Since opening in 2022 our Thorne Group showhome at 15 Montiicola Drive, has generated a lot of buzz. Visitors frequently take a seat and immerse themselves in the ambiance of the home, often commenting on their favourite features. Here are the top 10 features that our visitors most commonly comment on!
1.Entrance.
The integration of natural elements starts from the front door, with exterior cedar cladding seamlessly flowing into the interior. This continuity not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a connection to the surrounding environment.
2. Interior Courtyard
The central courtyard is connected to the interior on three sides by multiple stacked doors seamlessly connecting interior and exterior spaces, creating an inviting extension to the home. Complete with an outdoor fire and built-in BBQ, this versatile sanctuary becomes another living zone creating the ultimate indoor / outdoor lifestyle.
3. Scullery
The scullery in the Thorne Group showhome has unquestionably become a focal point of many conversations. Featuring a secondary sink, a separate dishdrawer (from the main dishwasher in the kitchen), strategically placed bins for effortless waste management, extensive open pantry shelving, and a resilient stainless-steel benchtop.
4. Cavity Sliders
Oversized custom pocket sliders seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, facilitate a fluid transition between indoor areas. Constructed in solid oak and reinforced by steel frames, these sliders feature reeded glass panels, creating a blend of privacy, durability and aesthetic refinement.
5. Limestone Bench
One of my personal favourites and very much a conversation starter is the striking limestone benchtop, complete with fossils capturing the history of the stone. The edge of the island unit has a rough textured finish creating the illusion the benchtop is a solid piece of rock taken out of the ground.
6. Interior Planted Atrium
Central to the home's interior is a planted atrium, featuring a Japanese maple framed in a picture window greeting you from the entrance. Pull back the large stacker/sliders on both sides of the atrium, and suddenly, you’re enveloped by a sense of the home being almost canopy-like and connected to the natural environment.
7. The office
Gone are the days of relegating offices to dark corners of the home. This office space, conveniently nestled behind the kitchen, offers a sense of connection while ensuring productivity. Complete with bespoke solid oak shelving and cabinetry, the space seamlessly combines functionality with elegance, creating a workspace that inspires creativity and comfort.
8. Pull down bed
The pull-down (murphy) bed, coupled with custom shelving on either side, offers the flexibility to easily transform the room from a guest haven to an additional media space, snug or office. It's all about versatility, ensuring that the room adapts effortlessly to meet different functions while maintaining a soothing design aesthetic.
9. Curved walls
The strategic placement of two elegantly curved walls at diagonally opposite ends of the home's structure serves to soften the overall aesthetic, providing a contrast against the predominantly straight lines of the remainder of the home and adding visual interest. This architectural feature not only enhances the interior's flow but also contributes to a sense of harmony within the space. Furthermore, the decision to clad the interior walls of the kitchen and scullery in vertical cedar complements the organic feel of the curved walls, infusing the area with both warmth and texture.
10. Master bathroom
This bathroom won the Master Build 2023 House of the Year Regional Lifestyle Bathroom Award and it stands out for good reason. Offering a spa-like experience within the confines of the home, its unique feature of bi-fold doors opening to a landscaped garden creates a seamless connection to nature while ensuring privacy through strategically planted greenery.
Thorne Group Showhome Awards
Gold GIB Showhome award
Category Winner GIB Showhome award
Regional Lifestyle Award for Bathroom Excellence
Regional Lifestyle Award for Environmental and Sustainability Excellence
National Master Build HOY Top 100
ADNZ Regional award for residential new home 150m2-300m2
ADNZ Regional award for Architectural Interiors
ADNZ Regional award for Resene Colour in Design
ADNZ National award for Architectural Interiors
ADNZ National award for Resene Colour in Design
