Abode - Issue 77 - July/August 2025

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JULY/AUGUST 2025

RRP $10.50

MODERN FAMILY The art of crafting a cosy home in Ōtautahi

THE SHAPE OF YOU A geometric gem on an Auckland hillside

ROOM SERVICE Want Hamptons style?

Here’s how

WILD AT HEART The resurgence of leopard print decor 105

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Welcome A

s I scroll through Instagram, which I do quite often, I love it when I come across some of my favourite posts from Golden Homes Christchurch. They are photos of Golden Homes team members handing over the keys to brand-new homeowners.

Standing in the bright and shiny kitchens, with giant gift baskets on the pristine benchtops, the owners have such a look of joy and optimism – and occasionally something like disbelief – on their faces. It’s wonderful. I always feel so happy and proud for these people that I don’t even know.

Dean McGuigan of Golden Homes is, of course, a columnist for abode. In this issue he writes about the long-term value of building, which is so important to the company, and you’ll find him on the very last page, 104.

As you make your way there, make sure you stop to read the other columns in the magazine. Rachael Cone of Total Realty in Christchurch has some up-to-date insights on virtual property tours on page 14. Landscape architect Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell has recently been sending us bulletins from his travels in Japan, and this issue, on page 12, he’s even further afield, with ruminations on the landscapes of Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavia.

Our newest columnist is Rachael Kwok of National Kitchen & Bathroom Association NZ, who writes on page 10 on the glorious topic of kickstarting a new kitchen design.

We’re so pleased to have these trusted contributors on board at abode, and to bring you their words of wisdom every issue.

Cassie Doherty EDITOR cassie@27publishers.co.nz

PUBLISHER

Twenty Seven Publishers Ltd lisa@27publishers.co.nz

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Cassie Doherty cassie@27publishers.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Rachel Lowrey designer@27publishers.co.nz DEPUTY EDITOR

Kathy Young kathy@27publishers.co.nz GENERAL MANAGER AND SALES

Caroline Martin caroline@27publishers.co.nz

abodemagazine.co.nz

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SWIMMING POOLS l SPA POOLS LANDSCAPING l CONSTRUCTION 4

CONTRIBUTORS

Sven Alberding, Boxcrib Marketing, Lori Cohen, Rachael Cone, Greg Cox/Bureaux, Todd Eyre, Hunter Studio, Rachael Kwok, Dean McGuigan, Simon Larkin, Tony Milne, MJS Visuals, Dave Richards, Mickey Ross, Sarah Rowlands, Biddi Rowley, Mick Stephenson, David Straight, Liam Stretch, Anthony Turnham, Nici Wickes, John Williams PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch ISSN 2703-3279 (Print) ISSN 2703-4445 (Online)

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

abode is published bi-monthly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein.

The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. abode asserts copyright on all material published within abode and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. abode reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication. For all enquiries, please email hello@27publishers.co.nz

Contents FE ATU RE S

Built on Trust, Proven by Results.

No.1 Residential and No.1 All Divisions Bayleys Canterbury

TH E A R T O F CO N V E N I E N C E Make life easier with automated shutters

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U P S C A LE YO U R LI F E S T Y LE A new development designed for living

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I N S I D E TH E WA LL S An innovative straw bale system in action

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A LI T TLE B I T CO U NTRY ˉ Showcasing a designer’s eye in Otautahi

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I N S I D E S T Y LE Better living, and finding your joy

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R O O M S E RV I C E Living luxe in classic Hamptons style

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AT TH E H E A R T Highlighting award-winning kitchens

HOME S

Bayleys National Auction Award Winner

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M O U NTA I N M AG I C Sophisticated style in Queenstown

(3 years running)

44

CO M E TO G E TH E R ˉ A celebration of collaboration in Otautahi

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U R B A N V E R TI C A L A bold statement for a tight site

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F U LLY I N F O R M E D Clarity of vision in coastal Bay of Plenty

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P E A K E D I NTE R E S T Rustic style in a Wānaka show home

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PA S S I O N P R OJ E C T Crafted for modern family living

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TH E S H A P E O F YO U A sculptural delight in Tāmakimakaurau

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R U S TI C R E M I X A restored South African farmhouse

No.1 National Growth Team Performance Award Winner

Over $850,000,000 of Property Sold

027 327 7298 ahteam.co.nz 6

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62

90

COLU MNS 10

NKBA Move forward

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R O U G H M I LN E M I TC H E LL In solidity

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TOTA L R E A LT Y The real deal

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G O LD E N H O M E S Building more than houses

LIFE S T YLE 96

TH E G O O D LI F E

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I N TH E K I TC H E N Tamarillo Clafoutis

REG U L AR S 4

W E LCO M E

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TH E H O M E PAG E

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S U B S C R I B E TO abode

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INSPIRING FINDS

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S H O P W I N D OW

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

JULY/AUGUST 2025

RRP $10.50

MODERN FAMILY

JULY/AUGUST 2025

Define your space

The art of crafting a cosy home in Ōtautahi

This modern inner-city home makes the most of its tight footprint, with an exterior plaster finish that gives it a strong, structural presence. To achieve this, the clients chose ROCKCOTE Cerano concrete finish, extending it through to the sheltered loggia courtyard

ARCHITECT

Krush Architecture

BUILDER

MO Brown Builders

PLASTERING PROFESSIONALS

Properly Plastered

ARTISAN INTERIOR

ROCKCOTE Cerano concrete effect finish

Abode Millbank Ad.indd 1

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A R T IS A N I N T E R I O R S

C O NST R U C T I O N PR O D U C T S

ISSUE 77

0 8 0 0 5 0 70 4 0 w w w. r e s e n e c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o . n z

CL A D D I N G SYST E MS

THE SHAPE OF YOU A geometric gem on an Auckland hillside

ROOM SERVICE Want Hamptons style?

