A vacant piece of land in Auckland’s St Mary’s Bay is transformed into a stunning contemporary home that champions its owners’ vision of being “ultimately uncomplicated”
Who lives here?
Ian Webster (founder and former owner of Verge women’s fashion label), Jianni Felpas and miniature schnauzer Bex.
The vision
The duo had a fairly free rein when it came to the kind of house they could build on the 680 square metre section. The only condition from the council was that the house must be in keeping with the ‘grain’ of the area. As far as design went, they knew what they didn’t want. “We didn’t want a bungalow or colonial look. We always wanted something more modern and contemporary,” Webster says. “Something using a lot of glass and wood, and something that could nestle into the hill without looking too harsh. We really just wanted the new place to hang together, be easy to live in and ultimately uncomplicated.”
Words by: Diana Clarke. Photography by: Sally Tagg.
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Large windows on both sides of the living area contribute to the seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
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Ian Webster (left), Jianni Felpas and miniature schnauzer Bex in the couple’s airy living area.
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The house was designed around the kitchen and outdoor pool area, which are located on the upper floor to make the most of the city views.
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The Frank sofa and Frank square ottoman from B&B Italia provide space to relax, while the concrete floor in the living area is softened by the Moving Mountains wool rug from Designer Rugs. The dining table and chairs were designed by Antonio Citterio and are also from B&B Italia.
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Concrete stairs connect the upper and lower floors.
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The kitchen counter is composite marble and the leather bar stools are from ECC.
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A painting by New Zealand artist Shane Cotton hangs in the downstairs study.
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The bed and headboard in the master bedroom are by Poliform.
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A Fornasetti candle is displayed under a bell jar.
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The Taccia lamp in the guest room is by Flos, the pictures are by Australian artist David Weir.
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The large painting in the upstairs powder room is by Cristina Popovici, the cylindrical basin is from Boffi.
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The lamp shade in the master bathroom is by Viso, the basin and bath are from Boffi.
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