By Chaplin Crooks Architects
Purchasing a recently-demolished property on Cannon Hill Crescent presented our clients with the opportunity to build a new family home in an established area, on a site complete with mature trees and overlooking the local primary school. The challenge for us was to get the most out of this gently sloping section – elevating the living areas meant the estuary and sea views could be enjoyed, but required careful design to maintain privacy and shelter.
The spacious open-plan living room spans east to west across the centrally-positioned kitchen, maximising the expansive views from the site. Sitting and outdoor living areas at both ends ensure there is always a sunny and sheltered spot to relax wherever the wind is coming from. A subtle palette of materials including honed concrete block and European Oak flooring complements the crisp white finishes to the walls and joinery throughout the house.
In contrast to the pure white interior, the exterior of the house is predominantly a combination of intense black materials including Colorsteel in the new ‘Flaxpod’ colour, offset by the rich colours of the Corten steel cladding on the garage walls. The Corten panels extend up as a solid balustrade to the generous balcony, and are carefully positioned to maintain privacy from below without interrupting the panoramic views.
Chaplin Crooks Architects is a medium-sized practice based in Ferrymead, Christchurch. Director John Chaplin started his own business in 1976, specialising in residential hillside homes and alterations. Stephen Crooks and John Chaplin then formed the practice of Chaplin Crooks Architects Ltd in 2003, and long-term employee Greg Miller joined them as a partner in 2015.
We are Christchurch architects with over 40 years’ experience working on new builds, difficult sites, complex alterations and earthquake repairs we’re the residential architecture specialists to guide you through your project’s many challenges.
We have a collaborative approach to design. Most projects will be completed by a team consisting of a project architect and a Technician, and we openly discuss projects within the office to make the most of our wide-ranging experience and skill sets.
We believe that the design and building of your new home should be wonderful and memorable experience. When you invest in good design you will get the benefit of our creativity and experience in the form of a wonderful home that you will enjoy living in for years to come.