There’s been an influx of new housing in popular Point Chevalier over the past five years or so – much of it appearing on large sites, which once held a single dwelling.
Russell Cannons, of Construkt Architects, says when he was approached by Daniel and Apoorva Kinnersley, the owners of 66 Huia Road – which comprises three stand-alone homes, he was conscious of the design challenges that come with intensification in inner-city suburbs.
“You need to consider how the development relates to the wider context of its neighbourhood – and provide a sense of scale in terms of the streetscape.”
Cannons lives in Point Chevalier so had a unique, local insight and says he’s pleased with the strong architectural forms and modelling that characterise the new homes at 66 Huia.
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“They have a real strength to them. I think the big elements are the white painted brick and cedar construction materials and full-height glazed panels.”
66 Huia’s street appeal is enhanced by double height stairwells behind which, statement pendants add elegance.
Cannons says that the decision to allow second level ceilings to follow the sloping line of the roof is another style statement, adding spatial complexity and enhancing incredible views.
The house was designed by architect Russell Cannons, of Construkt Architects, who lives in Point Chevalier so had a unique and local insight. Photo / Supplied
Each of the three homes enjoys a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area on the ground floor, opening to a very carefully considered, fully landscaped outdoor living space. The internal décor has been carefully chosen to maximise natural light, and the Kinnersleys say that only the very best materials have been used throughout, along with Bosch appliances.
“These are quality properties, and we haven’t been afraid to do things that are a little different because people want their homes to be special and to stand out,” says Apoorva. “The all-black cabinetry with a sleek black porcelain benchtop in the kitchen is an example. It looks stunning.”
The couple also put a lot of thought into the bathrooms, where Italian terrazzo floors carry on up to create a feature wall. They’ve added warmth throughout with clever use of natural travertine stone splashbacks and dark walnut kitchen shelves and a stairway screen, which complement the walnut stained cedar outside.
“When people are going to lots of open homes, we want them to remember these and to keep thinking about them afterwards,” says Apoorva. “We’ve done everything to our own high standards as homeowners.”
The kitchen cabinetry is all black with a sleek black porcelain benchtop and Bosch appliances. Photo / Supplied
The developers put a lot of thought into the bathrooms where Italian terrazzo floors carry on up to create a feature wall. Photo / Supplied
Point Chevalier sales specialist Derek von Sturmer, from Ray White, regularly markets a wide variety of homes in the seaside suburb, which enjoys easy proximity to Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Westmere and Auckland City.
He says that although there have been a number of developments on formerly single sites, this one stands out due to its high quality of design and clever use of space.
“It’s really a first, with real architectural flair and there is nothing square or boxy about it. These beautiful homes perfectly capture the light and they’re also very private,” he says.
Von Sturmer says 66 Huia has been the developers’ own passion project and this inarguably shows in the stunning result. He’s currently marketing the front home which is heading for auction on August 23.
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