marshlands house

Christchurch

This project was a new build for a family with three young boys. The goal at the heart of the design process was always to create a family home that was fun and easy to live in.

Living spaces are large and bright and flow together as well as outside. The concept was that these spaces should be multi-functional as well as multi-purpose. As the family grows and their needs change, the function of each space could evolve, furniture could be changed around, and areas could be used differently. Within these spaces there is the ability to close off areas to allow spaces to be used separately if needed.

Durable, plank flooring was used throughout the living space which encompasses dining, kitchen and living. This flows through large opening doors to an outside deck creating a strong indoor outdoor flow and further extending the parameters of the space.

Colour was used in the house to unify these multipurpose spaces with soft neutral tones flowing throughout the house. An individual character was also given to each space through the use of colour. Each colour was carefully selected to create a desired mood and atmosphere to define each area and its intended use.

It was also important that the children had a sense of connection with their own room and felt that it reflected their individuality. Each child selected their own feature colour, a process which created great excitement and pride in their space.

The soft neutral tones of Resene Merino and Resene Double Merino are used in almost every area of the house. This creates a sense of connection between spaces and allows the colour scheme to flow through the home despite the use of many very different colours. These tones also work as a harmonious backdrop to all of the other colours used in the home.

Resene Foundry was used in a glossy finish on the front door and vertical feature posts in the entry/living area - both as a feature and an introduction of this dark charcoal tone as an accent colour; it is used in furnishings and artwork throughout the home.

Resene Clockwork Orange is used on a cube shaped area which sits at the centre of the living/dining/kitchen space. This is a major colour statement which adds character and vibrancy to the main area of the home. The colour was chosen for its sense of fun and warmth. It is also a modern take on the traditional concept of the hearth as the heart of the home – this time encompassing kitchen and dining areas.

The lounge at the end of the main living area can be closed off to become a separate space and this is painted entirely in Resene Double Merino for a more restful/formal mood. It is also a harmonious backdrop to the large shelving unit which spans one length of the room filled with colourful books and ornaments.

The restful, gentle Resene Duck Egg Blue was used in the main bathroom and master bedroom for a soothing, relaxed mood in these areas.

The children’s bedrooms are primarily painted in Resene Merino and then each has a feature wall in a colour of the child’s choice – Resene Space Cadet, Resene Kumutoto and Resene Tutti Frutti. These bright, playful colours add a sense of fun and individuality to each bedroom, while still providing a restful atmosphere to wind down and relax in.

The paint surfaces had to be able to survive an environment which included three young boys as well as pets. Ease of cleaning and durability were therefore important considerations in the selection of the finishes.

Resene Zylone Sheen and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen were used for all the interior walls and work to temper the light, softening the appearance of surfaces and helping to create relaxed spaces.

Building contractor: Paul McStay Homes
Interior designer: Sarah Mallia Design
Painting contractor: Pete the Painter
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2016