A false start, Otago weather considerations and a need to incorporate sustainable features were all factors up against the Wānaka Lockwood team when building Tony and Sue’s dream home which is now in the running to become Lockwood House of the Year 2020.
After living abroad for many years, Tony Pfeiffer and Sue Webster decided it was time to return home to retire, settling on Wānaka after falling in love with the stunning landscape.
The couple’s first attempt didn’t go smoothly, having to discard their “dream” architectural plans as it didn’t fit with their budget and lifestyle.
Tony says they were disheartened after realising their architectural plans could not be a reality, until Chris Fraser’s Lockwood team helped them achieve their vision.
“This was our very first build and we naively thought we knew what we wanted. All that changed when Chris met us on site and talked us through the best design to showcase the expansive views and we haven’t looked back since.
“We wanted to capture as much light as possible and be able to soak up the amazing outlook our site has to offer. Chris and his team were knowledgeable and proactive in their approach and helped us to incorporate special features into the Pavilion Design, like our stained glass window, a separate Airbnb dwelling and custom-made vanities and benches.”
Chris knew Tony and Sue had high expectations around the incorporation of their ‘wish list’ of features and was pleased the Lockwood team and other local suppliers were able to work collectively and bring a once failed plan to life.
“I felt for the couple, I really did. It couldn’t have been easy to walk away from the original architectural plans they had their heart set on, but I’m pleased they trusted myself and the team to build their forever home.
“We had to factor in the harsh Otago winters, but welcome the breeze in summer. The cosy and natural feel of a Lockwood home really fits in with the beautiful landscape – this has to be one of my favourite builds.”
From copper hardware, a hanging Bioethanol fireplace and soft-closing barn doors to four striking David Trubridge pendant lights, the couple has created a ‘gallery of art work’ with their features.
Although their home is an exceptional masterpiece, Tony and Sue are up against four other breath-taking homes across Aotearoa in the Lockwood House of the Year, which is up for public vote for the first time this year.