Tim and Jude Hooson are used to people’s jaws dropping when visitors see their unique Viaduct Harbour apartment for the first time.
But for renowned architect Tim, who designed the striking interior of their Lighter Quay home, the ultimate compliment came from a colleague’s young son, who had a visceral response to the unusual curved Corian walls.
“He came in and hugged the wall,” recalls Tim. “As an architect, it is very special to see that kind of response to something you have designed, especially as children can be so honest.”
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The innovative use of Corian – an acrylic product which is most commonly used for kitchen work surfaces – is just one of many features that makes Tim and Jude’s home so very special. Lifelong apartment dwellers who couldn’t imagine life in the ‘burbs, the couple bought two apartments in the Andrew Patterson-designed Stratis building 12 years ago and converted them into one stunning space.
The location of the apartment at the end of the building means there is water on three sides (including a lock), and keen sailors Tim and Jude love feeling as if they are actually on the water themselves.
“It was a conscious decision to have an apartment on this lower level so that we are at the level of the boats, and feels as if we are on the back of a boat,” says Tim.
But despite the fact there’s glass on three sides and a public footpath going past the building, they don’t feel like they are on show.
“Because we are slightly elevated, nobody walking past really looks in. You are the one in the privileged position of being able to watch what is going on around you,” points out Tim.
And there’s certainly plenty going on in this popular waterside area “There are great restaurants and cafés, Seamart, Silo Park, the playground – which brings lots of families,” says Jude. “Plus we’re so close to Victoria Park, to New World.”
Adds Tim, “It is one thing to be in the centre of a city, but it is another thing to be in the centre of a city where there is so much community spirit. We really enjoy it.”
Because the environment surrounding the apartment is very urban and linear, Tim wanted to create a completely different feeling inside.
“I wanted to bring the reference of the water into the apartment and also to generate something that was very peaceful and tranquil in a busy city.”
One of the ways he did this was by creating the striking Corian passageway from the front door that cuts through the apartment and opens out to the living and dining area. The walls curve to resemble billowing sails, and weave sinuously through the space. Combined with stone floors, white oak timber cabinetry and opaque acrylic panels, the end result is spectacular, and it’s no surprise that Tim has won awards for the design.
The main living area makes good use of a lanai that can be opened up via sliding doors to increase the size of this space or closed off to create a separate outdoor zone. The triangular kitchen, with its Corian benches and sink, is not only stylish but practical. Then there are the two bathrooms, which could have been beamed down from a futuristic space ship. They have circular showers with multiple shower heads (“it’s like standing under a gentle waterfall,” says Jude), and curved pod-like toilets which automatically flush when the lid is lowered.
A second living area/library/TV room can double as a guest bedroom and looks down on the mooring where the Hoosons used to keep their yacht. Tucked away behind that is a service room with laundry facilities, a clothesline and rows of commercial Lundia shelving which provide a huge amount of storage.
In fact there’s plenty of cleverly concealed storage throughout the home, including in the dressing room next to Jude and Tim’s bedroom.
Jude runs her strategic planning consultancy from home and can work from anywhere in the apartment.
“Working from home has been an absolute joy – it is a very uplifting place to be, and it never feels boring. The light here is wonderful and it feels very creative.”
They’re moving on as they’ll be spending more time at their second home in the Coromandel plus Tim’s feeling the urge to tackle a new project.
Agent Pene Milne, of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, says she’s never seen another property like Tim and Jude’s home in the many years she’s been in the real estate industry. “Some people collect art - well, this to me is collectable architecture. It’s like a piece a sculpture. When I take people to see it, you can hear them taking a breath when they walk in.
“And you’ve got the best of both worlds - incredible design and a prime location right on the water.”
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