This smart house in Auckland’s northern suburbs is T-shaped. It’s fitting, given that the 170sqm property is tasteful, timeless and illustrates the builders’ talent and attention to detail. It’s also a terrific example of a family home done well. A custom-made horizontal cedar gable front and matching entry hammers home the points. It’s partly the combination of timber weatherboard with dark accents and roofing that gives the four-bedroom home instant street appeal. That charm extends indoors where it’s clear that clever design and positioning maximise all-day sun. What better place to enjoy it than a deck that extends from the living and dining space, as well as the main bedroom. You’ll be surprised by some of the extras on offer. As well as four bedrooms, there’s a home theatre and a barn door crafted in macrocarpa. The latter dovetails nicely with the timber of the furniture and the kitchen cabinetry. You can’t go wrong with a white-and-wood  aesthetic. You’ll also find an internal-access double garage with laundry, full-height tiling in the family bathroom and main-bedroom ensuite, a tasteful natural palette and quality fixtures throughout. T is also for top-notch.