There’s usually a reason for every decision when building your new home. In our latest series we tell that story for some of our latest builds, so that it may help you understand all that needs to be considered when starting your own ‘design and build’ story.
GRUT GREENS
A home that provides connection and privacy for three generations and the dog
When Kiri Bevan answered her phone late one afternoon she had no idea the call would eventually lead to her family building a new home.
The call was from her nephew, letting her know that her Mum Glenys was injured and stuck in the bush in Waihi. Kiri’s parents had taken her nephews on a short hike to a waterfall and unfortunately, Glenys had slipped and injured her leg. Kiri’s Dad Marty had fashioned some crutches out of tree branches but Glenys was still in too much pain to walk. With a storm coming in and no signal on their phones, Marty had sent Kiri’s nephews to call the police and go to the surf club for help.
While her nephew brought her up to speed, Kiri could hear sirens wailing in the background. An IRB was dispatched from the surf club to help, but the waves were too big and they were forced to turn back. In the end a helicopter was sent from Tauranga to airlift Glenys out. The family later discovered she had shattered several bones in her ankle.
With Marty out working, Glenys stayed with Kiri’s family for six months while she recuperated. For Kiri and her husband Andy, this gave them a glimpse into the future and they talked about renovating their home to make room for her parents on a more permanent basis. Then a friend offered them a section to buy in Millwater with the idea they could build a home to suit them from scratch.
Kiri and Andy bought the land and then mulled over options for a year before approaching Maddren Homes to discuss ideas. After a trip to Italy, where they were struck by the closeness of extended families, their mind was made up to push ahead with the new home.
From the outset, Kiri and Andy knew they didn’t want the traditional granny flat set up. They wanted a home that provided connection and privacy for all three generations, that made good use of space and that could be resold in the future as an integrated home. They shopped around a few different building companies, but it was Maddren who came up with a clever plan for making what they wanted work.
A few years and a lot of decisions later, The Bevans now have a spacious and ultra-flexible multigenerational home with resort-like grounds that works for the entire family. A living pavilion with family kitchen, dining and living spaces looking out over the pool provides a great, central place for everyone to share and congregate. Upstairs is a private sanctuary for the nuclear family with the grandparents living downstairs, at the rear of the home.
Their quarters are accessed via the hall or a door that cleverly connects the two kitchens. With a bedroom, bathroom, lounge, kitchen and ample storage under the stairs, the grandparents’ quarters work quite independently. Their ensuite is also accessible from the lounge, which is handy when they’re entertaining guests.
But with future-proofing in mind, an ingenious layout allows these spaces to work as well as a butler’s pantry, media room and guest suite, or a teenage hangout zone if required. The outside is also very clever, with a separate entrance, plenty of gardens and their own deck that is close to the pool and connects with the main outdoor area.
The COVID-19 lockdowns created an unexpected and rather extreme test of this new home, and all three generations have been thrilled with not only the flexibility and functional flow, but also the quality of the build and the great balance between luxury and practical living.
Maddren are passionate about providing their clients with a true design and build service, and creating this unique home to fit the extended Bevan family like a glove has been an absolute pleasure. It’s what Maddren does best.