Here’s how

WILD AT HEART The resurgence of leopard print decor

19/06/25 9:20 AM

ON THE COVER Ideal family living in Christchurch

by TL Builders and Figure & Ground.

Photography: Sarah Rowlands

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The Home Page Social comments, musings, questions and requests from our readers C COV ER TO COVER We don’t often see brutalist-inspired architecture in New Zealand, so last issue’s cover sparked plenty of interest. A central Otago holiday home by Team Green Architects, it’s a formidable design.

See “Brutalist retreat” at abodemagazine.co.nz if you missed it, and turn to page 76 to read the story behind this edition’s cover home by TL Builders and Figure & Ground.

B WH AT ’S CO O K I N G Readers loved hearing from new abode columnist Rachael Kwok of National Kitchen & Bathroom Association NZ, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. Check out her column this issue on page 10.

While you’re at it, all our regular columnists are always full of insights and advice, so settle in for some great reading.

E FINE P R I N T We all had heart eyes for this limited edition print by talented artist Sara Langdon, courtesy of Parnell Gallery, a fabulous giveaway to one lucky abode subscriber. This issue we have another gorgeous subscriber’s prize, so head to abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or turn to page 13 to be in with a chance to win a wool throw from Weave.

D TO B O L D LY G O It seems abode readers love a homeowner who’s not afraid to make a statement. Last issue we showcased this Far North stunner by Arcline Architecture that boasts a few grand ideas. The feature homes in this edition are no less impressive, with designs that push the boundaries, so take a good look from page 37.

B K N OC K KNOCK This was a popular image on our social media. By Threefold Architecture and Bagley Construction, the home beyond this front door features a moody mix of stone and cedar that’s in harmony with the Wānaka landscape. As always, abode’s inspirational articles can be found on Facebook @abodemagazineNZ or Instagram @abode_magazine, so make sure you’re following.

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Find us

abodemagazine.co.nz

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

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Kitchen designed by Larissa Breukelaar from Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery. Photography © Anthony Turnham

R ACH A E L K WO K Executive Officer of National Kitchen & Bathroom Association NZ

MOVE FORWARD Want to get a kitchen designed but don’t know how? Rachael Kwok of NKBA explains all.

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enovating or building a new kitchen is always going to be one of the largest investments in your home. It pays, therefore, to do careful research into the right approach to ensure you achieve your wants and needs.

Unfortunately, many homeowners begin the process on the wrong foot by choosing an unqualified or inexperienced kitchen designer – or worse, by attempting the project without a designer at all. To help you avoid this costly mistake, I’m going to share the secrets to selecting your perfect kitchen designer and how they work to give you the best shot at a beautiful kitchen that ticks all your boxes.

Work with a designer from NKBA: Designers of NKBA are experienced and qualified, they adhere to a code of ethics and participate in regular professional development to ensure they remain at the top of their game. This is not the case with all kitchen designers. In an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a kitchen designer. This means the onus is on the homeowner to do their research before selecting their designer of choice.

Research matters: If you’re ready to get started on a kitchen design, take some time to research the various kitchen designers in your area. A simple way to do this is to visit NKBA.org.nz to search through our database of designers. You should also

visit the websites of your preferred designers, check out their Instagram accounts, and ask for referrals from previous satisfied customers.

What to look for: While researching, consider whether the designers’ past projects reflect a style you’d like in your own home. Look for industry experience and, ideally, a formal qualification such as the New Zealand Diploma in Kitchen Design.

Additionally, you need to understand whether a designer works with projects in your budget and what they charge to complete a design or to project manage.

The best way to find this out is to meet with a few of your top picks. Come prepared with questions. Many designers will gladly meet you on-site to discuss your vision and gain a sense of the project.

The cost differs: Every designer charges differently depending on their clientele and location. Some designers charge for an initial appointment to meet with you; others don’t.

Some designers require a one-off fee for a complete kitchen design, while others charge by the hour. Some designers offer project management; others don’t. All will get quotes from joiners and suppliers once the design is finalised. To understand your designers’ fees, you can check out their website or give them a call.

Check your contract: Most designers will provide you with a full quote outlining

the stages at which payment is required, and what you can expect from the designer in terms of delivery. Check these details carefully to ensure you are getting what you need to move forward with a design you love and can afford. If you are unclear about the process and payment schedule of your kitchen design and installation, ensure you seek independent advice.

Working with joiners: While some joiners employ experienced designers on staff, others work closely with an independent designer. When you are happy with your final design, your kitchen designer will approach several joiners to quote for the construction and installation of your kitchen. The cost of joinery and installation is typically separate from the design.

