Three Kings: Modern edges

A challenging building site proved a pushover for one inspirational Auckland couple, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Elevated sites close to the city with sun and views are hard to find. So when this property became available on a rocky volcanic outcrop in Three Kings, architecture graduates Joyce and Jason Dobbs pounced on it enthusiastically, despite the challenges it presented as a building site.

The end result - a fresh, innovative architectural design with three bedrooms and two bathrooms - more than makes up for the difficulties.

The Dobbs' home stands out in an undulating landscape of square, solid ex-State homes capped with orange tiled roofs. It can be seen from the road, sitting high on a ridge. To make full use of the narrow site, the couple deliberately pushed the building as far back and as close as structurally possible to the steep, rocky bank. In doing so, they gained as much private, level outdoor living space on the north side as possible.

The house adopts a simple, rectangular plan over two levels with double garaging below. To maximise the huge panorama across the sprawling city to the harbour and Waitakere Ranges in the distance, north and south-west elevations on the ground level are clad predominantly in glass with tall, large, sliding doors opening to a deck and the garden. Fixed aluminium louvres shade the glass in summer when the sun is at its hottest.

The upper bedroom level features more solid walls clad in painted cement boards where the joints are expressed as negative details. In the bedrooms, narrow horizontal slot windows train the eye up to the leaf canopy. For this home is all about amplifying the views.

The Dobbs' have cleverly manipulated the way spaces focus on the views to create interest and drama. For example, the entry staircase runs from a turning point on the driveway, up one side of the double garaging and arrives in the glazed corridor behind the living area. The view is concealed until the moment you arrive in the double-height lounge. At that point, the impact of the splendid outlook stretching before you through the tall, glass windows is breathtaking.

On the ground level, the living space is open to form one large room between the lounge, dining area and the kitchen, broken up by furniture and fittings. A more private area to the rear forms an intimate lounge open to the view and sun.

A service core runs the full length of the house. This incorporates two bathrooms - one upstairs and one down - the laundry, huge storage and stairway access to the bedrooms. The wall comes in different guises in the different areas. Enclosed cupboards form a backdrop to the dining and kitchen spaces and, in between a section of open timber shelves, add a display area for collectables and books. The wall also creates privacy from the extensive glazing used on the south-west side of the home.

White walls in the kitchen disguise the abundant storage, which has been fitted in at every opportunity. The couple even made use of the slim space in front of the stairs for glassware. Negative detailing between the cupboards and the stainless-steel benchtops above gives the perception that the bench is floating. The design of this kitchen is so practical, with its big, deep drawers and stainless-steel appliances, that Joyce says she intends to have exactly the same in the next home she builds.

Upstairs, a small study alcove on the landing opens to a deck, which adjoins the master bedroom. A huge, sliding, glass window above looks out into the trees and catches the cool summer breezes. All the bedrooms are large with good storage. The front room takes advantage of the northern sun, the winter heat and the view, peering over a solid balustrade to the void in the living area.

With white walls and ceilings, the interior offers a clean, uncluttered setting to complement a range of furniture styles and colours. The flooring in the main area is polished concrete, heated for warmth, and a log fire in the lounge creates an enticing ambience on cool winter nights. Dark grey carpet keeps the rear lounge and bedrooms cosy.

The bathrooms feature pale glass mosaics on the floors and quality fittings, including Duravit basins and toilets.

An inspirational, warm, light-filled home in a sought-after, up-and-coming neighbourhood - it's not just great for a family, it's a wonderful investment as well.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 1 Fulljames St, Three Kings.

FEATURES: Dramatic three-year-old home designed by young architecture graduates; elevated property with good sun and panoramic views; private outdoor living on north side; open-plan living with two lounges, one with real log fire; three bedrooms; two bathrooms; great storage; double garaging; underfloor heating.

SIZE: Land area 789sq m; floor area 267sq m.

AUCTION: 11am, July 16, at Barfoot & Thompson's auction rooms.

AGENT: Michael Boulgaris, Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera. Ph 524 1666 bus; 021 366 366 mob.