The very tight budget was paramount in the creation of this family home in East Auckland’s Maraetai. Working backwards, cost considerations had to be given to extensive earthworks, retaining walls, water tanks and specific plumbing and drainage requirements prior to any thought of how the house would look and feel. When it came to design, the brief was simple – three bedrooms, an office and open-plan living in a modern, maintenance-free house with lots of light. Palisade weatherboards and longrun roofing were chosen to embrace the conditions of the Pōhutukawa Coast location and provide clean lines. Full-height angled windows to the front facade provide balance between the house’s modern and classic characteristics. That balance is also evident in the kitchen, dining and lounge areas via the raised and raking ceilings and shuttered windows. Havanna Oak flooring continues through the barn-style door to a powder room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and internal garage.

Indoor/outdoor flow has been achieved through full-length, north-facing timber decking that runs off the lounge, dining and main bedroom. Sentinel Homes has delivered an impressively well balanced 179sqm home that meets brief and budget, and works beautifully for the family who reside here.