The process once it’s all go: Once the kitchen design is underway, you will get to enjoy the best part of any project – the planning! Share your dreams and ideas with your designer, allowing them to get to know you and your family. Meet with them at showrooms to explore products and materials. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of creating a kitchen that is perfectly designed for you and your lifestyle.

For more information and inspiration, visit the NKBA website or Instagram. nkba.org.nz/find-a-designer

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TO N Y M I L N E Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

From top: Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, stone walls of the Irish countryside, and the rocky Helsinki coastline.

IN SOLIDITY Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell ponders the permanence of stone.

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e are currently on the cruise ship MS Silja Symphony as it ferries us through some of the circa 267,570 islands that make up the archipelago of Sweden, en route to Helsinki. We sit in the bar, enjoying a floral IPA (recommended by the barman), as a fellow traveller of Finnish origin informs us that there are far better places to visit than the capital city of his country.

On the television in the background, Finland has gone 3-2 down in a world championship ice hockey game against the USA. When asked, by the same traveller,

we quickly and smartly plead allegiance to Finland. It makes sense, as our new companions are strong Nordic types.

The exception is a chap who is masquerading as the bar musician, strumming and singing, poorly, in the corner. Our effort yesterday at the ABBA Museum far surpassed this offering.

Like our new Nordic friends, some of whom appear hewn from stone, the rock outcrops of many of the islands we pass, physically and visually express their formation. As I sit, trying to block out

the awful tones of the ship’s crooner, I pause to give thought to the landscapes I have experienced these past two weeks.

In particular the presence of rock, the varied use of stone and the clues it gives to place and time.

It is regional, not only in a geological sense but in the craft of stonemasonry.

Timeless, strong, robust, raw, sophisticated, warm, heavy, moody, cold and inviting and all the while a silent witness to life that has evolved on the stage it supports. Stone, one of the fundamental building blocks of civilisation over the centuries.

Geologically Edinburgh is a story of volcanism, upon which a city has been built from blocks, slabs and cobbles of sandstone and limestone. From the cobbled streets, the well-traversed rock outcrop of Arthur’s Seat to the foreboding walls of Edinburgh Castle, a rich tapestry of history unfolds.

One can only imagine the graft in 1103 as the fortification of the city was chiselled from stone, much of which is still present today.

From Edinburgh we headed to Dublin. On skinny little country lanes and slightly wider roads, we navigate our way through the Irish countryside. At first, we are immersed in a pastoral landscape of hedgerows and trees that characterise Naas, Kildare, Kilkenny and Bunratty.

Bucolic. We then head southwest, where hedgerows are replaced with dry stone walls that seemingly wind their way forever across hillsides and flats, demarcating fields and land tenure.

We admire the subtle variation, particularly in the coping, of the walls from Lahinch to Doolin to Burren. Dry stone walling that reflects centuries of tradition.

Born from the need to clear land of the stone to enable agriculture, not only functional but walls that represent generational survival and adaption. With my curiosity piqued, I learn also about the ‘famine walls’; these walls tell a different story.

Stone and its use, a permanent physical and cultural expression of the countries we currently travel. The narrative of Helsinki awaits. rmmla.co.nz

Subscribe to win!

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reat yourself or a friend to a year of abode (six issues) for only $57 and you’ll never miss a detail. Every bi-monthly issue of abode features inspirational architecture and interior design, plus building and renovation advice from experts around Aotearoa.

Subscribe before the end of August 2025 and you could be the lucky winner of a Helmsdale Midnight New Zealand wool throw from Weave.

The Helmsdale Midnight throw is a classic black and white houndstooth check design. At 130 x 200cm, it’s a versatile throw that can be used in a multitude of ways. Woven from 100 per cent New Zealand wool, Helmsdale is superbly soft and durable. Weave throws are perfect for cooler days and nights, and can also be enjoyed outdoors – whether over your knees when dining alfresco, or even as a picnic blanket. See more at weavehome.co.nz Only one chance to win, so go to abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or scan this QR code.

One lucky abode subscriber will win a Helmsdale Midnight wool throw from Weave!

TERMS & CONDITIONS This subscription offer is valid for subscriptions delivered within New Zealand. For international subscription rates visit abodemagazine.co.nz/ subscribe or email subscribe@abodemagazine.co.nz.

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SURVEY AND SUBDIVISION EXPERTS

We help everyone in the Canterbury Architecture and Construction Industry

Get in touch with us today, 0508 787 887 or hello@survus.co.nz 13

R ACH A E L CO N E Managing Director of Total Realty

THE REAL DEAL Virtual property tours are a valuable marketing tool, says Rachael Cone of Total Realty in Christchurch. Here’s why.

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t Total Realty we are often asked about an exciting and increasingly important aspect of modern real estate marketing: virtual property tours.

I’m sure most of you will have noticed that over the past decade, the real estate industry has undergone a significant digital transformation. Technologies, like virtual tours, have become new and invaluable tools for effectively marketing and selling properties.

So how are virtual tours different, and what are the benefits of using them?

To begin with, virtual tours offer a truly immersive and interactive experience that sets them apart from traditional static photos or video walkthroughs. They allow potential buyers to remotely explore a property at their own pace and convenience. By providing a 360-degree panoramic view, buyers can navigate through all the different rooms, examine details from various angles, and gain a much better feel for the property’s layout and scope than could be provided by static images alone.

