Contemporary and cool in one of Auckland’s most traditional suburbs, this three-level home is anchored firmly to the ground, while its cantilevered elements appear to hover above it. A series of solid walls face the street for privacy with a deliberate recessed porch marking the entry. What lies behind is a special property.

The brief prescribed a comfortable family home that maximised views down the valley and connected with an existing swimming pool to the south of the site. The challenge was to integrate living areas – in the north, to make the most of views to Rangitoto – to the existing, much-loved pool area, which would also be refurbished as part of the project.

The cantilevered rooms provide covered outdoor living areas below and optimise the floor area. But the undisputed star of the show is the elegant kitchen with its honed granite benchtops, spacious working areas and well-designed storage.

Large bifold doors open to reveal a generous breakfast nook, a practical space, which flows to additional bench and storage space in the walk-in pantry. The opposite end of the kitchen provides a study area for the kids.