Clean lines, Clear winner: Red & Black Construction
Grant Waghorn, Director of Red & Black Construction is thrilled as a first-time entrant not only to win Reserve Gold in the NZ Master Builders House of the Year competition for his Thornycroft Street build, but to bring home the National Award for Heart of the
Home – Kitchen.
The five-bedroom north-facing contemporary home was a challenging but exciting project for Grant. “Building on a long narrow section that backs onto a stream brought a logistical challenge, the delivery and storage materials were carefully choreographed before building began.”
Clad in cedar with plastered concrete block, the build had to meet the homeowner’s desire for a suspended concrete floor slab for the second storey, minimising sound in the house while maximising ceiling height for the floor below. Designed by Nott Architects, Grant loves the spacious feel of the home, the clean lines with luxurious edifice finishes. “The totara ceilings are amazing. It’s a smart home and a lot of thought and precision construction went into it.”
The design centres on the kitchen with all surrounding living spaces connecting to it, and “is a cook’s, entertainer’s and families’ dream,” according to owners Craig and Rochelle. Flooded with natural light, Interior Designer Angelique Armstrong from Armstrong Interiors enhanced the illumination, tying in the white walls and stone bench tops with timber cabinetry and engineered wooden floors. The ensuite won the 2017 Trends International Design Award for Angelique with its stone bath, twin stone vessel basins and Hansgrohe rose gold bathroom fittings.
The natural stone fireplace and bespoke timber joinery by Advanced Joinery are design statements, along with the floating engineered timber staircase. A state of the art heating system with many chambers has been carefully constructed to be hidden from view, while outdoor living is central in the design and construction.
The black cedar fins that connect the deck to the roof are a visual delight, while Grant says the spa area is a favourite, with a complex timber-clad electric retractable deck that covers the spa when not in use. Building for 20 years, Grant loves crafting quality homes, working to ensure the client gets the best quality home and has a great experience too.
Led by foreman Mike Baker, Grant says the tight crew thrived on the meticulous craftsmanship challenges of this Fendalton home.