We think of it as an open house available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere in the world! Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact of virtual tours on buyer

engagement and interest, making them a crucial element in reaching and engaging a wider audience.

The benefits of incorporating virtual tours into your marketing strategy can’t be overstated. Firstly, they lead to increased engagement and reach. The immersive nature of a virtual tour captivates potential buyers in a way that traditional images simply cannot. Virtual tours break down geographical barriers, allowing us to show properties to a global audience, including out-of-town buyers who might not otherwise have the opportunity for an initial viewing.

This convenience for buyers is a huge advantage in today’s busy world.

Secondly, virtual tours offer significant time-saving benefits for both buyers and sellers. The traditional house-hunting process often involves numerous in-person visits, with the average buyer in New Zealand visiting 14 properties before making their first offer. Virtual tours streamline this process by enabling buyers to thoroughly pre-screen properties online. This means that only genuinely interested buyers, who have already gained a good understanding of the property through the virtual tour, will schedule physical viewings. This reduces

the number of unnecessary visits, saving valuable time for both buyers and sellers.

Finally, virtual tours facilitate better visualisation and decision-making for buyers. Traditional photographs can sometimes be unintentionally misleading; rooms may appear larger than they really are. Virtual tours provide a more accurate and realistic representation of the property, giving buyers a true sense of the space, layout, lighting and flow. This enhanced visualisation empowers them to make more informed decisions about whether a property meets their needs before committing to an in-person visit.

As technology continues its rapid advancement, it’s becoming clear that virtual tours are not just a trend but are likely to become standard in the industry, providing benefits to buyers, sellers and agents alike.

At Total Realty we are always happy to discuss how we can further leverage virtual tours and other valuable tools, including being a Premium Trade Me Property Partner.

Maximum marketing, fair fees and real results – it just makes Total sense! totalrealty.co.nz

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THE ART OF CONVENIENCE

Make life easier with automated Plantation Shutters from Canterbury Window Coverings.

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orman Plantation Shutters by Santa Fe Blinds, specified and installed by Canterbury Window Coverings, offer an elevated look and feel for any home.

They can be custom made to match architectural drawings and individually tailored for each window, resulting in an elegant and airy style. With a wide range of options to suit any home interior, such as blade size, finishes and colours, they can be opened on hinges, bi-folds or sliders. Crafted

by Santa Fe to the highest standards using sustainable wood, they are both beautiful and durable.

This style of window covering is ideal for controlling privacy and filtering the light.

However, the real magic of these interior shutters is in the automation.

While manual adjustment is simple, the addition of a SmartDial remote or app-based control allows for effortless control. Users can choose from pre-set or custom settings for perfect light and privacy, anytime.

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These interior shutters feature anti-jam technology that stops louvre movement if an obstruction is detected in our motorised option, keeping children and pets safe while ensuring smooth, reliable performance.

Engineered for modern lifestyles, Plantation Shutters are powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries that deliver up to 12 months of use from a single charge.

A discreet built-in USB port allows for easy recharging when needed, and integrated solar panels provide continuous trickle charging. The result? A low-maintenance, eco-conscious solution that keeps your home comfortable year-round.

With extensive experience in the industry, Canterbury Window Coverings can guide you through every step of the process so it’s easy to find the window treatment that works best for you.

It’s 100 per cent Kiwi-owned and operated. To find out more and explore the full range of options, visit the website. cwcblinds.nz

Come say hello to our showroom team and let’s bring your vision to life.

DJ Hewitt Builders successfully completed the Oakleys Showroom commercial project within an impressive six-week timeframe.

This interior alteration was a significant achievement, made possible through the precise coordination and collaboration between DJ Hewitt Builders and their dedicated subcontractors. Their team’s commitment to excellence ensured the project was delivered on schedule, minimising showroom downtime and disruption to business operations.

UPSCALE YOUR LIFESTYLE Elmbridge Mews is designed for living, built for life.

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orth Ridge Living’s latest landmark project, Elmbridge Mews, is redefining what downsizing can look like. Nestled in a peaceful, semi-rural pocket off Mairehau Road in the suburb of Burwood, Christchurch, this new community offers 24 elegant, standalone homes purpose-built for the 45-plus demographic – downsizers, empty nesters and semi-retirees who want quality without compromise.

Designed by architectural designer Dean Gant, this mix of two- and three-bedroom, single-storey homes has been created with a thoughtful blend of style, space and function. “We’re replicating what people already love about their current homes –

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generous living areas, walk-in pantries, great storage and two bathrooms,” says Gant. “It’s all there – just more manageable.”

Sunlight is also a key design consideration. The northwest-facing orientation ensures all-day light and evening sun in the outdoor living areas – a natural warmth often overlooked in new builds.

Oversized windows and glazed doors further enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, making the most of the site’s peaceful, leafy setting and stream frontage.

“People forget how important sun is in a home,” says John Shearer, owner of North Ridge Living. “It’s one of the first things we thought about when we saw the site.”

