Parnell: Modern manners

This light and airy building makes a modernist statement while catering for a busy family, writes Richard Pamatatau.

1 Waitoa Street, Parnell.

Modernism is not for everyone: just the thought of a pared-back environment can challenge assumptions of how a home is meant to be.

But for Scott and Vicki St John, who get ideas from frequent overseas travel, the home they built at Waitoa Street captures the best of modernism and anchors it in family values.

They worked with Jasmax architects to create a house for a Kiwi family who are out and about, while also offering the sophisticated enchantment of a house to entertain in when friends call.

It also references the Case Study houses built in California last century by the celebrated architect Pierre Koenig.

Scott is the boss of First NZ Capital and regards the house as secure because it has up-to-the-minute security systems, gates and fences, as well as being located on a good site with a sunny aspect.

He says the only reason they are moving is they went out for a walk and ended up buying a house nearby with a tennis court, which is rare in Parnell but suits them because their son is sporty.

The home is built from both cedar and brick to deliver a pragmatic look and Scott says they wanted to keep the doors open if required almost all year round.

That means deep eaves which help keep the outside living areas dry for much of the time, while also screening direct sun so the growing art collection is not toasted.

Scott says the house is also like a gallery with high ceilings creating large walls that invite the showing of work.

The house is split into public and private space. Downstairs is public with a giant kitchen with masses of storage space. Like many new kitchens this one has shelves for those tall wine glasses that are all in vogue.

Scott says while there is no butler's pantry they've had parties where the caterers take over the large laundry just adjacent. ``It's really handy.''

The integrated living and dining space is airy and the doors opening to the lawn on either side make it even bigger.

There is also an office space on this level for someone who might do a bit of work from home, though it could easily become a den, too. Across the hall is a media room which might also be a library.

There is a 16m lap pool on the street edge of the house, but it is hidden by a hedge making it possible to swim naked in private, something Scott reveals has happened.

Upstairs is the private space - four big bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom has a massive walk in wardrobe and giant en suite that is wired for sound like the rest of the house. The PABX system means calls can be put through to any room.

There are built in computer desks in the kids' rooms and these are connected to the central wiring system too.

In a street of older homes, this house is a bit like an extrovert at a party, but its manner indicates that over time it will become one of the old guard.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 4

GARAGES: 2+

SIZE: Land 887sq m, house 361 sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $3.5 million. Expressions of interest close August 15.

INSPECT: By appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz/42185

CONTACT: Gary and Vicki Wallace, Bayleys, ph 0274 988 585 (Gary), 021 988 585 (Vicki).

FEATURES: Modernist house designed by Jasmax with stylish kitchen, home theatre/media room, lap pool on north-facing site with garaging and offstreet parking for five cars.