Next-Level Living

Wanting to push themselves with their new home, a pair of savvy builders came up with an ingenious design that brings easy living to a sharp slope

- Annick Larkin

If you’re thinking there’s something familiar about Joe and Lisa Byrne, you’re right. Their previous home was featured in our October 2015 issue, but now they’ve built again, this time as part of the Millwater development near Silverdale on Auckland’s North Shore. The couple own a building company, Byrne Homes, and wanted to create a new home for their family that would push the boundaries of design and construction, in order to showcase what they can do.

Joe and Lisa purchased the empty lot in February 2016. The steep section may have been too challenging for other buyers, but Joe could immediately see its potential. The couple worked with a local award-winning architect – LTD Architectural, whom they’ve used for many of their builds – and together nutted out a clever, three-level design. “We enjoy the process and appreciate that LTD Architectural always ‘get’ what we are trying to achieve as a company,” explains Lisa.

IN THE MIDDLE

The multi-tiered design works with the site’s natural landform to maximise the extensive sea views. Upon entry, on the lowest level, you are greeted with a beautiful, wide, timber staircase with recessed lighting, which takes you up to the main living, dining and kitchen zone – an absolute haven of light and space. Here, in this large open-plan area, jaw-droppingly beautiful views are captured by wide, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Just across the hallway is a cosy family lounge furnished in soft greys and pops of pastels which repeat through the house. Also on this level are a luxe laundry with black and timber cabinetry and a generously sized home office – all of which connect seamlessly to roomy outdoor spaces.

BOLD AND BLACK