Beyond aesthetics, Elmbridge Mews is built for ease. As both a land developer and builder, North Ridge Living offers a streamlined, fully integrated buying experience. Buyers can customise interiors in just three or four meetings, with options for colours, finishes, landscaping, solar panels and even security systems.

“We’ve spent years fine-tuning efficiencies,” says John, referencing minor tweaks like frame height and Gib panel layouts that can save a full day’s work during the build. “It’s those little things that let us complete a house in just 89 working days.”

Strong teamwork has also been key to the project’s momentum. “We’ve got 130 subcontractors and suppliers involved, and an incredible office team,” John says. “In a

sense, I’ve got 100 directors. That’s what it takes to bring these developments to life.”

John brings deep experience to the venture. Before Elmbridge Mews, he independently developed townhouses and founded other property businesses.

Seeing the proliferation of high-density developments, he set out to do something different, offering quality, privacy and liveability for a specific life stage.

Each Elmbridge Mews home is freehold, offering long-term value and a true sense of ownership. Kitchens come fitted with Bosch appliances and Trendz cabinetry, and the homes are finished with quality, low-maintenance materials throughout.

Additional upgrade options further support individual lifestyle preferences, allowing

homeowners to personalise their space to suit future needs, from raised vegetable gardens to carpeted garages.

The build is handled by DaleCo Built, a company recognised with six accolades at the 2023 Master Builder Awards, and one John has worked with for several projects.

A furnished show home is now open at the entrance to the cul-de-sac. With a location adjacent to the thriving Prestons Park subdivision and just minutes from Burwood Hospital, New World, and Christchurch’s eastern beaches, Elmbridge Mews is poised to become a vibrant, futurefocused community, without the feel of a retirement village. northridge.nz 19

INSIDE THE WALLS A contemporary Wānaka cabin hides a surprise – an innovative straw bale system by StrawSIPs.

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Photography © Biddi Rowley

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n a stunning locale beside the Clutha River in Wānaka, a newly built cabin is a compact yet spatially rich home that showcases affordable, sustainable and highquality architecture.

With a 30sqm footprint, it was designed and built by Charlotte Muschamp of Alki Design, using natural, untreated materials.

As a test of ideas, the project uses roofing, flooring and windows all reclaimed from local sheds and old houses; cladding and finishes are made of macrocarpa grown on Charlotte’s family farm in Southland.

There’s a strong feeling of connection to the materials here, and a mix of movable and built-in furniture in multifunctional spaces means the home feels generous and adaptable.

Key to the build is StrawSIPs. SIPs are structural insulated panels, prefabricated boards sandwiching a layer of insulation – often polystyrene. StrawSIPs, however, is an innovative, high-performance straw-timber system.

This timber and straw combination has been specially engineered for New Zealand

The timber and straw panels are one of the most sustainable and healthy building methods available.

buildings, with timber frames that support all structural loads and compressed straw that acts as a totally natural insulation.

The panels provide exceptional insulation, airtightness, breathability and air quality. They are one of the most sustainable and healthy building methods available, as well as allowing affordable and efficient construction of warm, dry and healthy homes.

The thick walls deliver natural insulation and are quiet, with a high degree of thermal stability, energy efficiency and comfort in winter and summer. Using natural clay and lime plasters on the interior adds a layer of thermal mass to regulate the indoor temperature, with no VOC emissions.

StrawSIPs are biogenic and carbonstoring, contributing to a lower-impact construction industry.

The panels are prefabricated for rapid assembly, reducing on-site time and enabling precision construction even in remote or rural locations. The modular system means the range of types and sizes will suit almost any design and dimensions.

The simple construction method and fast assembly make them very cost-competitive with standard construction.

After working in the natural building industry and seeing the need for affordable, highly insulated, natural homes, StrawSIPs founder Stefan Warnaar brought modular straw panels to New Zealand as an option for anyone looking for an easy, efficient way to build with straw.

Modernising the age-old use of straw as insulation, the StrawSIPs factory is based in Central Otago, with the ability to manufacture and deliver to anywhere in New Zealand and offering help and guidance at any stage of the building process.

The StrawSIPS wall system is ideal for a modern home that balances performance, health, cost and climate responsibility.

And with high-end, high-performance projects such as the Wānaka cabin on the leading edge, StrawSIPS really has brought new meaning to the concept of a straw bale house. strawsips.co.nz 21

A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY

Casabella Interiors brings a designer’s eye to a refined yet rustic Otautahi home.

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he interiors of this cosy Canterbury new build are the result of a collaboration between Karen Smith at Casabella Interiors and clients she knows well. Having worked with Karen on previous projects, the homeowners knew she would understand their needs and reflect their personalities in the design.

With a swathe of organic finishes such as timber, leather, wool and stone, this is a home with a warm heart.

“It’s high-country inspired with a bit of a hunting lodge feel. It’s a characterful space that truly feels like a home,” says Karen.

With tactile materials and moody hues, the interiors are sophisticated, cohesive and packed with personality. Karen is always thrilled to work with people who

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like something a little bit different. Working with clients right from the initial concept stage means she can fully bring all their ideas to fruition.

The charred larch finish above the fireplace in the living area brings through an edgier variation of the larch cladding from the exterior, and was the client’s suggestion. “A brilliant idea,” says Karen.

“They even created the charred finish by hand themselves.”

