It takes sheer nerve to build a house like this

How do you turn a sheer drop overlooking native bush into a modern family home? Take it step by step.

For builder and developer Pete Austin and architect Jeremy Chapman, the steep 619sq m section on the edge of Onepoto Domain in Auckland’s North Shore wasn’t a mission impossible but it was a challenge.

Chapman, from Jeremy Chapman Architects, says: “Clearly the site wasn’t straight-forward but we worked at coming up with a design that steps down over four levels and sits well in its native bush surroundings.

“I was lucky to have Pete Austin to work alongside for the design, and it turned out to be a mutually enjoyable process – he would drop into our offices on the way home from work and we would discuss progress.

“He listened to, and respected our suggestions and decisions.”

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Their creativity resulted in a four bedroom, three bathroom contemporary home with two living spaces and a start-of-the-art kitchen with scullery.

Chapman says that he didn’t want a hierarchy in terms of the use of space, and that even the stairway, a transitional area, is a feature in itself.

Some of his other objectives included ensuring maximum sunlight and clear views to Onepoto Domain.

The floor area at 62A Sylvan Avenue, Northcote, is 312sq m, with Chapman including 30sq m of storage space at the back of the garage and in a mezzanine above it.

Austin is pleased with the outcome of the project, which he undertook along with his siblings, on behalf of their parents, who had sold their house and moved to a retirement home.

“It was better than having money in the bank,” he says.

“This was a very technical build which was a full year in planning and I gathered a team of very experienced builders.”

Austin says that the new owners would benefit from a very flexible layout with potential for extended family accommodation.”

Bayleys agent Joe Telford, who is marketing the home, says it’s one of the best he’s seen for a while, but that establishing a price point has been difficult because it is unlike any other in the suburb.

“People are definitely loving the style and quality of the build,” he says.

“They appreciate the fine craftsmanship and realise that this is in such a handy location, close to the motorway.”

The house has a set sale date of Wednesday April 17.