Wings Over Whitford

Inspired by an old English barn, but with a contemporary twist, this striking new-build enjoys the low maintenance benefits of Oblique™ Weatherboard.

Innovative, history-inspired design meets practicality in this handsome semi-rural home in tranquil Whitford, where managing the elements is as important as expressing personal style. For Christopher and Paul , this new-build was both a passion project and a pragmatic way to get exactly what they needed.

“We decided to build, because this is going to be our forever home and we wanted to put our individual stamp on it by getting involved with the design,” says Christopher.

After purchasing land, Christopher and Paul launched their quest by presenting architectural designer Albert van Vliet with their conceptual sketches of an old English barn with a modern twist. Albert brought their ideas to life in a way that makes the most of the site’s forest and rural views. The final design - a collaborative effort - has clean lines, dramatic contrasts and Otago schist facades that pay homage to farming heritage.

For the primary exterior cladding material, they chose Oblique™ Weatherboard by James Hardie. Their designer Albert recommended vertical installation of both widths – 200mm and 300mm – for extra aesthetic appeal.

As a fibre cement product, Oblique™ Weatherboard is engineered to cope with the demands of harsh environments and can be painted in a large variety of colours, including darker shades. The paint colour used is Resene® All Black, which contrasts perfectly with the Otago schist feature walls that give the home its unique character.

The low maintenance benefits of Hardie™ fibre cement cladding mean Christopher and Paul can spend their free time enjoying their home, rather than slaving on its upkeep. The basic combination of cellulose fibre, sand, water, Portland cement and proprietary additives give Oblique™ Weatherboard strength and durability to stand the test of time. All Hardie™ cladding products are resistant to fire, rot resistant and resistant to moisture damage and are easy to clean (low pressure water and a brush). It also comes with a 25-year warranty.

The 340m² home has two wings connected to a central, open-plan living area via walkways that bring the house together. One wing has the main bedroom suite, including a dressing room and media room; the other, primarily used for guests, has a master suite with ensuite bathroom, plus a further two bedrooms and another bathroom. The home is designed to be enjoyed during all seasons.

Underfloor heating and an eye-catching suspended fireplace make it cosy in winter, while a wraparound deck provides excellent indoor-outdoor flow for the warmer months.

One of the many advantages of being involved with the design and build of your own home is making sure your treasures can be displayed. Christopher and Paul now have plenty of wall space to hang their favourite pieces of art.