Elsewhere on the walls, Karen has added several wallpapers to introduce different moods to spaces, and to deliberately draw the eye through the rooms.

Karen says that reviewing architectural plans early in the process and offering solutions to maximise the flow of each room

is key to a balanced interior. This proved effective for these clients, as their home is arranged around a central courtyard with a compact footprint. While the darker colours and materials keep the house feeling warm and grounded, it still needed to be open, airy and functional.

The kitchen is central to the open plan style of living, frequently hosting generations of extended family. The scullery is an extension of the space, designed to cater to the overflow of busy family occasions with two dishwashers, two sinks and three ovens. The separate den features a leather Chesterfield-style sofa and flows off the living area, with pocket doors for optional privacy. A large loft room above the garage is an ideal place for the grandchildren to enjoy.

Photography © Dave Richards

The tiles are from Italian Ceramic Tiles, a Christchurch-based direct importer of high-quality Italian tiles for interiors, exteriors, walls and floors.

In the open plan space, bespoke furniture ensures a perfect balance of functionality and visual appeal. “Custom built furniture allows you to maximise comfort while working with the proportions of spaces.”

Karen says it’s important not to underestimate a good lighting plan. “I always like to have a lighting consultant work with me, so here we made sure the lighting gives a cosy ambiance while highlighting the features such as drapery and wallpapers.”

From beautiful wallpapers and furnishing fabrics to the wool carpets, tiles

and the honed granite kitchen benchtops, Karen has many favourite aspects in this home. There are recycled materials too.

The stone on the hearth and behind the wood burner has been brought through from the exterior and was reclaimed from an earthquake-damaged building.

“This is a forever home, and everything has been chosen from the heart. That’s how it all comes together,” says Karen. casabella.co.nz italianceramictiles.co.nz

ITALIAN CERAMIC TILES LTD Italian Ceramic Tiles has been an industry leader for more than 35 years. We are direct importers of Italian tiles for all your commercial and domestic projects.

31 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011 03 348 6919 / sales@italiantiles.co.nz / italianceramictiles.co.nz 23

Inside Style

Project photography © MJS Visuals / Boxcrib Marketing

Colour advice from New Zealand’s best designers and architects

Project colours

Better living Colour has a major influence on the way we feel, says Jamie Durrant of Durrant Design.

TELL US ABOUT DURRANT DESIGN.

SO WHERE DO WE START?

I started Durrant Design in 2020 and it’s now an award-winning interior design practice across New Zealand. I oversee every aspect of the design process from concept to completion and bring the best possible options to the table for our clients.

Think of what’s on your doorstep. Nature provides inspirational colour palettes, and we’re gifted with the most beautiful scenery here in New Zealand. Autumn colours – oranges, yellows and reds – look phenomenal together. In summer we see browns and greens, and the blues and sandy tones of the beach. It’s all at our fingertips.

IS COLOUR IMPORTANT TO YOUR WORK?

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I’m huge on colour because it really affects how we feel when we enter a space. Our houses are our havens, and if a colour doesn’t resonate on a personal level, it’s never going to feel like home. There’s an emotional connection with colour – that’s why it’s used so carefully in retail spaces and in company brands.

Resene Shabby Chic

Resene Rice Cake

DO WE HAVE TO GO BOLD?

The colours you bring into your home tell a story of who you are. If you look at the colours that are really popular at the moment and want to tone it down, look at pastel versions. It’s a great way to introduce colour without it feeling overwhelming.

Resene Quarter Truffle

You can also introduce colour through artworks, or fabrics and furnishings.

As a backdrop for that, I often use Resene Rice Cake. It’s easy on the eye and creates a calm, creamy, neutral white. It goes with absolutely everything. You can bring in natural colours to complement it and it works very well with darker or bolder colours too. The more I use it, the more it seems to suit a lot of interior schemes.

I also love Resene White Pointer and Resene Wan White from the Karen Walker range. But if you don’t like plain white walls and want something with a little substance, another favourite is Resene Quarter Truffle, a subtle warm grey that works with everything.

WHAT IS ON THIS BEDROOM’S WALLS?

It’s Resene Shabby Chic. It’s a beautiful, almost nude blush tone that leans more towards a neutral than a pink. There’s a lot of blush pink coming through now in linens and drapery; it's becoming more popular.

It’s a good example of a pastel version of the current rusts, coppers and terracottas.

More favourites

Resene White Pointer

Resene Half Napa

AND WHAT COLOUR IS ENDURING?

A colour I have loved for a while now is olive green. It’s one of my favourite colours so it’s been cool to see the olives and sages come through into interiors in paint colours, drapery and upholstery. I’ve also done quite a few green kitchens. New Zealanders know how to reside with green. It’s just so calming, it celebrates our landscapes and it’s an easy colour to work with. I think it’s here to stay; it’s always going to have a place in our interiors. durrantdesign.co.nz

Resene Wan White

Resene Half Washed Green

resene.co.nz

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Finding your joy

Favourite colour combo

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to colour, says Anna Dick of Anna Margaret Interior Design.

Resene Del Rio IS COLOUR IMPORTANT?

