When builder Steve Marshall spied a site in Vista Heights, Bishopdale with stunning views of Tasman Bay, he knew he wanted to create a masterpiece of a home on it.
He and his firm’s project manager Lilly Minnich, with outstanding input and design from Bespoke Architecture, developed a concept that was high spec contemporary, celebrating the views while offering a warm and inviting living space.
The house sold off the plans before a sod was turned. Antonieta Cisneros and Ron van Morsel had been flying back and forth from Wellington searching for a home in Nelson for months. “It really was our last go,” says Ron, “and a very lucky find by Antonieta indeed.”
Difficult sites do not faze Steve Marshall and with many years of experience in building behind him, the complexities involved in the engineering required here were a challenge he approached with his usual calm and measured demeanour. “It was a very technical build,” he says, “but well worth it to achieve the final result.”
The house is built on a Cupolex foundation, an Italian designed system of a series of domes made from environmentally friendly recycled materials that provide strong reinforcement in the foundation. Saving time and money it is almost zero waste and provides excellent insulation. “Insulation is so important to the comfort of a home,” says Steve. “We insulated all the internal walls too. Homeowners love it because of the extra soundproofing and thermal mass it provides.”
The floor is a real feature throughout the house. The owners were able to have substantial input into the interior and Ron was determined to have a timber floor. The result is high quality engineered oak that sets the tone for the warm feel of the home. It was laid by Lilly’s husband Gottfried Minnich, who in addition to being the quantity surveyor and business developer for Marshall Builders, is a skilled support to the building team when needed.
A secret door to the scullery, a substantial and very user-friendly space, is a fun feature and the owners love the sensor lights that automatically switch on whenever they enter.
The kitchen is a highly integrated European design. Kapiti Coast interior designer Rachel Steinmetz from Appletree Designs assisted in the design of this and other interior features. A particular favourite of Antioneta’s throughout the house is the hard-to-find gun-metal tapware. “I was determined to have it everywhere because I really love the look,” she says. She also adores the bench tops and splashback in striking Italian marble style porcelain. “It is a wonderful contrast to the black finish of the central island,” she says.
Another striking feature is the Italian tiles in the living room, powder room, ensuite and upstairs bathroom. “There were not many made of these,” explains Antonieta. “They are the same pattern but in slightly different shades in the different places to suit the ambience of each. It is lovely to have features like this that won’t be seen in many other places.”
“We have so appreciated Steve and Lilly’s attention to detail everywhere,” says Ron. “There is no cutting of corners which makes for such a wonderful finish in both the aspects you can see and all the ones you can’t.” All the doors are sealed with rubber, for example, an extra step to improve soundproofing. “We are known for being very fussy,” laughs Steve. “Everything has to function the very best it can and even though the owners mostly only see the finish, we make sure that every step of each build or renovation we undertake is to the highest standard it can be. Our motto is ‘do it once, do it right’”.
Lilly is an important part of the building team and brings a passion for interior design to the role. “I am here to help clients work through the huge range of interior options there are today and to answer questions about every step of the build,” she says. “I really enjoy working alongside people to listen to their ideas and help them bring their home dreams to reality without the usual stress.”
The builders went above and beyond to get the house finished in record time. “They are the best builders we have ever worked with,” says Ron. “They worked exceptionally hard to get everything completed to a very high standard. They always gave us their full attention, even on weekends which were the only times we could come to Nelson to keep up with progress. Their communication was top notch and they always did exactly what they said they would.” High praise indeed from a couple who have built houses before and know full well the problems that can arise.
“It is a home that is lovely to come home to,” says Antonieta. “It is not only beautifully built, but it has a warm, homely feel which we really enjoy.”
Words by Adrienne Matthews. Photos by Luke Marshall Images.
