The Devil Is in the Details

Modern and streamlined

The Devil Is in the Details

When the team at Landmark Homes Auckland - South & Franklin set out to build their late Showhome, franchise owners Michael and Colleen Walters wanted to create something that “stood out like a Landmark Home should.”

Awakeri Plan

Modern and streamlined, the exterior alone strikes a different chord to its neighbours. Captivating passers-by with its split-level, slanted roof and industrial aesthetic, it features concrete paving that leads seamlessly from the pavement to the front door (so as to be wheelchair-accessible).

The home’s dark exterior combines Linea, a textured weatherboard; a new product called Luna wood, a smooth weatherboard; and Rib Line Colorsteel®. The result is one of contrast and texture, rather than the standard finish you see on a lot of homes.

It’s thoughtful details like these, that are sprinkled throughout the carefully considered build – and take it to a level above the rest. “We’ve taken our time and made sure we’ve done it right,” says Michael.

A ‘Ready to Build’ plan – re-envisioned

The starting point for the home was the clean-lined and contemporary Awakeri design. The plan was chosen because its compact layout worked well with the subdivision site while still offering a family-friendly 4 bedrooms, though the team made some modifications to make the plan their own.

One of the biggest and boldest changes came in the form of a third garage space at the back of the house, accessed through the dual-car garage and cleverly designed to hide a boat from sight – both for security and to align with subdivision rules.

A timber deck runs the whole length of the house, extending outside the lounge, dining room, and kitchen areas – and offering the seamless indoor-outdoor flow that most Kiwis crave.

The generous deck space features an outdoor lounge, fireplace, and automated louvre roof – and provides a well-lit, purpose-built space for all-weather, all-day entertaining, dining, and relaxing. “If it’s raining, it’s covered. If it’s fine, you can open it up. You can sit outside on your couch and have an open fire. It’s all lit up with custom deck lighting, so you can sit out when night falls.”

YES, THE EXTERIOR IS STRIKING - BUT THE HOME IS EVEN MORE EYE-CATCHING INSIDE

A massive front door creates a grand entrance. A stunning raked ceiling slopes from 3.5 metres at its highest point, above the entry, through the central living space, where it ends 2.7 metres high at the deck. The resulting feel is one of light, height, and grandeur.

Even the hallway makes a statement! Made wider than standard to create a palpable sense of space, its LED lights illuminate automatically as you pass through, and Velux skylights allow the sun to stream in from above.

The main bathroom also features a Velux skylight above the bathtub, so you can lean back and gaze at the clouds above you. Custom shelving behind the bath offers a nook for candles and incense to burn while you soak in the spacious tub – creating a luxe, spa-like ambience. Not only that, but smart lighting is set to turn on automatically when you walk into the bathroom at night, so you won’t stub your toe or have to fumble for the switch!

The ensuite boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling ceramic tiles, including a herringbone pattern covering the whole back of the shower. Paired with a massive mirror and LED lighting behind the vanities for a flattering, soft glow, this is a chic bathroom fit for Pinterest!

A laundry room (located in the garage in the original Awakeri design) was moved into the main part of the house and designed to appear as a cupboard at first glance. Open the door, and you have a purpose-built room with benchtop, under-bench washer and dryer, and custom cabinetry throughout.

Long, narrow windows in the central living area let light stream in – and speak to the rectangles seen throughout the home’s design. Its layout is angled to capture both westerly and northerly sun during the day. This is a house of bright, sunny living.

A study of contrast and complementary colours

The attention to detail poured into the design goes right down to its colour choices.

“We worked with our colour consultants to make sure we didn’t replicate what other people were doing. You walk in, and you can see and feel the difference!” says Michael.

Picture: black-and-white wallpaper with birch trees in the hallway. The main doors to each bedroom are painted a different colour to the wardrobes – the latter being white, the former greige.

Dark, chunky timber and white cabinetry are key features of the designer kitchen, paired with a lighter Forte timber flooring throughout for contrast. A stylish stone benchtop extends up the backsplash too, to tie the room together and create “cohesion” through the cooking space.

Featuring some of the latest products available, including Venluree blinds for an elegant aesthetic, this is a house for the discerning homebuilder who craves quality, first and foremost. It is quintessentially Landmark: Innovative. Architecturally designed. Appealing.

Want to see what’s possible for your very own Landmark? Contact the Landmark Homes Auckland - South & Franklin team now!