.co.nz
ELECTRICAL
Laser Electrical
027 490 1254
laserelectrical.co.nz
PLUMBING SUPPLIES
Oakleys Plumbing Nelson
03 544 9392
oakleysplumbing.co.nz
KITCHEN REMODELER
The Sellers Room
03 547 7144
thesellersroom.co.nz
