Modern farmhouse feeling
Tradition meets modernity in this Redcliffs home, designed and built by Benchmark Homes.
WORDS Kathy Young PHOTOGRAPHY Alister Winter
Being in the building industry, it’s hard not to go down the new-build route,” says Sam, the director of Benchmark Homes. He’s clearly someone who’s thought deeply about the why behind each project. “There are so many upsides to building at the moment. Like getting the exact design you want, updating the style to suit where you’re at in life and taking advantage of the updated building regulations.”
This latest creation – a 359sqm modern farmhouse in Redcliffs – is perhaps his most personal build. Here, on a generous section near Sumner and with views of the beach, he has crafted a home for his young family. It’s a house that speaks to continuity and change in equal measure.
“Both my wife and I have always loved more traditional homes – that’s what we were brought up with, so it just feels right to us,” he says. “In our past builds we’ve played around with different styles, including black-and-white colour schemes and more modern looks, but for this one we wanted something that would really stand the test of time.” The result is what he describes as a “modern take on a classic farmhouse or traditional Kiwi home”. It’s a place that feels grounded and familiar, yet still fresh and up-to-date.
The site wasn’t without its difficulties, but Sam approached these rationally – seeing both the opportunity and the challenge. “The property sits in a flood management area, which means the entire finished floor level had to be raised 1.3m off the ground. We had to think carefully about how to access the home. Do we come in at ground level or step up? And how do we connect the house to the outdoor living space?”
These practical considerations shaped the entire approach to the build, influencing decisions about elevation, privacy from the street and how the home would present itself to the neighbourhood.
The joinery by Trends Kitchens has been thoughtfully integrated throughout the entire home, extending well beyond the kitchen to create a cohesive and highly considered interior. Custom cabinetry also features in the pantry, laundry, media room, living room, study, all wardrobes and ensuite.
The Mitsubishi ducted heating system with roof grills in the kitchen and living space was installed by locally owned and operated VT Electrical Services.
Yourstore supplied and installed the Woodsman fire in this home. As a long-term Woodsman fire specialist, it also offers a range of experience across all categories of home heating and outdoor living.
The natural stone tiles in the ensuite are Fori Imperial Filled & Honed Travertine, supplied by Italian Ceramic Tiles. The unique textures and enduring beauty of these tiles make it suitable for a wide range of applications. As it’s a natural material, no two tiles are exactly alike.
The 20mm Honed Travertine Classic natural stone splashback and hob top surrounds in the kitchen, as well as the stone basin in the bathroom are all provided by GBC South. This product, with its precision-mitred edges, adds depth and individuality to the home.
From the exterior, the four-bedroom home sits comfortably on the sizeable section. Sam chose a weatherboard cladding, traditionally associated with smaller character homes. It’s a simple form, and the recycled red brick and carefully planned planting work softens the home’s substantial form. “Over time, once the planting matures and the climbers start growing up the house, it’ll only look better,” says Sam.
Step inside and the home’s character has already begun to ooze charm through considered details. French oak stairs lead from the entry – with its matt polished concrete floors featuring elsewhere – up to the main living level. The powder room is positioned prominently and somewhat unusually, in plain sight as you go up the stairs. “It was a clever design feature that works in this small space,” says Sam. “And since it’s right in view, we spent a bit of time making it feel special.” A custom travertine vanity, a feature light and in-wall fixtures create what he says is one of their favourite rooms. “It’s small, but it makes a big statement.”
The main living area opens up with plenty of natural light flooding in through dual outdoor access points and a triple skylight over the dining area. Scissor trusses run through the space, giving more volume and character. The kitchen is another example of the home’s blend of traditional and contemporary: shaker cabinetry nods to classic forms, while stainless steel benchtops and modern appliances bring industrial vibes.
Upstairs the main bedroom opens to ocean views and includes its own Japanese-style retreat area, with the ensuite including travertine tile flooring, walnut cabinetry, brushed-copper tapware and soft grey mosaic tiles. Above the garage a plywood-lined loft serves as an office and an art room. The couple really have thought of everything. “For us, it’s really the home as a whole that we love. There’s not necessarily one single space that stands out on its own – it’s more about how the whole thing comes together.”
Despite this being considered a complicated build, having a good team around them made all the difference. “My biggest piece of advice to people considering building new is not to be put off or intimidated by the process. When it’s managed well, building can be an exciting and rewarding experience. You get to create something that’s truly yours, and the end result is a home that fits your life perfectly.”
The moment you step inside, every detail of this home serves the larger vision of creating a space that feels cohesive, calm and just right for this family. It’s a beautiful blend of durability and practicality without sacrificing warmth or character.
This may well be their forever home. And, taking in the flow from room to room, the considered product and material choices, and the way the natural light plays across the surfaces throughout the day, it’s easy to see why.
Involved in this project
BUILDER
Benchmark Homes
03 343 8260
benchmarkhomes.co.nz
JOINERY
Trends Kitchens
03 343 5242
trendskitchens.co.nz
NATURAL STONE
The Granite Benchtop Company
03 338 4848
gbcsouth.co.nz
KITCHEN HARDWARE
Blum
0800 803 803
blum.com/nz
DUCTED HEATING
VT Electrical Services
03 341 0095
vtelec.co.nz
ENSUITE TILES
Italian Ceramic Tiles
03 348 6919
italianceramictiles.co.nz
INDOOR FIRE
Yourstore
0800 111 688
yourstore.nz
