SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls’ Grammar, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Angela Saunders, Ray White, 021 448 900.
AUCTION:
March 2.
When Robyn Irwin and Richard Whitney heard that a Freemans Bay section was going up for sale, they were quick to act.
"We heard from friends that their neighbours were subdividing their property and putting it on the market next week," says Robyn.
"So we came around on Friday before it went on sale on Monday, and bought it straight away."
After buying the site 20 years ago, the couple employed architect Tim Nees to design a home on the section tucked off Picton St in a sheltered, north-facing valley.
"He had worked for Athfield Architects and was used to Wellington sites so he didn't even blink an eye at this," says Robyn of the sloping site.
"We had such a big site for central Auckland and so much privacy. We were the first to build down in this little enclave so we got exactly what we wanted.
"It's nice when you build your own house because you get to build to the sun."
As Richard points out, the home is designed in three wings -- clad in cedar, ColorSteel and plywood respectively.
Two of the wings are topped by soaring, angular roofs with deep eaves and have curving balconies bulging out.
Robin says: "We wanted a light home, a warm home and one with natural finishes, but because of Tim's input we have got all these great views and little moments to appreciate as you move around the house."
Entry to the three-level home is at the mid-level, and comprises the kitchen/living area, which is separated from two bedrooms by a second living space and circulation area.
Tucked to the rear of this level, on the southern side, are a bathroom, separate toilet and laundry.
Image 1 of 6: Tucked away in a sheltered, north-facing valley is a robust masterpiece with stunning harbour views. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The main living area has timber floors, exposed roof trusses and plywood ceilings -- an example of the simple, robust materials used throughout the home that are brought alive by clever detailing. Panels and cupboards feature negative detailing, while angles and curves are used to provide interest, and windows are cleverly placed to frame the views.
One of Robyn's favourites is the towering wall of glazing on the staircase that showcases the mature trees around the property and brings them inside.
"People ask us if it was expensive and hard to get that window in, and it was," says Robyn. "But it was well worth it and you never regret it."
Following the slope of the site, the kitchen steps down to the living area, which has an open fire and flows out to a north-facing deck. A sliding door on the western side of the room allows access to the central family room.
"The whole idea when Tim designed the house was that the kids could spill out to the family room," says Richard.
"And we could close it off when we had people over for dinner."
From here, you move through to the two bedrooms, which used to be occupied by the couple's two daughters.
Upstairs, the master bedroom opens out to a rooftop deck with glass balustrade for unimpeded views to the harbour. The deck is another of the home's surprises as it is hidden from below.
"We use the rooftop deck more now that the children have left home," says Robyn.
"We used to mainly use the deck off the living room but now we take a beer up there at about 6 o'clock and enjoy the moment, and no one can see us."
On the ground floor, the garage opens out to the backyard, which has fruit trees and large deciduous trees that let sun in during the winter.
After 19 years of enjoying the quirks and delights of their home, Robyn and Richard are moving to Wellington.
