A Modern Classic

GREG NOBLE IS RECOGNISED FOR HIS STUNNING ARCHITECTURE – A PERFECT BLEND OF NATURE AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN. ONE OF HIS MOST SPLENDID NEW ZEALAND HOMES OVERLOOKS THE SEA AND BEACH IN AUCKLAND

An outstanding example of the Noble style sits on a prominent Auckland cliff top (only 15 minutes from downtown Auckland) a property that Noble himself believes exemplifies the saying, “The sum of its parts is greater than the whole” and his admiration for the work of the team that pulled those parts together is obvious. “Together we achieved solutions that were a complete articulation and celebration of form, function and expression, which gave strength to its character and its identity.”

“I had actually seen the land and the trees,” he says. “I had designed another home in the area so I was very familiar with driving past this particular piece of land; and the pohutukawas were magnificent… and, of course, the position was superb.” All were vital elements in the Noble design philosophy that “Gardens create a visual flow, enabling us to soften the architectural impact of a new home, as well as taking the eye from building to landscape.”

“This home was probably one of our biggest, says Noble. It is solid masonry, with Oamaru stone dressings, English slate, copper and lead. There is an element of softening down the architecture – something almost unnoticeable to the naked eye – that is only totally achieved if you can’t readily grip what is making it so. The raw materials have a patina that literally glows and actually, through the weathering, is economically viable: no painting, no cleaning. The classicism of this house needs softness and warmth, which is really important for clients to understand. Natural materials improve with age and have a longevity which intensifies their beauty,” he says. “They create a lasting appeal which outlasts trends and dispenses with any need for regular change.”

The house nestles amongst 82-year-old trees on one acre of sculpted gardens overlooking the beach (with gated beach access) and an expansive vista of the Hauraki Gulf. The owners had built four previous homes and knew what they wanted. They lived in the original house on the property for 18 months before deciding on a design. This enabled them to study the sun movements and seasonal changes to ensure they found a design befitting this fabulous piece of land and the resulting unique ‘one-of-a-kind’ home is a testament to the fact that this time was well spent. The sun follows the curve of the home from morning till night and its windows are works of art.

The stone work is spectacular with artisans from all over New Zealand contributing their time and skills. Polishes and coloured oils were selected and used instead of paints and varnishes to provide a superb finish that is also durable and low maintenance. Every element is of the highest quality. The double glazed joinery is all on point, using American cedar and solid rosewood and the doors all have discreet German locking systems and French hardware. The secure garage can accommodate up to 8 cars with additional parking for a further 10 vehicles.

Along with underfloor heating (eight systems run through the house), there are three internal and one external fireplaces. Insulation efficiency is one of the hallmarks of the home. Swedish solar system runs the home and incorporates architectural elements like verandas, loggias, bay windows, solar energy glass and skylights to provide seasonal comfort whilst reducing reliance on energy.

Entering through the doors of this sumptuous 1,730 square-metre home you are greeted by an atrium lit with a soft natural glow from above stunning Italian chandelier and a sweeping concrete staircase that is a masterpiece of bespoke decorative ironwork, both of which provide an open invitation to explore further.

As the eye travels through each surrounding room to the landscape beyond – both sea and trees – the sense of space is immediate. A loggia in front is in constant use during summer and winter, as is the private and sheltered swimming pool discretely tucked to the side. The open kitchen, dining and family living room, the owners admit, is their “go-to” space; it’s where everyone can be together, whether working, dining or simply relaxing and the children have their own study areas (which can be closed off when need be).

The house is elegant and timeless designed to provide for simultaneous family living and corporate entertainment, as each room can be partitioned off allowing for a formal occasion in one area and a relaxed family gathering in another … and there’s easy access to the kitchen for catering without interruption.

The house is a testament to the very best of New Zealand design and craftsmanship coupled with the finest materials from around the world and in the owners own true words it is “an exceptional home of outstanding design and quality that treads lightly on the landscape and will continue to do so long after we are gone.”

Call Jim Mays in confidence.