This project was developed for a steep site in Atawhai with Christchurch based clients and a budget that demanded a considered balance of form and function. The site is in a subdivision that was formed out of an original farm homestead that belonged to the clients’ grandparents and has a majestic view out over the boulderbank and around to Port Nelson and the City.

Initial concepts for this ‘pavilion’ style home began in2007 and were developed over the coming years until construction commenced on site at the end of 2010. The design splits the house into three distinct elements, ground floor (garage, workshop and home theatre room), the first floor living wing and the first floor sleeping wing. The main access is via centrally located exterior concrete steps that will lead to a cantilvered ‘lookout’ landing. This will lead into a central entry space that doubles as a study, television space and allows access to each wing, or directly out to the rear terrace.

The open plan living wing has a generous stud height and sloping ceiling, with windows out to the boulder bank and large sliding doors that provide easy access to a covered north facing deck. Well placed opening windows front and rear allow natural cross ventilation. The bedroom end operates via a central corridor, with amenities on one side and bedrooms on the other that take advantage of the view and the sun. All bedrooms open out to a wrap
around deck.

The high levels of insulation, concrete floor and feature internal concrete panel provide high thermal mass and solar gain to natural heat the house. Hot water pipes running through the polished concrete floor help balance the temperature in winter. LED lights throughout minimize energy consumption, as does the solar HWC.

Photographer: John-Paul Pochin