Interior design always has a starting point: an object, colour or style. Colour can change a space from meh to wow; however, using a palette that our clients still love in 10 years, when colour trends have come and gone, is a real skill. At Anna Margaret Interior Design, our focus is on story-building, creating spaces that are cohesive and sympathetic to the architecture, location and most importantly, our clients. Interior design is about whatever brings you joy, and it’s very different for everyone, so balancing these aspects is where the art in design lies.

TELL US ABOUT THIS HOUSE .

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This is an architecturally designed renovation, including an extension, that took a bungalow in Beckenham, Christchurch, back to its bones and reimagined it for a

growing family. With two living spaces, two bathrooms and four bedrooms, it was thoughtfully considered for function, and then we wove through earthy, warm and natural aesthetics to suit the clients’ style.

HOW HAVE YOU USED COLOUR HERE?

Initial consideration to the whole palette was the upcycling of the original home’s rimu woodwork and flooring.

The client wanted each space to be calm and cohesive but with subtle points of difference. We loved the warm palette of colours that included Resene Rascal (in the living room), Resene Quarter Sorrell Brown (bedroom), Resene Foggy Grey (ensuite), as well as Resene Half Sisal, Resene Bud, Resene Birthday Suit, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Half Sea Fog, Resene Spanish White and Resene Terrain.

Resene Spanish Green

Resene Half Truffle

Resene Rascal

Project colours Resene Quarter Sorrell Brown

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE ON USING COLOUR?

There are many aspects of choosing the perfect colours for a home, and this can be overwhelming. It’s important to consider how colour behaves; what may look beautiful on the north side of the house may not work as well on the south side. Colour use in each space depends on what’s happening in that room. Do we want the colour to be the hero, or something else, such as joinery, art or a stunning view? Further, not only does the colour have to work with what’s going on in each room, it needs to have connections to all the spaces as you move through your home.

We believe in choosing colour with purpose.

Resene Foggy Grey

Resene Half Sisal

Resene Bud

Resene Birthday Suit

WHERE WOULD YOU START?

We’ll generally consider a neutral colour family as the foundation colour and add in double, half or quarter strengths. This gives scope to play with the same colour but have different saturations to help with different levels of light. We then incorporate other colours to expand the palette.

WHAT NEW FAVOURITES DO YOU HAVE?

At the moment I am loving the combination of Resene Del Rio and Resene Spanish Green with Resene Half Truffle. It’s a soft and warm combo with a lovely connection to nature, that can be used as a backdrop to so many other gorgeous colours: blues, terracottas, reds, charcoals or walnut. annamargaret.co.nz

Resene Sea Fog

Resene Spanish White

Resene Terrain

resene.co.nz

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Room Service Decor and styling ideas from those in the know

THREE TIPS FROM HEATHER FINE, OWNER OF ONEWORLD NZ:

Living luxe Hamptons style is timeless and classic with highend coastal charm. Creating a Hamptons-style living room is all about blending natural beauty, comfort and elegance. The Marbella sofa range from OneWorld Collection features sleek lines and plush cushions, making it both luxurious and inviting. Its tailored slip covers add to the effortless aesthetic, while providing practicality for easy maintenance. The covers are available in Ivory, Storm Grey and Beach Blue. Marbella is a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

GOOD PROPORTIONS. The right sofa is essential for setting the tone for your living room, so choose one that suits the style of your home. A large sofa generally acts as the centre point of the room and needs to make your home feel like a relaxing oasis and a space that is calm and comfortable.

HEAD FOR COVER. OneWorld offers tailored slip covers for our

sofas. Think white, cream, beige, soft grey, navy or muted blue as options to evoke a sense of calm and openness to your living room spaces. Slip covers are a great option for a Hamptons vibe.

TEXTURE AND ACCESSORIES. To complete the look,

incorporate natural materials like linen, cotton and light wood, as well as accessories such as woven rugs, light-hued throws, patterned cushions and inspired botanical artwork to complete the relaxed style.

oneworldcollection.co.nz 28

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches Leopard Glass Vase luxurylinen.co.nz

Bolt Lounge Chair montreux.co.nz Wendy Morrison Design Leopard Florals Rug littleandfox.co.nz Hutchinson Dinner Plate trenzseater.com

Leopard Print in White Frame trenzseater.com

Karastan Savanna Scenes Cheetah Carpet (by special order) carpetcourt.nz

GO WILD Make a statement with this timeless pattern; a warm, bold neutral that can be sophisticated or sassy.

Cole & Son Leopard Walk Wallpaper alliuminteriors.co.nz

Moooi Carpets Bearded Leopard Rug ecc.co.nz

Tropical Leopard Wallpaper theinside.co.nz 29

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Amber & Santal Candle in Sage Vessel jsceramics.nz

Handcrafted Ceramic Dish

by Michelle Bow thefantailhouse.co.nz

Traces Teapot jinoceramicstudio.com

Nerikomi Striped Jug (with flowers by Maeve's Garden) mysterycreekceramics.co.nz

Sandy Dimple Mug frankscorner.co.nz

Gerbera Mini Bowls

by Muddy Fingers Pottery thefantailhouse.co.nz

Stacking Espresso Cups in Beige richardbeauchamp.studio

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Traces Cup jinoceramicstudio.com Utensil Holder annacampbellceramics.com

Oil Pourers in White lilceramics.co.nz

Bud Vases dahliainclay.co.nz

POTTER AROUND Embrace the perfectly imperfect organic shapes of these cool and quirky New Zealand-made ceramics.

