You know the house you're constructing is unique when the council's building inspectors can't wait to visit the site and see how work is progressing.
Nicolette and Lloyd James' house has attracted plenty of attention since plans were first submitted to council. From the excited building inspectors, who witnessed it taking shape, through to visitors today, the reaction to the imposing contemporary rural home is usually always, "Wow!"
The striking curved facade is what makes this house so special. The concept of a curved home was dreamed up by architect Peter Eising, a friend of Lloyd and Nicolette's.
"We wanted something that was a bit different but we would have never thought of a curve -- that came from Peter," says Nicolette. "We thought it was a great idea. It turned out to be a bigger job than we expected and it cost a lot more money -- but it has definitely been worth it."
The couple had never built a home from scratch before work started on this one in December 2005, but they had some very clear ideas about what they wanted thanks to the fact that Lloyd is a builder-turned-quantity surveyor, and they had renovated numerous homes before.
They had spotted sections for sale in an exclusive enclave, and decided it was important to build a home that would suit the elevated site. The house needed to make the most of far-reaching views west towards Drury, Karaka and the Manukau Harbour, where the water is visible on a clear day.
All the bedrooms and living areas have sliding glass doors out to a deck that runs the length of the house.
Image 1 of 7: Thoughtful design means this house slots perfectly into its sloping terrain. Photos / Kellie Blizard
He has also designed the house so that it slots perfectly into the sloping terrain. An impressive set of concrete stairs lead up to the huge, pivoting front door, giving a sense of arriving somewhere special.
The central section of the house, which includes the entranceway and formal lounge, has a sloping roof lined with timber. The soaring double-height ceiling in the lounge provides a feeling of grandeur, and a wall of windows allows plenty of light in.
This room has a gas fire, and can be closed off from the open plan kitchen, dining and family room next door thanks to an oak cavity slider.
The main living area is Nicolette's favourite part of the house. It's north-west facing, so it gets lots of sun, and is very relaxing and informal.
The spacious kitchen has a gas hob, plenty of storage space and a central island with a composite stone bench top. There is also a separate butler's pantry with a beverage fridge, and a laundry with lots of room to leave an ironing board up.
Sliding doors next to the kitchen open out to the swimming pool and an expansive deck that is enclosed on three sides, creating a sheltered outdoor room.
Turning into the driveway after a busy day at work, "feels like you are coming home to your own resort", says Nicolette. She's going to miss that feeling. Now that daughter Victoria has left home and it's just Nicolette, Lloyd and their son Ash they've decided to downsize.
