82 | Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? High-end build with elegance throughout A defining feature of the home is its full double-height atrium, which acts as a central focal point. ARCHITECTURE AO Architecture and Holmesmade Builders T T Kelly Deeks The seamless collaboration between AO Architecture and Holmesmade Builders has seen them deliver another high-end home that is not only architecturally striking, but also perfectly tailored to its owner, testament to what can be achieved when thoughtful design meets expert craftsmanship. For AO Architecture director Nicholas Mann, this project was particularly special. The client is a long-time friend, and having previously worked together on renovation projects with Holmesmade Builders’ director Jonathan Wilks, this marked their first full-scale new build. “It’s always great to work with someone you know well,” Nicholas says. “When you’ve known someone for 20 years, you understand how they live, what they like, and how they want their home to function. It’s not just about the number of bedrooms or the size of the home – it’s about tailoring the space to their lifestyle.” This understanding guided the project’s approach. The exterior was designed with a simple, clean form to keep construction costs efficient, allowing the budget to be focused on high-end interior details. The result is a home that balances understated elegance with luxurious finishes. “We kept the structure relatively straightforward, which meant more could be invested in interiors, lighting, fixtures, and landscaping,” Nicholas says. “The client has a taste for the finer things, so we wanted to make sure those elements really shone.” A defining feature of the home is its full double-height atrium, which acts as a central focal point. A mezzanine wraps around the space, creating a sense of openness and grandeur. Upon entry on the upper level, the design immediately draws the eye outward, offering a stunning view through to the estuary. One of the standout features is the infinity-edge water feature, positioned just beyond the atrium. Visible from almost every part of the house, it creates a tranquil water element that enhances the sense of serenity throughout the home. Structural ingenuity was also a key element of the design. Three primary columns support the structure, incorporating floor-to-ceiling glazing that maximises natural light while maintaining privacy. A mature, established tree was preserved on-site, carefully integrated into the design to frame views and provide a sense of permanence. “The angles of the site presented challenges, but they also created opportunities for really interesting landscaping and outdoor spaces,” Nicholas says. “Instead of working against the terrain, we embraced it.” The collaboration between AO Architecture and Holmesmade Builders was instrumental in bringing the vision to life. Jonathan was involved from early on in the process ensuring that design details were both aesthetically compelling and practical and cost-effective to construct. “Having Jonathan’s input from the start meant we could refine elements like the roof and guttering to be more economical and efficient. That’s the beauty of working closely with a builder who understands the design intent and knows how to execute it without compromising quality,” Nicholas says. Building with Safety, Precision, and Reliability Your Trusted Partner for Residential and Commercial Scaffolding Solutions. Get In Touch 0508 626 272 terry@manascaffolding.co.nz • QUALIFIED • EXPERIENCED • LICENSED • AWARDED 021 221 0282 www.properlyplastered.co.nz
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