Albany Showhome

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Outside the Square
As featured in Homestyle Magazine

Words Charlotte Lane
Photography Thomas Law

A unique showhome in Auckland presents a creative twist on a classic style of dwelling

Show homes are often associated with safe styles and traditional designs. Many are created to appeal to such a wide array of people that there are few risks taken. This was not the case for Signature Homes North Shore, who decided to push the boundaries and construct a show home that had many traditional home elements, but with a distinctive style and creative interior décor.

"The look we were trying to achieve was a 'holiday at home' style," says Signature Homes North Shore architectural designer Wendy King. "We wanted the feel to be exotic, tropical and resort-like — think Singapore Raffles."

Despite taking a risk on the exotic interior theme, the feedback to date has been fantastic. "We are receiving exceptional comments from visitors and clients." The exterior of the home is the most classic aspect of the design, with traditional building materials used to form the large two-storey dwelling.

To create the smooth-plaster finish exhibited on the external walls, a 60mm Sto Thermal Polystyrene cladding system was applied, by Texturite. This system includes battens, polystyrene cladding and plaster, followed by a complementary paint system, to create a hardwearing strong exterior surface. Texturite use Sto products due to the heritage of performance internationally and locally in New
Zealand, with over 350 million square metres of insulated cladding currently used to date worldwide.

Sto products are also very durable, as well as offering high impact resistance compared to other like materials, which makes them an often-requested choice by reputable building companies. Paired against the smooth plaster 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 Window Bronze. Single glazed glass has been used throughout the house; however to combat any potential road noise along the street facing side of the home, acoustic glass was specified.

The house is very traditional in shape, and the exterior joinery reflects this classic style. To add a point of difference, three small square windows were positioned above the entrance, and the front door features large glass panes on each side. To finish off the exterior, Signature Homes turned to Planet Concrete Ltd.

They worked on multiple areas outside, to create strong, hard surfaces around the home from their own New Zealand made mixes. On the driveway, Thunder Grey concrete was installed, along with an entrance path that leads to the front door made from an exposed pebble mix. Galaxy coloured concrete borders the perimeter, to add visual contrast against the otherwise plain concrete.

At the rear of the home, Limestone concrete was placed, which looks great and is very strong as a ground material. A final coat of natural sealer ensures longevity. The interior of the home is all about the resort-style theme, and this is first hinted at upon arrival.

The front door features the timber that is a main inclusion throughout the rest of the home, as well as a creative stone wall that was supplied and installed by Hard As Rocks. The man-made stone veneer connects with the timber, and is also a very practical choice given the sunny position it has been placed in.

The Eldorado Stone in colour Pahoehoe Kona is touted as the most realistic and cost effective artificial stone veneer available in New Zealand, and it is also ICC Certified, lightweight, and features advanced ultraviolet properties so it will not fade. Made in America since 1969, Eldorado Stone comes in a range of profiles, and carries a 50 year limited warranty.

To help the Signature Homes in-house designer achieve the exotic look desired, the services of Home Theme were enlisted to make all the drapes. The theme was reflected throughout the home, with the kitchen, bathrooms and living spaces all taking on the style of an exotic resort.

To provide a clean, uncluttered backdrop to the interior, paint from Wattyl NZ was selected. The main colour chosen was Italian Stone, which creates a very light, soft, holiday feel. The doors throughout the house are coated with Taubmans UltraProof acrylic enamel, with the walls in Taubmans EcoProof Eggshell for a hint of texture.

The EcoProof range is the country's leading low environmental impact paint, and is the only paint in New Zealand that has the Sensitive Choice tick of approval by the National Asthma and Respiratory Foundations. On the home's exterior, Wattyl colour Ashwood was applied, to reflect the light, airy tone of the interior. The home is full of special features, with so many unique and interesting products used to form the interior.

One such custom-made product is the wrought iron balustrade that extends up the staircase, which was made by A C Martian Metalworks Ltd. They liaised closely with the Signature Homes team before completing the decorative steel work, which included the design and manufacture of the wine cellar door. Prior to completing the internal work, A C Martian Metalworks Ltd were charged with supplying all of the structural steel which is hidden behind the scenes, although crucial to the home's construction.

Another custom-made feature of the home is the kitchen. Taking on the plantation theme, the kitchen was created by Kitchen Magic to fit succinctly within the style brief. Teak was the timber of choice, and it adorns all the cupboard fronts, while copper nails are an aesthetic feature to make the kitchen feel authentic.

On the far side of the kitchen, to avoid a timber overload, the matching cupboard fronts were spray lacquered with paint, in a colour to match the walls. Practicality was as much a design feature of the kitchen as style, and this led to a partially hidden walk-in pantry being placed behind the rear wall. This is ideal for an enthusiastic cook, as it means any mess can be hidden, as can appliances such as microwaves and mixers.

To add depth to the interior, Signature Homes enlisted the services of European Ceramics. They worked with the interior designer to devise a tiling plan that worked with the theme and would be practical for the home's one-day future as a family dwelling.

The European polished porcelain Travertine tiles extend throughout most of the house, and keep the look simple and fresh. The only place carpet was preferred as a flooring product was in the bedrooms and formal lounge.

In the bathrooms, ceramic tiles are the main feature, this time in a matt finish, and cover the floor, the front of the large bath, and climb part way up the walls. Also taking part in the creation of the bathrooms was Plumbing World. They supplied the fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms, which include the vanity bowls, toilet suites and the tapware.

Plumbing World also supplied the stylish laundry unit, which was manufactured by popular bathroomware company Michél Cesar. The acrylic top of the unit is very
practical for the laundry, as is the strong porcelain bowl that is over-mounted.

Where space is limited, Michél Cesar have wall hanging over cupboards available, to create extra room. The cabinet panels are painted at least five times and then heated, to ensure the hardest painted surface is achieved.

Laser Electrical Rosebank was another company who worked on the house, and they completed all of the electrical work. This included wiring an alarm system into the house, as well as an audiovisual system. Under floor heating was placed beneath the tiles in the family, dinning and kitchen areas as well as the bathrooms, and a Hills home hub cable management system for data, television and audio was another upmarket electrical specification for the house.

PDL Modena series switchgear has been used throughout, with dramatic black grids and black surrounds. Lighting was strategically placed in every room of the house, along with an abundance of power points and outlets to ensure future proofing was achieved.

There is nothing more exciting than a new home with a difference, especially one that is open to the public for viewing. Tried and true building methods are the most important factor, but a unique twist on a classic home in terms of appearance is certainly inspiring.

Signature Homes North Shore Showhome: 14 Keating Rise (off Oteha Valley Road), Albany Ph: 09 415 9115 | Open 12pm - 4pm Daily