Award-winning transformation
N AWARD winning home that was architecturally transformed by its owner is for sale in the heart of Greytown.
The often-admired three-bedroom house, at 132 West St, bears scant resemblance to the 1950s dwelling James Mackie, of Mackit Architecture, bought with wife Susie in 2010. The 169-square metre house, which was Highly Commended at the 2018 Resene Architectural Design Award, has been so extensively renovated that it’s been re-classified as a 2015 build. Nestled amid the lush leafiness of a 989-square metre section, the home’s striking front facade of five small windows was inspired by the knots of the grand oak tree that graces it.
The cedar weatherboards are finished in multiple colours of stain to enhance the natural tonal range of the timber, while strengthening the connection to the surrounding treescape.
Contrasting Titan panel in a dark tone, sinks into the shadows of the environment, emphasising the cedar.
The pristine white kitchen is disrupted by the splashback - a single sheet of copper left to age and patina. A cantilevered rimu bench with matching custom-made stools compliments the sleek white Caesarstone countertops.
Other features include an induction cooktop, pyrolytic oven, two pantries and full height pushto-open cabinetry
Sunlight has been maximised with full height double-glazing throughout, and a single plane roof sloping up to the sun on the west side.
At the rear, a horizontal cedar slat screen not only visually softens exterior, but helps shade the living spaces when the sun is high in summer, while still allowing winter sun to flood the interior with light and warmth.
Decking was designed to flow directly out from the living areas on both the west and east sides. This makes best use of both the sunny northwest aspect at the rear, and the shade provided by the oak tree at the front, which offers a cool retreat in the hot Wairarapa summers.
The living room features a bespoke diagonal bookcase, which acts as a piece of art in itself, adding colour and a juxtaposition to the horizontal and vertical lines prevalent elsewhere. Recycled rimu trim, much of it reclaimed from the original house, also warms the crisp white interior. It has also been used for the built-in office nook, and a vertical slat screen wall to add privacy between the lounge and entrance.
Two of the double-bedrooms share a bathroom with a custom-made vanity, with a white Ceasarstone top and Plumbline ‘Egg’ vessel bowl to match the freestanding bath.
It also has a double shower, Methven Tahi tapaware and underfloor heating, while the master bedroom has a similarly specified ensuite.
The home is heated by a wood burner and heatpump, and kept cosy with luxurious wool carpet.
There is also a separate laundry, and extensive storage throughout, including a generous attic space.
“James lovingly designed and built this beautiful home to capitalise on its incredible location,” Jaime Slater, of Tremains, says.
“It’s on an established section with magnificent trees, native birdsong and loads of sun just a few hundred metres from Greytown Village with its shops, cafes and supermarket.”