[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-how-these-first-home-owners-created-contemporary-family-haven":3},{"headline":4,"category":5,"content":6,"publishDate":7,"url":8,"summary":9,"heroImage":10},"How these first-home owners created a contemporary family haven","Design","\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Background\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>“Monique and I had never owned a house before as we were busy focusing on our careers,” says Nigel. Both were born and raised in Seychelles but met  at university in Christchurch. When the couple arrived in Nelson seven years ago  for Monique’s career, they were attracted by the relaxed vibe – a contrast to what they’d experienced in Auckland and Christchurch – and knew they wanted  to settle. “Plus it’s sunny,” says Nigel. “New Zealand is our home now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>The brief\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The site was chosen predominantly for its proximity to the local hospital where  Monique works as a doctor. Approximately 10 minutes from work, she is able to quickly respond to emergencies. Rather than choosing a pre-designed  plan, the couple opted to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.signature.co.nz\u002Fdesign-build\">Design & Build.\u003C\u002Fa> “We wanted our first house to have a modern, open-plan design with lots of space for our kids to grow into,” says Nigel. Connection to the outside was also important. Large, bi-fold windows that allow the inside to flow seamlessly to the outdoors was vital for the family during summer. In winter, the generous windows capture the view and sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cimg class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.datocms-assets.com\u002F56178\u002F1643224382-20200924-bishopdale-20deck.jpg?fm=jpg&w=1600&q=50\" style=\"width: 1200px; height: 750px;\">\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Planning\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>From the outset, Nigel and Monique knew  that the house must-have functionality  for easy family living. Central heating  was also high on the list of priorities.  Researching different materials and  bringing them together was rewarding.  Seeing their vision and all their ideas  come to life during the building process  was incredibly satisfying for the couple.  They worked closely with the Signature  Homes team to create exactly what they  wanted for their long-term family home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Design\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Spread across two floors, the ground floor  is the communal, open-plan living space with  easy access to the expansive 102sqm Kwila  deck. The upper level is where you’ll find the  bedrooms, study, and kids’ area.  “Three-quarters of the floor is taken up  with the boys’ living and study area and one-quarter  is ours,” says Nigel. Their generous  master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and  luxurious ensuite is the couple’s sanctuary.  The most satisfying element of the  building process was designing the house,  says Nigel, and exploring the possibilities  of just what could be done in a new home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cimg class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.datocms-assets.com\u002F56178\u002F1643224389-20200924-031_sh19_nelson_203.jpg?fm=jpg&w=1600&q=50\" style=\"width: 1200px; height: 801px;\">\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Interiors\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The modern feel of the house is amplified  by the couple’s choice of architectural  features. They splurged on American ash  stairs, which are framed by striking vertical  timber – a feature they are delighted with.  The onyx honed concrete-block feature walls  add texture, contrast, and wow factor to the  entrance. The window seat in the open-plan  living area is an inviting place to sit and read.  The bathrooms are decadent and indulgent  escapes, particularly the master ensuite  with its free-standing bath next to a full height picture window. With a view to the  bush-covered hill, the bath is an idyllic spot  to luxuriate and de-stress. The black-and-white tiled walk-in shower is also a standout  feature, ticking boxes for functionality  as well as style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Exteriors\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Vertical timber cladding is paired with  James Hardie Axon Panels for a handsome  exterior. A black garage door, guttering,  lighting, and black-framed glazing make  for a crisp, contemporary finish. Outdoor  connections are made through generous  bi-fold doors to the deck and a servery  from the kitchen, which opens to a bar  leaner and seating for easy entertaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.datocms-assets.com\u002F56178\u002F1643224396-20200924-bishopdale.jpg?fm=jpg&w=1600&q=50\" style=\"width: 1200px; height: 750px;\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>The build\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>“The Signature Homes team put a lot  of effort into the home and the end  result is great,” says Nigel. Yes, there  were challenges during the process  he says but “we met them head-on  as we wanted our house to be perfect”,  as did the Signature Homes team. To see more of the Bishopdale plan click \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.signature.co.nz\u002Fdesign-build\u002Fbishopdale\">here\u003C\u002Fa>.  \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you have a home design in mind then why not \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.signature.co.nz\u002Fpage\u002Ffind-local-team\">speak to our team\u003C\u002Fa> about building Your Home, Your Way.\u003C\u002Fp>","2020-09-24","how-these-first-home-owners-created-contemporary-family-haven","Far from the shores of the Seychelles where they were raised, first-home owners Monique and Nigel have created a contemporary haven for their family in Nelson.",{"url":11,"responsiveImage":12},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.datocms-assets.com\u002F56178\u002F1643224376-21507_blog_image.jpg",{"alt":4,"aspectRatio":13,"base64":14,"height":15,"width":16,"src":11},1.8916256157635467,"data:image\u002Fjpeg;base64,\u002F9j\u002F4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD\u002F2wCEAAoHBwgHBhAIDwgLDg0QDg4NDhYNFhINFg4NFxUZGBYVIhUaHysjGh0oHRUWJDUlKC0vMjIyGSI4PTcwPCsxMi8BCgsLDg0OFQ0NHDsoFhwvLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vLy8vL\u002F\u002FAABEIAA0AGAMBIgACEQEDEQH\u002FxAAYAAACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAMFB\u002F\u002FEABsQAAIDAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEESJR\u002F8QAFwEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAP\u002FEABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhFR\u002F9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDRb9CZCr1wLaZNRFIWy9FbkMqh7Ro6gVmq2XAG2SmV0\u002F\u002FZ",1015,1920,1778109872732]