Perched on a prominent Balmoral hill site in Ōtautahi Christchurch, this Superhome is carefully shaped by its terrain, climate, and outlook. The access road climbs steeply before the driveway curves around the base of the two-storey home, revealing a building that feels grounded, composed, and entirely at ease with its setting. From the outset, the design responds directly to the site: orientated to capture northern sun, framed views across the city and beyond, and shelter from the exposed hilltop conditions.
Replacing an earthquake-damaged home, the brief was both ambitious and deeply considered. The homeowners sought a residence that combined earthquake resilience, sustainability, comfort, liveability, and elegance - without compromise. Just as importantly, the house needed to be adaptable: a future-proofed, multigenerational home that could evolve over time while remaining beautiful and functional.
Designed for site, sun, and living
At 404 square metres, the home is generous yet highly efficient in its planning. The two-storey form steps naturally with the slope, minimising earthworks and allowing the building to sit comfortably within the landscape. Wide balconies, two-metre roof overhangs, and carefully positioned glazing work together to control sun, wind, and weather, while maintaining strong visual connections to the outdoors.
The expansive windows were essential for capturing the stunning views,” says Bob Burnett. “But they had to perform thermally as well as aesthetically.
European Koffman triple-glazed uPVC joinery with automated external blinds plays a key role in achieving this balance. With an R-value equivalent to a code-minimum 90mm wall, the windows deliver exceptional thermal performance. Combined with external blinds, deep eaves, and balconies, the home achieves effective solar control - staying cool in summer while remaining warm and cosy through winter - without sacrificing daylight or outlook.
Another important part of the brief was wall space. The design carefully mediates between glazing and solid surfaces, creating interiors that are light-filled yet grounded, refined yet practical.
In addition we wanted a home that maximised the views and at the same time had wall space to display our art collection,” says the homeowner.
The home was designed as a true two-in-one, supporting flexible, multigenerational living. The lower level includes a second kitchen and laundry, with drive-on access and a fully self-contained layout if required. Universal design principles are integrated throughout, including level-entry showers, wide doorways, and intuitive circulation, ensuring accessibility for people of all ages and abilities - now and into the future.
This adaptability allows the home to comfortably accommodate extended family, guests, or independent living arrangements, while maintaining privacy and ease of use across both levels.
Beauty, strength, and the Super Philosophy
A defining goal of the project was to demonstrate that high performance and high design can co-exist. The Balmoral Ōtautahi Superhome proves that architectural elegance and energy efficiency can reinforce one another.
Another key part of the brief was to avoid the trap of small windows or boxy forms sometimes seen in ultra-efficient homes,” says Bob
Structural resilience was paramount. Built to be ‘super strong’, the home is designed to withstand both seismic activity and the strong winds typical of exposed hill sites. Longevity was equally important. As Bob notes, the most sustainable design is often the one that lasts the longest - a home that will be loved, maintained, and valued for generations.
At Bob Burnett Architecture (BBA), this approach is second nature. With over two decades of experience specialising in hill site, energy-efficient homes, the practice has refined a process that delivers buildings which perform, endure, and delight.
Performance, health, and comfort
BBA Superhomes are climate-positive, low-carbon, and low-energy buildings crafted from natural, non-toxic, and recyclable materials. Every project balances client aspirations, budget, site constraints, functionality, and sustainability to support both occupant wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
Energy modelling is carried out early in the concept stage to confirm performance outcomes from the outset. All BBA projects aim for minimum of Base Superhome Certification and Balmoral is Best certified. This provides a clear guarantee of comfort, health, and energy performance - adding enduring value with certificied Superhomes now registered on council LIM reports.
Health and comfort guide every design decision. These homes maintain excellent indoor air quality, stable temperatures, and dry, comfortable interiors, free from condensation and mould. Running costs are kept low through exceptional energy efficiency, offering protection against future energy price increases.
A home to be loved
The homeowners are delighted with the result. Among the highlights, they note the even temperature throughout the house and the remarkable quietness of the interiors.
We also like the fact that there are many places around the home to enjoy peace and quiet when relaxing or reading a book, both indoors and out. The design and building of our home was a good experience and we felt that the designers, builders and tradespeople were talented, approachable, and wanted this to be a home they would all be happy to be associated with.
BBA’s award-winning Superhomes combine leading-edge performance with timeless architectural design. They are more comfortable, more resilient, and ultimately more valuable.
This is arguably the most advanced Superhome yet. It’s become a blueprint for how New Zealanders can build better, smarter, and more sustainably in the years to come.
Designed to keep cool in summer, warm in winter, and adaptable for life’s changing needs, the Balmoral Ōtautahi Superhome is not just a place to live - it is a place to be cherished.
