THE BRIDGE HOUSE
"As a couple new to building, we had been warned of the stress and trials that building a home would bring into our lives. We are over the moon to report that this couldn't be further from the truth! Calm, controlled and considered are just a few of the words we would use to describe Simon. His attention to detail is second to none, and the quality of workmanship is reflected in every aspect of this house. Our building journey was positive from the outset; Simon, Kylie and our building team truly valued us, and our quirky ideas. It was apparent how invested they were in our build when we requested things such as custom bunks, and we would come on site to see drawings on scrap bits of wood, exploring how they were going to take our ideas and make them even better! Our friend, who is a quality builder himself, summed it up perfectly when he said, "You can feel the care in every inch of this build." Our heartfelt thanks for building us a truly beautiful home."
Kate & Callum Findlay
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
Situated on an angular site overlooking the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Kinloch,
this 229m/2 contemporary home reflects the natural tones of the surrounding
landscape and blends gracefully into the hillside. The house stretches the length of
the site with each main room angled from the next, creating a slightly different
outlook wherever you are, continuously taking advantage of breath-taking views of
Lake Taupo and the golf course below.
Extensive use of low maintenance color steel cladding grounds the building and
cedar clad walls merge into the landscape, giving a bold form with a natural
softness. The extended eaves and automatically controlled clearstory windows help
to ventilate the home and control the solar gain in summer, while the polished
concrete floors release the natural warmth in winter. The house also features a
Maxraft fully insulated concrete slab, hydronic underfloor heating and electric fires for
ambience.
The entry door is concealed behind cedar battens to provide a level of privacy and
focus. As you enter the home you are greeted immediately by an expansive view
through large sliding doors to the golf course on the other side. Exterior materials are
brought inwards with large dark sliding doors separating bedrooms from living areas
and are contrasted by soft cedar interior walls. Discreet LED strip lighting is used
extensively throughout the home with lapped plywood ceilings concealing the lighting
within the laps.
The master bedroom, located on the southern end of the property, captures views of
the Western Bays of Lake Taupo. As you transition through the house to the living
and dining areas, expansive windows take in the evolving view and soak in the
seasonal changes of the golf course and Kinloch beyond.
Once again, the landscape’s natural hues are featured throughout the centrally
located kitchen. The hub of the house has a discreet scullery accessed via
a hidden door panel and metal lockers form part of the kitchen which add a playful
yet practical aspect as a bespoke gin and whisky bar.
A relaxed media room spills out onto the adjoining deck areas and leads down to the
kids bedrooms at the rear of the house.
The upper level is comprised of a self-contained studio apartment which is accessed
by guests via a street level bridge. The cedar batten bridge carries through cedar
features from the main entrance and creates a continuity of style. With room for four,
this space offers a comfortable living area, bespoke built in bunk beds, kitchenette
and upper deck area that complement the main house perfectly.
Photo Credit: Joel McDowell