CONTACT:
Sven Higham, 021 0260 5057, or Matt O’Brien, 021 687 866, Barfoot & Thompson.
AUCTION:
October 23.
*OSP for six cars
Few people would know that this part of Scenic Drive boasts an architectural gem, tucked away in the bush like an industrial tree house.
Those in the know included Matt and Su May, who pounced on this home about two-and-a-half years ago when it came up for sale.
"We always had our eye on this house because it was in Urbis magazine soon after it was built," says Su. "We were so keen on the house itself we didn't even do any research about the area before we bought, so didn't know anything about schools or things like that."
"We're architecture buffs," adds Matt. "Houses like this don't come up often. And it's been amazing living in a home that is completely bespoke. Every detail is designed and it all really works."
Designed by architects Sue Hillery and Andrew Greenslade for a film industry couple, the 12-year-old home is essentially a warped box on stilts, resembling a long-legged bird standing in the bush with its beak pointing towards Rangitoto.
Fresh out of architecture school, the pair had an open brief to create a unique home for their clients. One of the most striking elements is the glass walls that slope upwards and outwards in the living area -- at the northernmost point of this space the ceiling soars and you are 8m above the ground.
With its industrial aesthetic, it sits in contrast to the softness of its bush surroundings, clad in ColorSteel and fibreglass, with huge glazed panels and sitting on galvanised steel legs. Inside, the materials and fixtures are on display with plywood cladding, glass reinforced concrete benches and vanities and stainless steel surfaces. Negative detailing adds interest and symmetry to the design.
"I love how you can see all the screws and things like these commercial runners on the sliding doors," says Matt. "It's very industrial but it's also been really practical for family living."
Image 1 of 7: 883 Scenic Drive, Auckland. Photo/Ted Baghurst.
Such robust finishing has proved its worth with youngsters Taylor, 9, and Stella, 4, running about the house. Even the approach to the front door has been designed to show off the home's structure and materials. Steps take you down to a wooden jetty that runs along the side of the house to the front door.
At night, with lights switched on in the opaque-walled bathroom, Matt says the house "glows like a lantern", providing a warm welcome home.
Inside, the view isn't apparent until you round a corner and are hit by the widescreen outlook over the city and harbour.
Semi-open plan in design, the kitchen/dining/living space has glazed walls to the north and west with the elevation providing plenty of light.
Dark walls and floors provide a sense of enclosure in contrast to the expanse of the views. An open fire heats the lounge, which has a balcony on its northern side.
With stainless steel and glass reinforced concrete benches, the kitchen is functional and easy-care. Its island bench starts inside and appears to continue on to the deck outside, broken only to accommodate the sliding glass doors. When the doors on this western side are pulled back, the kitchen flows out to the sunny deck. Here there is a spa pool and some steps down to a terraced lawn.
"This area has been great for the kids," says Su. "In summer we put a paddling pool out on the lawn."
Behind the family areas are two bedrooms, a bathroom, separate toilet and laundry. Matt points out that the tiled bathroom has louvres on one of its internal walls, providing a viewshaft down the hall to Rangitoto. "You can also keep an eye on the kids in the bath."
Both bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open out to the west-facing deck. The kids' room has a built-in desk and shelves.
When they bought here, the couple kept their home in the city -- also architect designed -- and they are heading back there.
