Orewa Showhome

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ÜBER RETRO DESIGN
As featured in Homestyle Magazine

Words Charlotte Lane
Photography Thomas Law

In the suburb of Orewa, Lasque Construction Ltd, trading as Signature Homes Rodney, recently built an exceptional new residence that they proudly use as their showhome.

Designed to reflect a modern take on the classic Kiwi bach, the house incorporates the feel of the 1950s and '60s in a contemporary environment. A modern mono-pitch roof is paired with sharp lines and light, warm exterior tones. The only significant departure from the mid-century inspiration is the two-storey nature of the home, and of course all the up-to-theminute technology incorporated inside and out.

All over New Zealand, Signature Homes are known for building quality, substantial new homes. Because they create one-off custom designed homes, in addition to plans from their standard range, it was important for the company to showcase the depth of their work. This has certainly been achieved here, with the amount of foot traffic through the home a testament to its success.

This house is ultimately the showpiece of Signature Homes in the greater Auckland area, so finishing it to the highest standard was crucial to its success. This was one of the reasons a full landscaping plan was completed. Brett Garea Environments created the design, and supplied all of the materials for the garden and its surrounds, including the new lawn, all of the plants, pebbles and the assorted timber features. It was also Brett who executed the entire landscape plan, from site clearance in the early stages, through to the placement of every plant and stone that was required to complete the design.

The house has been finished to the highest quality, and even to an untrained eye, this is visible. James Hardie Axon and Titan boards adorn the exterior walls, with a Dimondek 400 profile roof from Dimond covering the entire dwelling. The roof features a hardwearing PCC ZRX coating in colour Metallic Antique Bronze, and is complemented by a Colorflo Rainwater system, box gutters and 80ml downpipes.

The ZRX coating by PCC is strong and durable, and has been specifically created to combat severe weather conditions, such as close proximity to the ocean. All Dimondek products are made exclusively in New Zealand, which means they lead the field when it comes to practical designs that really work for the local environment.

Paired with the striking dark roof and modern exterior cladding is aluminium joinery, manufactured and supplied by Vantage North Shore. Chosen from their residential suite, the joinery has gone through a powdercoating process, and is finished in colour Metro White Knight. Single glazed glass has been used throughout the house; however to combat road noise along one side, acoustic glazing was specified. An internal corner slider window is a creative inclusion which, along with the large sliding doors from the living room, allows a large portion of the home to open up to the outdoor
living quarters.

Large panes of glass throughout let light flood into the entire interior. To complement the light tones of the joinery, the exterior Titan board was painted in Wattyl Grano Impact in colour Grand, with the Axon panels painted with Wattyl Solargard, in colour Taro.

Supplying the James Hardie claddings, as well as a host of other building materials, was Carters. Among the products they supplied were pre-nailed frames and trusses, mid-floor joists and flooring, and all of the interior doors. They also provided miscellaneous items used throughout the home, and delivered all the cladding products to the building site.

One of the reasons Carters remains the preferred building partner for Signature Homes is because of their superior after-sales service, their reliable products and the technical support they can offer. This sees them supply the majority of materials for
each home built by the residential housing company.

Once the main elements of construction were under way, a team of subcontractors stepped in to assist with the completion of the home. One of these specialists was Laser Electrical Rosebank, who completed all of the electrical work for the home. This included wiring an alarm system into the house, as well as an audio visual system.

Under floor heating was placed beneath the tiles in the upstairs bathrooms, and a Hills home hub cable management system for data, television and audio was another upmarket electrical specification for this house. PDL Modena series switchgear has been used throughout, with white grids and stylish
champagne coloured surrounds.

The interior of this showhome has already captured the wants and desires of many potential homebuilders. Flooded with light and incredibly spacious, it is the soft harmony of colours, as well as carefully chosen furniture and accessories, which makes it so enticing. Part of the appeal can most certainly be attributed to the home's kitchen. Placed strategically in the centre of the large living space, it works openplan with the undercover outdoor patio, the dining area and the lounge.

Created and installed by Kitchen Magic Ltd, the kitchen cabinetry has been made from Aborform vacuum formed laminate, in colour White Gloss. A long breakfast bar accommodates for informal eating, and features a clever background of pressed flowers.

The bench itself is made from Quarella, which is a Calacatta engineered marble product. The oven and gas cooktop is located along a near wall, with an enviable walk-in-pantry tucked away to the rear of the room. Paired with contemporary down lights, funky bar stools and an open feel, the kitchen captures modern, yet retro living at its absolute best.

Part of the kitchen's upmarket feel can also be attributed to the large expanse of Laminate timber flooring. From The Carpet Link, the laminate is part of the Truloc range, and has been supplied in colour Valencia Oak. Manufactured from a high density fibre, the timber-look floor has a special protective finish and is a cost effective way to achieve a dramatic effect.

The Carpet Link also supplied the carpet for the showhome. A Venetian Frieze shag pile carpet was chosen, in colour Creta. Crafted from a solution dyed nylon the carpet is 100% stain proof, anti-allergenic, and comes with a 5 year ultraviolet fade warranty.

The carpet and laminate flooring created a colour story that has been carried through into the bathrooms. Neutral beige and chocolate tones feature in all the bathrooms, along with top of the line fittings. Plumbing World North Shore supplied all of the bathroom products for the showhome, with the tapware all from the popular range manufactured by Methven Limited.

The entire house has an almost contemporary-retro feel, and this is a style captured in the bathrooms. Architecturally-designed Kiri tapware features heavily throughout, with a Methven Tahi complete shower system chosen for the ensuite, and selected components of the Tahi system in the main bathroom.

To complete the house and accommodate for a future homeowner, Signature Homes had made-to-measure wardrobe and storage systems installed, by Boston Wardrobes Ltd. The storage cupboards have been crafted from Melamine in colour White Gloss, with white steel slated shelves inside. For the master bedroom, the material is Prime Sitobi Walnut, with two of the other bedrooms featuring wardrobes made from Prime Light Oak Melamine. They all feature easy opening doors, drawers and well organised shelving.

When it comes to showhomes, they don't get much better than this, and Signature Homes are proud to have created such a wonderful tool for potential homebuilders in the region.

Visit the brand new Orewa Showhome today and see the quality that comes as standard in every Signature Home.

21 Grand Drive, Orewa, Ph: 09 426 1142
Open: 12pm - 4pm Daily