Photographer: Lightforge Photography
Mount Pleasant, Christchurch
Awards:
2018 NZIA Canterbury Housing Award
2018 NZIA Canterbury Awards Jury Comments:
“A confident rebuild” is how the jury described this house, and they noted it was one positive outcome from the earthquakes. The black cedar and steel exterior is juxtaposed with the light and airy feel of the interior.
In response to the site, expansive views to both sea and valley are framed and focused, and sunlight, bright and dappled, is admitted to all rooms; the wind is tamed by well-connected courtyards. The social program gives teenagers some independence while offering plenty of family gathering and private spaces.”
This new contemporary hillside family home was developed as a series of separate wings over several levels following the topography. All main rooms are orientated to north and arranged around a central courtyard to provide shelter from prevailing winds, to capture the sun at different times of the day and to assist with cross ventilation of the entire house. The house has extensive glazing to capture the fantastic sea views from all rooms.