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This four-level former warehouse is now a standout art-filled apartment

Article by Simply You

Prominent members of the New Zealand art and design scene Vicki Vuleta and Gary Langsford offer a look inside their Auckland-city home – and it’s no surprise it’s a masterpiece 

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Vicki Vuleta and Gary Langsford are prominent members of the New Zealand art and design scene, so it’s hardly surprising their home is an absolute standout. A massive concrete cube spanning four levels and straddling a corner on Auckland’s Upper Queen Street, the building also houses Vuleta’s art, vintage and interiors business, Design55, and is home to her 19-year-old daughter Isabella.

The couple bought the former warehouse in 2005, completely gutted it and engaged the services of New York-based Kiwi architect David Howell. “It was designed to be sculptural from the outside,” says Langsford, a long-time art collector, dealer and owner of the Gow Langsford galleries in Lorne and Kitchener streets.

Inside it’s a slick, high-walled, all-white space that showcases the couple’s extraordinary art, furniture and objet collection to perfection. Modern masterpieces by the likes of British artist Damien Hirst are mixed with highly-collectable 1940s Italian vintage furniture, a rare historic wooden cross from the Solomon Islands, a silver plate by Pablo Picasso and glasswork by Anne Robinson. “You can put anything together so long as the quality is right,” says Langsford.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and principal living area is the heart of the home as the couple entertain often – for business and pleasure. “We love sharing it because we’re passionate about what we do,” says Vuleta.

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On the top floor is the couple’s bedroom and ensuite bathroom (with a view to downtown Auckland and the harbour from the tub), opening onto a large balcony and rooftop-style garden with enviable views over the city to the Waitakere Ranges. “The garden is my sanctuary,” says Vuleta. “It’s our space.” This is true urban living and it fits the couple’s lifestyle and professional needs to a tee. “I didn’t want to be mowing lawns in Herne Bay or cleaning pools,” says Langsford.

gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz

design55.co.nz

Words by: Naomi Larkin. Photography by: Rebekah Robinson.

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