35 Maui Grove, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The good thing about designing your own home when you're an architect is that your options are wide open because you don't have to follow the instructions of a client. However, the choice of options open to you can be overwhelming.
"It's harder than you think it is going to be," says Matt Pearson, who knows this from personal experience. "It can be difficult to make a decision when you don't have a client."
The Auckland architect bought former railway land at the Newmarket end of Remuera back in the early 2000s and was excited about the opportunity to unleash his creativity and design the home of his dreams.
Narrowing down what he wanted was tough, but in the end he was inspired by an apartment block and some commercial buildings he had recently worked on.
"We were starting to use lots of concrete hot blocks and steel and glass, and that's what I decided to go for when it came to my house."
The result is a stylish contemporary home that is now nearly 14 years old, but has stood the test of time. Tucked down the end of a driveway off a private cul-de-sac, it has a concrete and black cedar exterior, and is spread over three levels.
The striking steel and glass pivoting front door is a clue that what's behind these walls is something special. It opens into a triple-height atrium with a spectacular staircase that winds up to the top floor.
The house is a tribute to industrial style, with its polished concrete floors, marine ply on the stairs, steel beams and masonry walls. There are lots of floor-to-ceiling windows, making the most of its setting looking out on to a tree-clad gully.
"It's so nice being able to look at so much greenery, and it's quiet," says Matt. "It is hard to believe we're so close to Newmarket here. And I think we have our own climate — it always seems much warmer."
There are plenty of decks, providing outdoor space.
"I possibly went a bit overboard with the decks," admits Matt — along with a generous terrace that's home to an infinity swimming pool and spa.
Matt designed the house before he was married and had kids, and it has easily gone from being a cutting-edge bachelor pad to a comfortable family home, that has been ideal for wife Jo and kids Lucy and Charlie.
One of the main things on his wish list was an office, as he wanted to work from home for Wellington-based architects HMOA, of which he is a director. He created a spacious room on the second level that housed him and another staff member but would also make an ideal kids' playroom or teenage retreat. Adjoining it is a guest bedroom and bathroom.
Also on this level is a self-contained area with a bedroom, bathroom and living room/kitchenette that Matt designed so his mother would have somewhere to stay in between heading off overseas on her travels. It has also made great accommodation for an au pair.
On the top level is the children's wing with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living area, and across from it the luxurious master suite, with a huge bedroom, a bathroom with an eye-catching circular tub, and a large walk-in wardrobe.
The ground level contains the four-car garage, a powder room and laundry that opens out to yet another deck, but it is mostly devoted to the north-facing open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.
This space has a 3.2m stud and, like the rest of the house, is generously proportioned.
The kitchen has a long island that faces out towards the pool, providing the cook with a scenic outlook, and the dining space has a wall of windows that perfectly frame the bush beyond.
Matt designed the kitchen, using inspiration gleaned from interior designers he'd worked with, and including features such as hidden drawers within drawers to provide plenty of storage, and a linen-finish stainless steel benchtop.
The living area, configured into two zones, is also spacious and has been fantastic for entertaining, Matt says.
"There have been a lot of parties here over the years," he says. "Pool parties, Oscars parties — we've had some very good times. We've been spoiled living here."
But it is now time to move onto another project, so new owners get the chance to enjoy all the house has to offer.