Modern Magic

Overlooking a river in North Auckland, this modernistic family home makes a bold statement against the verdant green of its rural setting.

Scott and Amber had lived in the Riverhead area for more than 10 years and were keen to stay local, so that their sons could remain close to their school and friends. But they had big dreams that their existing home couldn’t support. The best way forward was to find a site and build from scratch.

When Scott and Amber discovered their land, it felt like they’d hit the jackpot. Sweeping down towards the river, it offered elevation and views. Best of all, it was big enough to accommodate the family’s plans for a basketball court and swimming pool.

After securing the site, the couple took their dream to architectural designer Steve Loza, who created the 260m², five-bedroom, three-level home of their dreams. “He heard us, could see our vision and delivered exactly what we were after,” says Scott.

Scott and Amber wanted a clean, modern aesthetic, so they followed their architect’s recommendation for Stria™ Cladding by James Hardie for the top and bottom levels, and Linea™ Weatherboard for the middle.

The deep-grooved vertical lines of Stria™ Cladding emphasise the height and clean lines of the multi-storey home. The use of Linea™ Weatherboard, installed horizontally, is a nod to Kiwiana tradition. All three levels are united with black Dulux paint, which complements the home’s rural setting.

“We were going for something modern, so there are a lot of straight lines, hard edges and black.”

Painting a home black is not a decision to be taken lightly, because some forms of cladding warp and deform with heat when they’re painted dark colours. However, cladding products by James Hardie are made with fibre cement, which is thermally stable, so they can be painted any colour the homeowner wants.

Another benefit that comes with fibre cement cladding is low maintenance. Made with cellulose fibre from plantation grown pine trees, Portland cement, sand and water, claddings by James Hardie are resistant to heat, rot, water damage and insect damage. A gentle wash is all that’s required for annual maintenance.

Amber and Scott are pleased that their choice of cladding gives them more time for fun. They love to spend their weekends entertaining friends by the pool and shooting hoops with the boys, rather than doing home maintenance. Looking back at their project, the Bibbys say they’d do it all again because they got what they wanted.