The Ashley Residence

Built by Linecrest Homes with architectural design by The Architecture People, this custom home was created for a couple transitioning from decades of dairy farming into retirement. 

The design brief centered on creating a sophisticated yet comfortable retreat that would serve as their permanent home. Priority was given to capturing the property's extraordinary outlook toward Wairere Falls while ensuring the home functioned equally well for intimate daily living and entertaining family and friends. The result is a contemporary residence that balances architectural ambition with practical livability. 

Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the home's refined aesthetic. The exterior showcases Envello Shadowline cladding in Antique Oak, which delivers the warmth and character of natural timber without the ongoing maintenance concerns. This proved ideal for the owners who appreciated cedar's visual appeal but required a more resilient solution. The cladding's vertical lines and rich tones create striking contrast against crisp white plaster surfaces, establishing the home's modern yet grounded presence in the landscape. 

Envello’s impact extends beyond the exterior envelope. At the entrance, the material transitions from outside to inside, wrapping the arrival sequence and establishing immediate material continuity. This deliberate gesture blurs the boundary between architecture and landscape, reinforcing the home's connection to place. The 3-metre-high entry door amplifies this dramatic threshold moment. 

Inside, the living spaces capitalise on the site's natural advantages. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and 3-metre ceilings create an expansive, light-filled environment that frames the ranges beyond. The kitchen features thoughtful details like a double-sided island that facilitates conversation, while a curved window nook provides an intimate perch for morning rituals. This window seat again incorporates Envello, introducing warmth and texture to the interior while echoing the exterior material palette. 

The media room showcases another layer of material sophistication with Muuro panelling across the ceiling, creating an enveloping, acoustically refined space perfect for entertainment. The panelling adds textural depth and architectural interest to this dedicated retreat within the home. 

Heading back outside, Millboard Enhanced Grain decking in Antique Oak extends across the outdoor living zones, wrapping the house as a generous deck that connects to the pool terrace. The decking's consistency with the Envello cladding creates visual harmony across the project, while its durability and minimal upkeep align with the owners' lifestyle priorities. 

This residence demonstrates how material choices can elevate architectural design when selected with intention. The Envello cladding, Millboard decking and Muuro panelling work in concert to deliver aesthetic sophistication and practical performance, creating spaces that will serve the home's inhabitants well into the future.