Bordering Hagley Park, a new enclave of contemporary penthouses at ground level is a distinctive foray into contemporary urbanism in Christchurch.
Bridging the divide between park and urban streetscape, this project is a collaboration between architectural designer Case Ornsby, developer Craig Pickett of designHOME, interior designers Colin Foggo and Sam Tuuta, and Studio Italia.
Drawing on the tranquility of the verdant green backdrop, the exterior brings together traditional references with a refreshing modernity. Arranged in two rows and connected by a private central laneway, the form is an articulation of elegant architectural moves — weaving together elements of modernism and cuboid references, and offering a subtle nod to the Victorian terraces of Melbourne.
While the building maintains traditional residential proportions within the wider streetscape, materiality and form allude to something entirely new. “We set out to create a series of dwellings where textural interplays meet an aesthetic defined by moments of dark bronze and the charcoal tones of Roman-styled clinker brick,” says Case.
The dark, moody exterior material palette creates a recessive form against the greenery of the park. Dappled light articulates the façade’s textural elements, while bespoke steel screens on the upper level provide an extra layer of textural identity.
From the upper floors, expansive views frame the vast public space beyond, while elegant landscaping fosters a seamless transition between park and garden. Cascading greenery trails from planters formed into deep-set window frames on the upper storey, and immaculately landscaped gardens incorporate sheltered al fresco cooking and dining areas and strong connections to the natural environment — both immediate and within the wider context.
Drawing on a natural material palette, the interior design is centred on a sense of luxurious minimalism.
Elegantly scaled, spaces are light-filled and decadent with a palette of Italian stone, timber, and metallic accents. “The intention of the interior architecture is to draw on the external references and weave these inside into a palette that creates a subtle, contemporary allure,” Case says.
High ceilings and vast glazing meet a juxtaposition of material and tone; dark accents focus the gaze while natural fibres provide an intimate layering of textural elements.
Floor-to-ceiling stone tiles in the bathrooms meet timeless details, encapsulated in gently curved vanities and brushed bronze tapware.
Poliform kitchens introduce Italian craftsmanship and perfectly harmonious design details to the heart of each dwelling. The kitchens are on ground level and form the cornerstone of the interior design.
“Craig specifically chose Poliform for the kitchens, both to elevate the spaces and to set them apart from other products in the market,” Studio Italia designer Kady Ward explains.
“The beauty of Poliform is that the collection is incredibly versatile, with a huge variety of finishes and solutions that can be tailored to suit any project, budget, or location.”
In this development of eight enviable residences, the kitchen doors feature a mix of STM Champagne, laminate brown oak, and laminate bianco white, paired with benchtops crafted from Neolith Calacatta silk and Corian cameo white.
“It is a refined selection of modern materials, chosen to complement the architecture and wider interiors. The palette is timeless, and will adapt to the personalities that will come to inhabit these homes,” Kady says. “All three door finishes are user-friendly and durable while being highly suitable for a multi-residential development. STM is an innovative new metal-look laminate, with colours exclusive to Poliform. The back wall is elevated by the detail of Poliform’s Shaker system.”
Close to amenities and the city centre, this architectural enclave unveils itself in the vernacular of places a world away, taking its occupants on a journey — perhaps to Melbourne, Milan, or beyond.
View the Harcourts listing here.
Images: Stephen Goodenough
