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Situated on a rural property in a valley on Banks Peninsula, an hour's drive from Christchurch, this weekender is off-the-grid, with commanding views over a wilding meadow to the coast and – on a clear day – the Kaikoura Ranges across the water. It is very much in the rural vernacular, with close attention to robust timber detailing. Elevated above ground level, generous decks wrap around and between this small two bedroom home giving one the impression of floating above the grasses below. This house is shortlisted for an NZIA Local Award 2020, currently on hold until we emerge from level 4 isolation.

Awards and
recognition

New Work Studio / Tim Nees Architects
Canterbury
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Professionals used in
Houhere House

About the
Professional

Tim Nees is one of New Zealand’s highly respected architects, and a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Architects.

Tim has been in Christchurch since early 2013 working on a wide range of commercial, healthcare, multi-housing and residential projects. In August 2014 he set up his own architectural studio and is now engaged in projects not only in Christchurch but in Dunedin, Marlborough, Wellington and other parts of New Zealand.

Previously based in Wellington, Tim established and led New Work Studio Architects for nearly twenty years there. In that time, his design focused practice was awarded twenty NZIA Architecture Awards, included the coveted National Award for Ranger Point House, built on Wellington’s southern coast.

Tim was also a partner in one of Wellington’s highly-regarded contemporary art galleries, running it as a complementary business to his architecture. He maintains strong connections with the arts community and claims his continual exposure to creative thinking contributed positively to his own creative practice.

A natural connector and lateral thinker, Tim recently held the position of Architect in Residence at the College of Engineering, University of Canterbury, working with engineering students, academics and professionals. His role was to promote closer collaboration between architects and engineers, and other professionals within the construction industry. He says his regular exposure to structural practice benefited his own architectural thinking, and can be seen in the structural framework for the recent Taylor’s Mistake House.

Tim prefers working in an open studio environment. His architecture practice has always emphasized the value of collaboration. Central to his philosophy of ‘thinking space, loving architecture’, Tim maintains great design happens when there are many minds at work around the table.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.