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This striking black-clad home is designed for harsh coastal conditions

Article by Your Home and Garden

Building their dream home ensured this couple got everything they wanted, from Passive House certification to an enviable view across Dunedin

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The design

As intrepid DIYers with plenty of renovations under their belt, Ilona and Mark Weekley wanted to start with a blank slate that wasn’t constrained by existing structures when they built their Dunedin home. So, with the help of Architype architect Tim Ross and by using Axon Panel by James Hardie, they constructed a 235sqm two-storey home with four bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows on the steep site. One of the highlights is the “expansive sea views of the rugged Otago coastline from St Clair to Sandfly Bay, along with the city and the harbour,” says Ilona.

“We also wanted a warm, healthy home for our family that was energy efficient and had a low carbon footprint.”

The materials

The family wanted a home that would blend into its surroundings, be low maintenance and give them a sleek, modern aesthetic, which is why they opted to use Axon Panel by James Hardie, painted in Resene Double Foundry. As the vertical Axon Panel is engineered to stand up to the harsh conditions of the house’s coastal environment, they were the obvious choice.

The interior

The intention was to not detract from the incredible views. As such, the Weekleys used both light and dark paint, with coffee bamboo flooring and panels for the doors and window ledges to add warmth. The rooms were finished with splashes of colour to enhance the views.

The outdoors

With three areas to choose from, the family get to enjoy outdoor living year-round, despite Dunedin’s notoriously fickle weather. The outdoor fire and seating area is positioned at the front of the house – the sunniest spot. There’s also a downstairs courtyard, which is a sheltered area under the cantilevered part of the house that’s ideal for rainy days. But the 40sqm balcony with glass balustrade is the crowning glory and an extension of the open plan interior living space. “It’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee or a wine, watch the magnificent sunrises and sunsets, listen to the waves crashing or relax in the summer sun,” says Ilona.