Architecturally designed by Thomas Ricketts Brown Dog Architecture and Homeowner, this contemporary residence is a high‑performance home where design intelligence and construction quality come together seamlessly.
Thomas brings over 20 years’ experience in new builds and alterations, with a strong focus on durability, efficiency and liveability. This home is a clear expression of that approach, having been built well above current building standards and carefully engineered for long‑term comfort.
From the moment you step inside, the home feels custom, quiet and thermally stable. Extensive insulation, upgraded acoustic detailing and carefully considered material selection create an environment that performs exceptionally year‑round. Floor‑to‑ceiling glazing is oriented to capture abundant north sun and expansive sea views, filling the home with natural light while maintaining warmth and privacy through thermally broken frames, Low‑E glass, argon fill and green tint. A generous rear window looks out over established planting, creating a genuine sense of seclusion and a refined balance between outlook, light and shelter.
At the heart of the home is a polished concrete slab, providing significant insulated thermal mass and a strong architectural foundation. Hydronic in‑slab heating throughout the upper level delivers consistent, silent warmth and is wirelessly controlled, while the garage and ground‑floor storeroom are also heated, reinforcing the home’s all‑season usability. The overall build has been specified well beyond standard residential construction, resulting in a home that feels noticeably warmer, quieter and more refined than typical modern builds.
The kitchen is finished to a high standard and designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring a Neolith porcelain benchtop, quality appliances, soft‑close cabinetry and a Schweigen silent rangehood with external motor mount. Living spaces connect effortlessly to the outdoor environment, reinforcing the architectural relationship between the home and its setting.
Practicality has not been overlooked. The garage is fully insulated, the home includes generous attic storage, and there is extensive pre‑wiring in place for future alarm systems and solar, with dedicated space under the house for battery storage. An expansive, engineered concrete driveway has been designed for ease of use, offering excellent off‑street parking in addition to garaging. Full retaining behind the home avoids the risks commonly associated with integrated retaining walls, providing long‑term peace of mind.
Externally, the home is finished with a mix of vertical shiplap rough sawn cedar cladding, ply soffits and substantial battens, creating a contemporary yet grounded architectural presence. Materials have been selected not just for their appearance, but for how they will age and perform over time.
Architecturally designed and technically executed to a high standard, this is a home where comfort, efficiency and build quality are immediately evident. Properties of this calibre are rarely available and must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.
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