HOUSE OF THE YEAR WINNER

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 694, 8 July 1997, Page 6

HOUSE OF THE YEAR WINNER

'A well-planned house obviously bullt by a craftsman'

"A big house on a stunning rural site," is how the judges describe Alan and Karen Murdie's House of the Year award winning home, built by Peter Richards Builders Ltd. "Mount Ruapehu is a dominant presence from the house with all rooms oriented to the fantastic view," they said of the winning house in the Wanganui region's $220,000 — $300,000 category. The judges said it has the best kitchen they had seen and beautifully finished bathrooms and timber work. "Brilliant indoor and outdoor living spaces with nicely finished timberwork

to expansive decks feature," said the judges. "A well-planned house obviously built by a craftsman." The house also won the Hardiplank Villaboard award for bathrooms. Following the Wanganui win, the house was judged again on Sunday for the regional competitions, the winners of which will be judged for the national finals. The 276m2 house is laid out in a cross shape, with the kitchen at the centre of the cross, the double garage and utilities in the southern wing. Three of the four bedrooms are in the east wing, a lounge and dining room take up the west wing and

a smaller lounge in the north wing in front of the kitchen. Large decks on either side of the cross give outdoor living areas that catch the sun and views while providing shelter from most wind directions. The plan is such that all the living areas as well as three of the bedrooms enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain from the 2 V . 2 acre site. While working in the open plan kitchen, one can also take in the view through the smaller living area. Karen Murdie said she wanted an open kitchen where she could work while still keeping in touch with

what's going on in the living areas. She said she knew what she wanted but had difficulty visualising it and explaining it to the builder, Peter Richards and joiner Graeme Murdie of Horne Brothers. "There was a lot of patience between Pete and Graeme," she said. Karen said the house is just what they wanted — spacious, peaceful, with magnificent views and it has a friendly feel to it. The house was designed by a Wellington architect, Alan Minty, with the landscaping designed by Felicity Campbell of Taupo. Others involved in the construction included John Mcllory Ltd, registered master plumbers and drainlayers.