Sitting in an established part of Christchurch, these compact and easy care ‘forever’ homes were designed for couples at similar stages of life. Understated materials and detailing create a presence of quality and refinement, while the largely neutral palette allows each homeowner’s individuality and style to easily be layered in to personalise the feel of the buildings now, and make it easy to update in the future.

What could be an imposing brick wall offering only privacy and security has internally been paired with glass to share light between the entry and living spaces. This not only creates a light-filled entrance way for occupants and visitors, but emphasises the key feature of both the interior and exterior. This emphasis helps draw people from the street and into the heart of the home.

The reduction of doors and minimalist detailing creates the feeling of a much larger space than it is. The location of the utility areas behind what appears to be another kitchen cupboard, inbuilt joinery in the living areas, upstairs hallway and bedrooms, steel framed surface sliders and recessed lighting and handrails all help with the feel of quality while being incorporated into largely typical construction to remain on budget.

Careful detailing for thermal performance was incorporated, including the use of thicker walls and insulation, studsavers and other performance detailing to reduce any thermal bridging; as well as upgraded insulation and careful placement of windows to allow passive solar gain while limiting overheating.