3A Kingsley Street, Westmere, Auckland

Architectural sanctuary

This contemporary home offers an urban sanctuary in a highly sought after location. Set in a sub-tropical themed garden the house is expressed in robust concrete, steel and timber materials. It has been carefully designed in sympathy with, and incorporating subtle design references to, the surrounding concrete villas. Like these 120-year-old villas this house has a similar sense of permanence with its solid concrete structure and boundary walls. This includes the use of concrete on both levels, with gentle winter warmth provided by the slab heating.

Just 15 years old, the dwelling is contemporary in its approach yet has a timeless quality, exuding a classical feeling with Italian design influences including the high entryway and internal spaces. The contemporary aspects include stained sarked ceilings, continuous inside and out with generous eaves, plastered walls, a modern kitchen with concrete island, a concrete fire surround and timber and steel stair edge paneling.

Designed to take full advantage of the elevated surrounding views, the living spaces open onto a generous north-west facing terrace with a planted edge. Set on a natural rise this allows for specially selected views, offering framed vignettes of the near and distant surrounds. Another small terrace captures the east light, perfect for that early morning coffee and breakfast.

Currently configured with three bedrooms and one home studio, this could be used as a fourth bedroom. Enjoy full height tiling in both bathrooms and an extra washroom for guests. Abundant natural illumination is provided by large windows and several skylights, complemented by a range of lighting regimes that can be selected to suit the mood. This property combines the advantages of a penthouse apartment with those of a standalone property that offers a Zen like calm. Downstairs, all rooms open to the mature and lush border gardens with pebbled and concrete terraces. Double internal garaging and a separate laundry complete this exceptional lifestyle residence.