St Heliers' home is shaping the future

Graciously curving its way out of the landscape, this dramatic St Heliers' house is a lesson in geometry. By VICKI HOLDER.

Builder Peter Ryan has turned many outstanding architectural concepts and plans into reality. Working with some of the country's most acclaimed architects, he has garnered a stash of great design ideas that he included in his own home, recently completed in St Heliers.

As it was being built, many passers-by stopped and ogled, in awe of this shapely interruption in an otherwise traditional environment. Designed by architect Darren Jessop of Jessop Townsend Architects and constructed by Peter's company Peterbuilt, the finished article titillates from the road.

Silver aerodynamic curves soar across deep, angular walls, drawing light through glazed linear panels at roof level. A host of textures combine high-tech Zincalume surfaces with solid plaster, strips of creosoted weatherboard and narrow cedar louvres.

From every aspect, it offers a pleasing yet dramatic arrangement of forms and materials. Even though it is an attention seeker, the outside world is not allowed to intrude on the realm within. Windows recessed into insulated walls assure privacy.

A year of living in the bungalow that used to preside on the site, helped Peter and his wife Joanne to ascertain what they wanted in a house before approaching an architect. They were keen to gain three levels of sunny living.

After a holiday in Bali, the couple decided they wanted a Balinese entry. Straddling the big cedar door, old railway sleepers, still with their nail holes, give an unexpected soft, rustic look against the sleek lines of the Zincalume entry canopy above.

Inside, wide demolition timber floorboards continue the contrast of the aged warmth of the old and the sophisticated cool of the new. Flooded with light from windows high in the walls, the entry steps straight into a large living area. It adjoins an office/library or fourth bedroom through a cavity door.

A glazed door from this sunny room opens to a pebbled courtyard beside a swimming pool surrounded by a high boundary wall. A row of olive trees at the far end shelters the courtyard from the street.

On the opposite side of the entry, one of three bathrooms invites bathers to step from the heated tiled floor into a long, narrow mosaic-tiled shower. Light filters through frosted glass louvres that form a wall at the far end.

Jarrah stairs lead to a double garage with a gymnasium situated at the rear behind glazed doors that open to another courtyard. This level also houses a laundry, the laundry chute and a large workroom/storage area, destined to be turned into a wine cellar. Guests staying in the double bedroom have exclusive use of the downstairs bathroom with its Philippe Starck-designed teardrop basin and open shower.

Designed for easy entertaining, the main living area stretches from a gas fire beneath a skylight to an open fire straddling a terrace.

The fires maintain an even temperature indoors and out. In winter, people move freely between the two areas and are happy to perch outside until the early hours.

In the kitchen, pale beech on the breakfast bar side softens a black granite benchtop. Feature cabinetry in beech and glass enriches pale grey surfaces, detailed with aluminium handles.

A free-standing Ilve oven sits beneath a splashback of tiny mosaic tiles. A horizontal window near the ceiling allows a slither of light. Bifold doors open the kitchen to a small breakfast deck.

Two bedrooms on the upstairs level gain northern views of the neighbourhood. A horizontal window between the top of the wall and the ceiling allows light from the master bedroom into the walk-in dressing room and the en suite. When heated, mosaic floor tiles are glorious underfoot.

Joanne, who was responsible for the design of the interior finishes in the house, carried the pale beech of the bathroom vanity into a recessed wall behind the bed.

Exploring the potential that lies in a compact suburban site, the architect and clients have created a well-detailed home that makes a compelling living and entertaining environment.

Vital statistics


Address: 80A Vale Rd, St Heliers.

Features: Three-level Darren Jessop-designed home with large living area opening to deck; multiple speakers can be equipped with surround-sound; gas fire; outdoor fireplace; three bedrooms plus office; swimming pool plumbed for gas heating; under-floor heating in three bathrooms.

Size: Floor area 280 sq m.

Price: High $700,000s.

Agents: John Gillan and Mahoney Adams of Bayleys, St Heliers. Ph 521 8448 bus; John 021 406 808 mob; Mahoney 021 648 028 mob.