A robust sculptural form anchored to its hill site, this dwelling comprises a palette of textured concrete, black zinc and cedar composed and detailed in a refined manner. Exposed structural steel portal frames provide a quality of lightness by way of allowing the upper level living area to float into the view.
Accessed off a quiet right of way, privacy is afforded by solid walls. Entering through a dramatic backlit space, occupants make the transition from privacy to transparency and are rewarded with expansive views over the estuary to the Southern Alp’s beyond from the main living spaces.
Timber finishes provide richness and visual warmth to the interior. A number of bespoke fittings add to the crafted nature of this project. High quality materials used throughout will patina gracefully ensuring the longevity of the dwelling.
The resulting home offers a sense of security, substance and permanence, and affords moments of calm within spaces for reflection, embodying a way of living to better suit its occupants.
Completed: 2015
Photography: Charlotte Clements
Winner 2016 NZIA Canterbury Architecture Award
Judges Citation;
"Anchored confidently on a ridge high above Christchurch, this strong yet elegant house is full of surprises. The house delights in expansive views of the Southern Alps, but also counter these big views with spaces of calm reflection. The interior, which unfolds with refinement and integrity of form, detail and material, feels immediately comfortable."
Two townhouses positioned on the site that once belonged to historic homestead “Rock Villa” were an exercise in suburban residential densification. Located in the heart of a beachside village, each townhouse was designed for easy, light filled modern living.
With intimate setbacks and landscaped courtyards set behind the original low stone wall, the townhouses strengthen the overall street scene by reinforcing the existing pattern language of the street.
Use of local red volcanic rock and Jarrah hardwood salvaged from Rock Villa adds a layer of richness to the high quality material palette.
Completed: 2015
Photography: Open to View
Nestled alongside a pocket of native bush on an exposed hill site this dwelling offers spectacular ocean views over Pegasus Bay.
The solution of a central courtyard maximizes the panoramic views whilst offering protection from the site’s predominant cool sea breezes. The upper level wraps three sides around the courtyard filling adjacent spaces with sunlight.
A smaller covered terrace to the east provides shading to the length of the living wing. When weather permits large sliders can be opened up in effect tripling the useable living space.
With a simple and modest approach this dwelling offers ease of living on a steep hill site.
Completed: 2015
Photography: Charlotte Clements
This residential alteration project is signficant in scale and one of strong transformation. Through the removal of superfluous detailing and rationalisation of previously inefficient spatial arrangements, the dwelling is transformed to a house of simplified form and function.
Stripped back to bare framing, a new skin of cedar weatherboards, wide-tray roofing and aluminium window and door joinery now provides a modern aesthetic to the previously plaster-clad dwelling.
The extensive use of stained oak in new custom-designed joinery throughout is set against an otherwise predominantly pale hued interior material palette.
Completed: 2014
Photography: Charlotte Clements
Situated on a tree-lined street in an established neighbourhood, this two-level dwelling of two gable forms linked by an upper level bridge over an enclosed central courtyard exploits its narrow site.
Separate living spaces at ground floor level connected to exterior terraces allow for adaptable social living. The narrow nature of the form and generous glazing creates light-filled spaces throughout, with the exception of the dark oak lined library that offers retreat to the occupants.
White painted plaster render and blonded cedar weatherboards clad this contemporary dwelling that is simple in form and sophisticated in finish.
Completed: 2013
Photography: Charlotte Clements
Once a rose garden belonging to the neighbouring historic home, the site of this small house offers a sense of tranquility and restfulness. Comprised of two wings, the dwelling sits snuggly alongside a large existing Totora and two outdoor terraces are connected to the living spaces, ensuring ease of transition between interior and exterior.
The exterior material palette was selected to reference the neighbouring historic homestead. A textured white wall is punctuated with selective openings to capture views whilst offering privacy to the street side. Daylight spills through three carefully positioned rooflights, with one offering a view into the Totora canopy.
Much like a weathering piece of driftwood nestled into a sand dune, this seaside dwelling was designed to age gracefully.
Completed: 2011
Photography: Charlotte Clements
This small two-bedroom dwelling is an exercise in efficiency: budget and scale. The dwelling comprises two independent gable forms separated by a flat roof providing cover to the entry recess. The first gable, with plywood lined ceiling, accommodates kitchen, dining and living spaces and opens out to a northern living terrace. The two bedrooms with ensuites are contained under the second gable roof alongside tandem garage and laundry.
The white painted block veneer with expressed lintels and shiplap cedar weatherboards create an elegant and timeless aesthetic. The Hawkesbury house also pays homage to the ‘Pixie’ houses built during the 1960’s and 1970’s that utilised these materials as well as small footprints and steep pitched roofs to suit the climatic requirements of the Canterbury region.
Completed: 2010
Photography: Open to View
A small house built of concrete, originally constructed in the 1940’s, was in a state of disrepair when the owners, two architects, commenced its restoration and upgrade in 2012. The appeal was instant, as was its potential: to create a home with a high standard of comfort, which would also, respectfully, give new life to the building’s unique aesthetic.
Repair of the exterior skin to ensure weathertightness, integration of structural upgrade elements and construction of a high quality thermal envelope were prioritised. The renewal of selected existing interior finishes, such as the textural concrete ceilings and rimu floors and doors, followed, and careful attention was paid to create delineation of old to new materials. Simple white walls meet the ceilings and floors with a shadowline margin, as not to compete. Highlights of black steel, brass and new timber joinery reference aspects of the original fittings and these sit alongside restored original fixtures.
With a desire to physically undertake much of the work the couple have taken a slow approach to crafting their home. Living on site throughout much of the restoration has provided the opportunity to consider the function of the spaces specific to their family values and the site’s climatic qualities.
With the restoration phase now complete the couple anticipate the commencement of the next phase: a “pop-up” extension. With a twofold gain, the extension will create permanent access to the roof for additional outdoor living, as well as the formation of a primary bedroom and ensuite, thus completing the couple’s desire for an enduring family home.
Completed: 2016
Photography: Charlotte Clements
