_Willow Park

RENOVATION / WAITAKI VALLEY

Willow Park is a Country Estate reimagined, an evolution of the family home. More than just the building itself, its idyllic nature-scape + surrounding farmland have long been an oasis for reflection + inspiration. Willow Park honours its past + respects its future with an entire renovation of the original Oamaru Stone homestead, a modern extension now doubles the footprint + brings Willow Park into a new era.

With Wellness Architecture at the core, the vision was to design a biophilic, sustainable, health + wellness home. One that regenerates it’s natural resources + continues to inspire in a much-elevated way.

All materials, products + finishes were mindfully curated. Aesthetically its where high-quality craftsmanship meets laid-back luxury. From a technical POV its where non-toxic + sound absorbing materials take centre stage, with circadian rhythm lighting + UV purified water for good measure.

The homestead consists of 8 bedrooms + ensuites, 3 living areas, 2 dining areas, 3 outdoor entertaining areas + a tranquil outdoor bath area.

_Awarded: Master Builder House of the Year 2022

NATIONAL AWARDS WON

  • National Supreme Renovation of the Year

  • National Category Winner

  • National Kitchen Excellence

  • Top 100

REGIONAL AWARDS WON

  • Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year

  • Regional Category Winner

  • Regional Gold

_Featured:

  • NZ House & Garden (cover)

  • Otago Daily Times

  • House of the Year Magazine

  • The Post

_Collaborators:

Architect / I Design

Landscape Architect / Design Squared

Builder / Roger Gilchrist Building Services

Project Management / Forgie Hollows & Associates

Good_Space Method

    • A strong focus on non-toxic materials from the construction through to the interiors

    • Non-toxic paint + finishes including a custom water-based stains for all joinery

    • Low VOC and non-toxic glues + sealants

    • Enhanced UV water filtration treats the water source before it reaches the homestead

    • Further water filtration installed in the kitchen, scullery and master ensuite; including instant boiling and sparkling water

    • The property uses hydro-power, directly from the Waitaki valley

    • The 2 ponds are natural habitat and sanctuary for both the native birds as well as the large family of ducks

    • Circadian rhythm lighting controls the colour temperature in all rooms of the home

    • Natural light floods the inside spaces through ample glazing

    • Retractable electronic awning across the northern courtyard blocks afternoon glare

    • All skylights have electronic blinds when the sun is directly above the homestead for enhanced comfort

    • The Interior Design methodology borrows from the Waitaki landscape

    • Nature arrival into the homestead via the atrium sets the scene

    • Views take in the natural landscape from every angle

    • Natural materials, textures and patterns of nature are incorporated into the finishings

    • Photography and artwork that adorn the walls are inspired by nature, captured + crafted by NZ talent

    • Both the existing and new extension of the homestead has natural wool insulation

    • All wooden floors were installed with an acoustic underlay

    • Plants feature heavily in each space, helping to buffer any loud sounds

    • Dense 100% natural wool carpets in all bedrooms and in 2 of the 3 living areas

    • A collection of hand-knotted rugs adorn every room to further absorb sound

    • The new extension is wrapped in locally sourced Oamaru Stone and crafted by local stonemasons

    • The entire farm property is hydro-powered

    • An on-site potager grows seasonal and organic produce

    • A strong focus was put on restoring existing and prized furniture elements

    • Newly purchased wooden furniture elements were bespoke and NZ made

“Willow Parks’ redevelopment was always going to be a legacy project, as we tried to reimagine the future after 140 years as a historic homestead. Jade introduced us to concepts and design criteria that offered a balance of modern day functionality, along with environmental respect, as we rebuilt for the future.

Her knowledge and skillsets are remarkable, and made a challenging project a delight to work on, for all the trades and us as owners.”

Gloria + Ian / Homeowners

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