Setting The Style
This magnificent home, the William’s residence, is set in the rural area of Clevedon, South Auckland,
and has a distinct Canadian /alpine flavour which is no surprise given that Kerry is of Canadian decent and both Kerry and John spent 3 years living in Canada before returning to New Zealand to settle.
The design process was certainly not an instant one as John recalls the family spent many years and lived in many locations prior to briefing Architectural designer, Kim Veltman. The different environments
they experienced were beneficial as they were able to determine which aspects of each they enjoyed and would include in their future home and which they would discard.
The location of the home was of paramount importance and the site was purchased some 4 years before the home was built. The site, a 5 acre block, slopes to the northeast and overlooks the flood plain in the area which at times is completely underwater when the Wairoa River overflows. In some respects this was seen as a blessing in disguise for the William’s as the entire valley plain is a “no Building Zone” which effectively protects the rural outlook across the valley to the Otua Hills beyond.
Kerry and John initially built a barn style house that was home during the 4 year design and build process. There are many potential building sites on the land above the flood plain and considerable time was taken to watch and observe the seasonal effects on various locations before settling on the exact location for the home. The building site is well off the road and nestled into the side of the hill. This location takes full advantage of both the sun and the view and affords some protection from the prevailing westerly winds. Now, several years after the landscaped gardens, that were strategically planted, provide further wind protection and a rustic charm.
Together Kerry and John agreed from the outset that their home would reflect Kerry’s Canadian origin and it would become the family home of their dreams to raise their three young sons. With many photos and sketch plans they briefed and worked with Architectural designer Kim Veltman who was able to enhance many aspects of the final ideas the William’s had.
Generally the brief required the usual options with the kitchen that forms part of the family room being the central hub of the home. Both look out over the valley from a huge single glazed window and ranch sliders that open to a deck and pool. The deck is partially covered to enhance the indoor/outdoor living… a place to relax and entertain.
Off the family room is the office that provides John with a good working area as he spends considerable time working from home where he can remain in constant contact with the various office’s around the country.
Adjoining the family room is a formal dining area which also looks out over the countryside and deck / pool area. A feature of the dinning area is the natural sarked roof and beams that follow the high-pitched contour of the roof above. The natural timber gives a warmth and ambience to this area. From either the front entrance or the dinning area guests can access the formal lounge that has a stud height of both the upper and lower level and can be viewed from the mezzanine above.
Part of the design requirement was to separate the living areas for the boys from the master bedroom. The boy’s rooms are on the lower level.
The upper level has the master bedroom that features a walk in wardrobe, ensuite and a balcony that gives panoramic views of the entire valley. Also on the upper level is the fifth bedroom which is now used as a recreation room.
The roof of the home has a 30-degree pitch which in part gives the Canadian character to the home. John is the first to recognise the importance of the roof design that gives this and all homes their basic character. During the design process with Kim Veltman the various rooflines and planes were given considerable attention to ensure each section of the home was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Traditionally, in Canada, the roof would have a plywood base and asphalt shingles and whilst this was the look that both owners and architectural designer were striving to achieve they wanted a more permanent roofing material and most importantly, in the rural setting, a roof from which drinking water could be safely collected, would be weather tight for many years and have no fire risk.
The building trade is not new to John as his father was a well-respected builder in the Auckland area and had a very strong association over many years with the founders of Ross Roofing. The Ross family who own and operate Metrotile, produced a shingle that met all the criteria. Safe potable water, a range of natural colours, lightweight, strong, weather and wind resistant and fire proof.
Unique to Metrotile this low profile shingle also features a low profile capping and ridge detail that is essential to complete this refined roof style.