When Debs and Brian Glover returned to live in Nelson following a seven-year stint away in the Bay of Plenty, they already had an idea of the kind of home they would like. “We’d always had character homes previously but after moving into a six-month-old resort-style home at Papamoa Beach, we realised that we really enjoyed contemporary style living,” Deb says.
Words: Adrienne Matthews | Photos: Tessa Claus
“We’d always loved Māpua and were keen to live near the sea but had never imagined it would be possible. We certainly had never thought of building our own home but when we first came back, we rented in the village and knew immediately we didn’t want to leave.”
A section became available and they took the plunge into a new build. “It was daunting,” explains Deb. “It was a very different scenario to the renovations we were familiar with, and we were very nervous at the start. I am a creative person so was excited about that side of the project but knew we would need a really good builder and design team to work with to bring our ideas to fruition. Fortunately, we already knew members of the BLAC Design and Build team and the more we talked with them about what we wanted, the more assured we were that they could completely deliver our dream home. We had visited their other homes and talked to the owners and all we got was positivity about their integrity and the quality of their builds.”
“We particularly liked that BLAC is a family business and having one of the family, Alysha Andrew, as their interior designer is an extra bonus. They have a great relationship with a number of architects and designers and called upon LINO Architecture in Māpua to draw up some ideas for our home.”
Because it was their first new build, it took a while for the couple to finalise what they wanted. The main priority was having lots of light throughout the interior, with plenty of open-plan and outdoor living. With Deb’s mother having moved with them and two daughters subsequently moving to Nelson, it became a family project with them all living close together while the house was built, a rich experience.
“Our neighbours were wonderfully helpful,” says Deb. “They all had new houses and I was able to go in and measure up and visualise what the 2D spaces would look like in reality, which helped enormously.” Deb and Brian wanted a design that didn’t date, would be low maintenance and different from other houses nearby.
San Selmo Italian bricks in Grey Cashmere were chosen for the exterior. With their tactile surface, inspired by recycled bricks, the light plays upon them, creating a wonderful texture. These contrast with a Sioo:x coated timber finish which offers high protection and a weathered look. The rich dark Flaxpod joinery is a worthy contrast.
The three bedrooms open onto decks, as do the living areas, providing endless space for outdoor living, while the vaulted ceilings in the latter give a great sense of space and are filled with light. “We just love the abundance of light and sun, and all the spaces are so beautiful to live in,” says Deb.
“I particularly wanted a warm, natural palette throughout so that we could accent it with pops of colour from our art collection and other pieces we have gathered over the years.”
Complete Kitchens provided the kitchen and scullery in which the wood finishes are Melteca Melamine Oiled Legno Organic, contrasted with Bestwood Melamine Urban Velvet. The splashback and bench top stand out richly in Dekton Reverie, styled after Paonazzo marble.
Ceramic Durango bone tiles can be found in the bathrooms contrasting with feature walls of Hardie™ Groove Lining which adds a beachy bach feel. The same lining is used in the bedrooms.
Deb particularly wanted a universal look throughout the home in the tapware and metal finishes, choosing brushed nickel for everything, including the door hinges.
Ahead of the trend, curtains are held on tracks that are flush with the ceilings, giving a minimalist look, while electric blinds are used elsewhere.
The couple were determined to have a wood fire and have had a heat transfer system installed, as well as ceiling fans in the bedrooms, which have proven to be a great success.
“We are thrilled with how the project came together and the determination of the building team and other trades to work to such a high standard and give us the perfect home,” says Deb.
