Silverhills by Design Builders

Silverhills is a functional and sustainable family home that emerged after Tara Todd and Trent Bartle, homeowners and managing partners at Design Builders, entered the building industry by accident when they found their dream patch of land.

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Silverhills has been a labour of love. “Designing a building that’s for ourselves, there were a few key elements we needed to make sure we got right,” says Todd. “We wanted to make sure we designed the home specifically to the site, to how we like to live, the location and incorporate the views from every main aspect of the home.” Also central to the brief was ensuring the home is functional in terms of lighting and security and caters to entertaining guests.

“We wanted to make sure we designed the home specifically to the site, to how we like to live, the location and incorporate the views from every main aspect of the home.”

From the street, the residence is tucked into the hillside; located on a ridgeline with a steep slope and a low roofline. Working with the terrain, Design Builders achieved a split-level structure that blends into the land and, as you drive towards the home, there’s a seamless garage that draws one’s eye straight to a beautiful entrance way. The main entrance hall leads to an open plan living, kitchen and dining area, which can also be closed off into separate rooms when desired. From the living room, a 14-metre-long hallway encompasses views of the surrounding landscape, leading to three bedrooms that also all have views of their own, before stepping down another level to the main bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in robe.

Also central to Silverhills’ design is a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. All indoor spaces lead to a large, covered deck with large skylights, welcoming natural light into the space. There is also an outdoor entertaining area with an indoor pool and spa that look out to views across the valley.

“We chose PDL’s Wiser Smart Home for our preferred smart home solution as it integrated well with how we like to live,” notes Todd.

For Todd and Bartle, it was also crucial to incorporate a home automation system within the design. “We chose PDL’s Wiser Smart Home for our preferred smart home solution as it integrated well with how we like to live,” notes Todd. The design incorporates the Iconic Silver Shadow switches, which complement its natural timbers and dark tiles. The system is easy to use, functional and is integrated seamlessly throughout the house. “We wanted an eco-efficient home that is as future-proof as possible, and having smart home technology helps support a sustainable home,” continues Todd. “It’s more cost-effective, you can control your power usage and it’s better for the environment,” adds Bartle.

Design Builders created a dwelling that is an ode to their company values. It is functional and connects to the outdoors at every opportunity, while home automation means the house is also eco-friendly; utilising solar, timers and automation. The end result is a holistic design that delivers a safe, comfortable family home.

Build by Design Builders. Electrics by PDL .