A quintessential Landmark with a thoughtful and innovative design

innovative design

A quintessential Landmark with a thoughtful and innovative design

This contemporary two-level show-home is quintessentially Landmark, showcasing thoughtful and innovative design.

“At Landmark we don’t want to blend in. We’re here to build a Landmark, not just any home,” says Kristy Portas, Landmark Homes Taupo’s New Home Consultant.

Purposefully designed to maximise the views

Despite being built on a distinctly suburban site, this house maximises the views it’s been given, and its name, Tongariro, fits right in.

The house itself is north-facing, and every room and window has been placed with the purpose of capturing the surrounding scenery. There are mountain views to either side and lake views to the front. And that’s just from the first storey…so amplify that from the second storey!

From the downstairs living room, you’re able to look over the garden fence to see Lake Taupō glimmering in the distance.

The kitchen window faces West and offers an amazing glimpse of Ruapehu and Tongariro. “It’s so special – the window is right over the hob, so it’s almost like having a splashback of the mountains!” laughs Kristy. Then on the eastern side of the home you’ve got views over Mount Tauhara!

The interior has been carefully considered, too, too afford maximum privacy.

Where there’s another house blocking the view, the team has put in a solid wall – but then added a feature in lieu of that stunning outlook. For example, cedar panelling and a “very sexy” Rinnai Linear gas-fire in the living room.

So, every room in the home either has a feature, or a view…or both. The overall effect is superb – creating a space where even though you’re in a suburban environment, it’s easy to forget!

A perfect family home tailored for the site

“The 326m² home has been added to our Ready to Build collection as the ‘Tongariro’ design,” says Kristy. “The feedback we’ve had is that it would be a perfect family home.”

Downstairs is a big open plan entertainer’s kitchen and scullery, with wood grain cabinetry – and the sleek oven has a downdraft rather than a rangehood, so as not to impede those beautiful views to the west.

The kitchen opens up onto a living and dining area where everyone can congregate for relaxing or family dinners, and large glass doors lead onto not one but two decked areas on either side of the house.

The larger deck is fully covered, with big Velux skylights, so as not to impede on light coming into the space or impact the brightness of the house. The other smaller courtyard is unprotected from the rain but would be a great space to sip coffee in the morning sun.

Most striking are the over-stacking sliding doors go onto both outdoor living areas.

Particularly so on the uncovered side, where there’s no corner pillar – and so the doors slide back onto the outside of the house, to extend the living area right out onto the courtyard. During summer, picture a dreamy indoor/outdoor flow like no-other!

Two bedrooms and an extra toilet complete the picture downstairs. Even the staircase has a feature – stunning full-height windows at the top! Upstairs is another cosy living area with spectacular views, that would be fantastic for the kids, or as parent’s retreat – plus the luxurious master suite, and then another bedroom and bathroom.

The team has intentionally incorporated lots of storage into the home, with massive cupboards, storage in the garage, and even under the stairs. “It’s a Harry Potter sleep space!” laughs Kristy.

Oh, and that upstairs spare bedroom? It’s not just an afterthought. It has a really big window with sweeping view of the mountains. So even your guests won’t miss out on those views! And even though it’s a spare room, it has a really great feature wall to bring it alive and make it stand out.

A NATURAL PALETTE

With the interior design “we wanted it to be different. There’s nothing run of the mill in it!” says Kristy. “We chose colours for the feature walls that complement Taupō. Our region is lush and glacial – and the blue, green and grey paint choices speaks to that. Likewise, the walnut kitchen cupboards erred away from shiny, white and bright to be more natural and earthy.”

This is a design that dares to be different – while showcasing Landmark’s design nous, and the beautiful Taupō scenery.

Kristy said she’s received amazing feedback so far – and thinks the functional design with a modern twist would inspire anyone to build their very own Landmark, not just families.