Paddock 35
By Imagine Architecture
Paddock 35 – Opunake
Designer: Tony Biesiek – Imagine Building Design
Site area: 42.32ha Floor area: 524m2
Awards:
- International:
- National:
- 2018 ADNZ – Architecture Awards - Highly Commended - Taranaki/Wanganui/Manawatu Region
- 2017 MASTER BUILDERS - House of The Year - Taranaki
Winner - Supreme Award
Winner - Gold Award
Winner - Gold Reserve Award
Winner - New House $1m - $2m
Winner - Lifestyle Award
Winner - Outdoor Living
Paddock 35 is all about its connection to the outdoors, the owner’s farm, the mountain and the sea. Located in paddock number 35 on an exposed South Taranaki farm with expansive rural outlooks, a northerly vista of Mt Taranaki and the coast to the south & west, the elevated building platform enabling total access to these views and setting the house prominently on a plinth.
A key feature for the owners was ample entertaining space both internally and externally which is exemplified by the covered outdoor living space, where entertaining is extended year-round with an open log fire. This space is connected to the large kitchen which serves as a family kitchen and a hub for the various community projects that the owners partake in and support. These include opening their home for charity fundraisers and being almost a commercial kitchen, a baking hub for the owner’s legendary cupcakes (just ask any of the lucky recipients). To meet this demand the kitchen extends into a well-appointed scullery with a freezer/wine/store room beyond. Dark cabinetry contrasts strongly with the pale wall palette whilst the stainless steel benches are not only durable but beautiful too.
The material palette is simple. A mix of polished concrete, tiles, stone, carpet and tiled surfaces. The restraint is key in elevating the display of local Kevin Betteridge art, David Trubridge lighting and a Japanese wall mural.
The interior solution is all about light, both natural and artificial, to create sense of space and calm. Natural light in the main living areas is gained through the high and pitched ceiling, allowing light to penetrate deep into the space. The smaller spaces have more conventional sized glazing with even the main hall having windows providing soft south light. As the sun sets the transformation from light and open to warm and cosy is clearly evident. With carefully balanced lighting levels and lighting temperature getting the feel “just right”. The turquoise pendant lights in the kitchen bring a splash of colour whilst performing their primary function.
The real excitement happens in the hallway and bathroom. The hallway becomes a piece of art in itself with Trubridge “Kina” lights projecting a gorgeous pattern across the walls, floor and ceiling. Intensifying as the natural light diminishes. The bathrooms are beautifully appointed and fully tiled with the main bathroom featuring a walk-through shower and freestanding bath with views to die for. However, the “pièce de résistance” is the Japanese “Otaksa” bathroom mural by Komar dominating an entire wall. When the light fades and the outside view disappears, the eye moves to the beautiful Okatsa, an heirloom hydrangea flower in a mural that creates a poetic arrangement of petals and script.
Paddock 35, a warm and dramatic home yet still connected to its purpose, the farm.
Colours & Materials:
Stonework: Hard as Rocks: Country Rubble Serrano
Carpets: Intelligent Style SmartStrand- Domino
Wall finish: Wallpaper
Ceiling colour: Resene Hi Top White
Trim colour: Resene 1/8 Tapa
Indoor Fire: Metro, Mega Smart inbuilt fire
Lighting: Various LED & David Trubridge “Kina”
Kitchen tops: Stainless and Lapitech
Kitchen appliances: Fisher and Paykel
Bathroom Tiles: GL dark shadow natural, Classy glass 202 aqua mosaic, MID black satin hexagon
Tapware: Methven Kiri and Paini Cox Kitchen Mixer
Professionals used in
Paddock 35
More projects from
Imagine Architecture
About the
Professional
Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.
Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.
At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.
Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.
Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.
Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.
If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.
- Year founded2002
- ArchiPro Member since2015
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