COUNTRY OASIS
This bespoke property on the outskirts of Cambridge was meticulously planned and executed by its owners of 20 years, John and Sally. Nestling in tranquil, park-like grounds, it is a real joy to experience. John, a civil engineer, designed and project managed the construction in conjunction with Sally’s brother Ken. The couple were inspired by the qualities of concrete homes using the Firth RibRaft Floor system, hot block construction and double glazing, before doubleglazing was a legal requirement. ‘‘We wanted to create a lifestyle where we could grow our own fruit and vegetables and have an unlimited supply of clean, filtered water.’’
John paid a lot of attention to the look of the house from all angles and designed the roof with geometric lines sloping some 25 degrees. The result is impressive.
Solar gain was another priority. The concept of the home is to capture the sun’s heat through large north facing windows and store it in the walls and floor so it releases slowly through the night. ‘‘When we get up in the morning the house is still very warm regardless of the temperature outside.’’
The dining area is a suntrap thanks to glass on its west, east and north side. Morning sun pours into the east-facing master suite, while garden and pool views infuse the second living area and family bedrooms with a sense of peace and beauty.
Indoor-outdoor living is a key design feature, making the home ideal for relaxed living and entertaining. The pool comes right up to the dining area with stacking doors opening to west and eastfacing decks. There’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting out on the glass covered deck with family and friends soaking up the ambience of the large Hinueraclad open fire. ‘‘It’s a perfect place to cook sausages over the coals and entertain.’’
With a spacious office, a large laundry, master suite, lounge, and kitchen at one end of the home, and an additional three bedrooms
and a children’s lounge at the other, the layout works well for home-based workers, a couple, and a family. The four-car garage has a 11m wall lined from roof to floor with cupboards, and the separate 8mx6m garage contains a work bench and oodles of storage space.
Landscaped gardens, expansive lawns and bird song give the property a lovely feel and a backto-nature aesthetic. Fruit trees, raised vegetable gardens and glasshouse are well established. The back lawn is great for cricket or a picnic lunch under the shade of the magnolia trees. Children have loads of fun playing on the large, flat section, the big open driveway and on the swings John built.
Goodwood School is walking distance, and Hamilton Airport, the Waikato Expressway, Cambridge township, Matangi and Hamilton are all in easy reach.