The design of this family home in Ashley Forest Canterbury responds directly to the sun's movement, the breezes and the trees on the site to create a series of inviting spaces for living. The clients wanted a home that would accommodate the changing dynamics of their family over many years. Whilst seeking a traditional architectural vernacular often sought by Christchurch Architects and Designers to simplify building typology, as Architectural Designers, we have set out to achieve this.

Two contemporary gable forms sit poised on the site’s gentle slope. The larger form accommodates the family’s more formal day to day activities, while the complementary, more minor secondary structure acts as a flexible studio/ come garage/ come accommodation suite. The site’s exceptional location: ”Ashley forest” lends itself to more simplistic unobtrusive forms that do not detract from its natural setting but blend into it. The main form runs east to west, thus optimizing views and light. The studio position on site is slightly skewed, providing a funnelling effect emphasizing the location of the entrance but also opening up the buildings to the main southeast view.

Site entry: Entering the site from the road through a stone curved entrance (this may encompass an iron gate for heightened security). The option is presented of either making your way into the garage with your vehicle or as a guest you bank left up to a shingled parking area. This identified with a long stone fence. 

The clients intial requirement for privacy has set a theme to the design was the careful consideration of privacy. This has been achieved by the addition of sliding and hinged timber louvred screens. Sliding louvres to the south and hinged  louvres to the north these proving protection from the summer sun, thus providing protection from the elements but also prevent unwanted prying eyes. Thus giving the option and flexibility of having the home open or closed. 

The budget for this staged self build by the owners is restrained yet realistic, of accomplishing an exciting architectural statement.

Photography by Mick Stephenson