Titirangi: Let there be light

The well angled windows of an architecturally designed home in Titirangi let the light in while maintaining privacy, Richard Pamatatau reports.

549 South Titrangi Road, Titirangi. One of the best things about living in New Zealand is the light, and the architect of this recently completed house in Titirangi has made the most of it with a building that lets it stream in.

Titirangi, an elevated and bushy suburb, has long been a favourite of the art and craft set, as well as many alternative lifestyle types who want access to the city but are not prepared to sacrifice environment for proximity.

Over the past few years cafe culture has found its way there, too, and for those with a love of the great outdoors ... well, there are 10,000ha of park just along the road.

So it's no surprise that the north side of the house features tall windows looking across paved areas and decks which give on to a lawn and mature trees.

The house has an air of ease about it that is noticeable the very moment the front door is opened.

The kitchen features a massive slab of black granite which serves as an anchor between a more formal dining space, a "hang-out area" in an atrium and a room which could either be the family room or somewhere to lounge around or watch TV.

Like most new kitchens it has a big stove, practical pantry and loads of storage space. There's even a shelf especially wired for a portable phone.

Floor coverings on this lower level range from tiles to carpet, with underfloor heating.

There are two large stormwater tanks which take the overflow and release it slowly in the event of massive rainfall.

Upstairs and away from the public space is the sleeping section of the house. It is divided into two wings which are joined by a wide suspended walkway.

The master bedroom has a stand-alone walk-in wardrobe - with windows that look out to the south west - and a separate bathroom. This is a good feature because it means clothes don't get an involuntary steam dousing every time the shower is used.

Another feature of the bedroom is a balcony that reaches into the tree space like a mini catwalk.

Each one of these bedrooms features massive windows, but because the design is sensitive to privacy no one from the road can see in.

Of course, street appeal is important and this home has that in abundance. There's a double garage which acts as a buffer to the gaze of passersby because it stands 10m away from the house. It is connected to the house by a glazed gallery which looks onto a reflecting pond and fountain.

Surrounding the garage is a significant concrete pad with room for a couple of visitor cars. There are lights built in, and at night it looks like an airport runway.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 1191sq m, house 284sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Over $1 million. Tender closes June 24.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Karen Maxwell, Barfoot & Thompson, Titirangi, ph 816 8838 bus, 0274 468 406, 812 8363 a/h.

FEATURES: Architecturally designed home with cedar cladding, copper spouting, high ceilings, tranquil setting, tall windows, covered and glassed gallery linking the garage and house, reflecting pond, mature trees.