Country Style. Getting It Right.

Kim Bouman was approached by clients to design a home with an
indoor-outdoor focus to accommodate their active lifestyle plus the extended family and guests.
The result is superb.

Architectural Designer Kim Bouman has over the past seventeen years built a solid reputation in the South Auckland area with her firm Franklin Architectural Design Services Ltd. The majority of her clients contact her via referrals which is testimony to the design service she provides.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood approached Kim to design their new home in Ramarama because they had been through a home she had designed which was similar to their brief and met the criteria they were determined to achieve.

The location has a superb rural aspect overlooking a small lake and wooded area on the family farmstead. Well situated for the sun the design incorporates various outdoor living areas opening from most rooms in the home, with the lake linking all these areas via the expansive lawns.
A sweeping drive leads to the porte cochere, then flowing through the double entry doors guests encounter a distinctive curved stairway linking the upper level with a bridge that has views out to the farm and ranges beyond.

This home has a relaxed air about it, sitting comfortably in its surroundings the Corona Shake roof enables the complex roof shapes to wind together with the textured surface complimenting schist exterior walls and cedar weatherboards, sunlight striking the walls and roof throughout the day create shadow plays along the faces of the building, with skylights and the cedar solarium windows repeating this effect inside the dwelling.

Five bedroom suites, an office, formal living areas and large family areas plus the triple garage form the basis of the layout with bedrooms scattered to provide privacy for both occupants and guests. An unusual feature is the roof glazing on the eastern face that folds down into the private decks allowing light into the living areas below as well as views from inside the bedrooms on the upper level.


The gazebo is positioned to capture late afternoon sun and shelter on windy days with a deeply recessed outdoor dining area opening off the family area allows entertaining in any weather.

I believe the texture and style of corona shake provided all the attributes required and my clients readily agreed, Kim says,” the combination of schist, Corona Shake and cedar achieves a timeless ambience to this country home and its outstanding setting.”