Plenty of outdoor areas, trees, a large swimming pool and impressive Hawke's Bay scenery helped seal the outdoor living award.
Plenty of outdoor areas, trees, a large swimming pool and impressive Hawke's Bay scenery helped seal the outdoor living award.
Redmond Builders and Construction has won two prestigious awards for a home near Havelock North.
At the Registered Master Builders 2016 House of the Year Awards, Redmond picked up the Heart of the Home Kitchen Award and the Outdoor Living Award in the over-$2 million category.
Redmond owner/builder Ben Redmond said he overcame the barrier of distance with Auckland-based architect Christian Anderson through many emailed photographs.
"There were a lot of mock examples that were photographed and sent to him, for example building one corner of a room and sending a pic off before starting all the bedrooms," he said.
The 650sq m cedar home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two living spaces.
It has four 25,000-litre water tanks discreetly installed and a diesel boiler for hot water and heating, with three open fires creating ambience.
Ben said the kitchen in the rural property was very stylised and large.
"There were a lot of interesting materials in the kitchen - concrete, cedar, exposed beams, oak floors and stainless steel - and it was a room that worked well with casual seating for informal dining. It had a contemporary twist but still in the classic style," he said.
"Everybody likes the kitchen - it is a room that works well."
Judges commented that the kitchen "with its brilliant supporting scullery, is the hub of the home.
The opulent use of materials catches the eye, and leads you through a seamless transition of luxurious indoor spaces to the outdoor areas and the magnificent views beyond.
"The kitchen design is enhanced by the panelled cabinetry and the soft palette of interior painted timber walls and floors.
"This is carried through into the scullery, evoking a warm, inviting atmosphere, beautifully lit throughout."
The outdoor living award was won thanks to a high level of landscaping with plenty of outdoor areas, trees, a large swimming pool and impressive Hawke's Bay scenery.
The kitchen in the rural property is stylised and large.
"The views in the Tukituki valley are just stunning - it was a hands-down winner."
"From the wicker chairs in the front verandah to the formality of the pool and its pavilions, this home is perfectly cradled softly into its surroundings," judges' comments said.
"With an outdoor room going up a level, the indoors merge seamlessly into the outdoor space providing both cover and shade.
"Throughout the home, doors and windows allow the interior to open onto the exterior, blurring the distinction of inside and out.