Butter Bell potterscorner.co.nz

Busy Bee Mug rceramics.co.nz

Tahi Vase thea-ceramics.com 31

VISIT OUR SH OWROOM Direct to the Public 193 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025

03 338 9199 | halswelltimber.co.nz

Moda Sorrento flooring by Forté is a golden-toned, natural European Oak that adds to the feel of the biophilic design.

At the heart

Low-key and functional lighting design by Social Light includes the soft, earthy tones of ceramic pendants by Robert Gordon and a bespoke solid oak linear light.

A look at some of the highlights in kitchen design from the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards.

GREEN HOMES

greenhomesnz.co.nz

AWA RD -W INNING K I TCHE N S

A serene feel and a connection to nature earned Green Homes Queenstown and Forager Studio the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Group Home Builder Kitchen of the Year award for this show home kitchen in Queenstown.

The vision for this kitchen was to create a space that was not only highly functional and visually refined but also engaging and timelessly appealing. This was achieved by using natural, inviting materials and a rich variety of textures that create warmth and comfort.

One of the biggest design challenges was maintaining a sense of openness. To do this, the scullery was opened up and the back bench was significantly extended, which allowed more natural light to pour in. A generous workspace was also created – perfect for a coffee station or larger appliances. The result is a kitchen that feels expansive and seamlessly connected to the rest of the home.

The thoughtful use of light and natural materials was central to the design philosophy. Forager Studio was very conscious of how the space would make people feel, with the goal of crafting an environment where visitors to the Green Homes Queenstown show home would feel calm, inspired and completely at home.

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PALAZZO KITCHENS Palazzo Kitchens was highly commended in the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards for this sleek, high-quality kitchen, which is both luxurious and family-friendly.

With materials such as walnut timber veneer, matt lacquered concrete and dark metals, the aesthetic is modern and warm. Ample storage and seating ensure the space is functional as well as beautiful. palazzokitchenschristchurch.nz

SOBESPOKE LTD Fowler Homes Christchurch North needed a functional and inviting kitchen in its new show home. In response, SObespoke’s concept embodies open plan living. Layers of warm colour and texture provide an interesting backdrop, with practical surfaces to appeal to an array of people. The kitchen design was highly commended in the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards.

AWA RD -W INNING K I TCHE N S

sobespoke.co.nz

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Layers of warm colour and texture provide an interesting backdrop, with practical surfaces.

ARMSTRONG INTERIORS This modern country kitchen was part of a larger full-home renovation in Tai Tapu, Canterbury. The approach to the design was to create a sanctuary – an expression of the owner’s personality and passions.

Highly commended in the 2025 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards, the kitchen in this spacious abode features a grand Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble kitchen island that anchors the heart of the home, beautifully complemented by the enduring allure of French Oak flooring. Light oak and warm grey cabinetry are offset by a crisp white-tiled splashback and range hood.

Armstrong Interiors were the interior designers on this home and worked closely with the homeowners to achieve this look. armstronginteriors.co.nz

A grand Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble kitchen island anchors the heart of the home.

Lifestyle. By Design.

Transform your space with Award-Winning Armstrong Interiors. Your local Interior Design experts guiding you every step of the way.

WINDOW TREATMENTS, BLINDS, CURTAINS WALLPAPERS AND FABRICS KITCHEN & BATHROOM DESIGN NEW BUILDS AND RENOVATIONS

(03) 3562636 office@armstronginteriors.co.nz armstronginteriors.co.nz @armstronginteriorsltd

AWA RD -W INNING K I TCHE N S

INTERIOR DESIGN AND COLOUR CONSULTING

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HOMES Perfectly poised in place, the feature homes in this issue all strike a pose with daring design that brings the drama.

“A piece of art on the landscape.”

Turn to page 84 for this bold geometric architecture in Tāmakimakaurau.

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MOUNTAIN MAGIC A sophisticated sanctuary on the edge of Queenstown showcases the importance of interior design, thanks to Forager Studio.

WORDS KATHY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen Steve and partner Jackie first discovered the 611sqm section on Queenstown Hill in 2018, they knew they had found something special.

“We had the pick of the crop, really,” Steve says, describing the plot as having “something quite magical about it” when the area was still largely undeveloped.

But it wasn’t until after the Covid-19 pandemic that his architectural vision began to take shape.

With a background in architectural work and two decades of life split between New Zealand and Australia, Kiwi-born Steve approached the project with a deeply considered brief. “I wanted a humble, contemporary mountain retreat, over a single level, maximising the views while integrating decks and courtyards for privacy and shelter.”

The home needed to be more than just a holiday escape (although their daughter’s love affair with skiing did need to be factored in). It was to be a sophisticated sanctuary that would serve as a retreat from the family’s busy Sydney life while maintaining a connection to Queenstown’s vibrant energy.

Inspiration came from unexpected places. Extensive travels through South East Asia, particularly holidays in Balinese and Thai resorts, influenced Steve’s design approach. “I always had a bit of a thirst for a relaxed,

luxurious feel,” he says. This unique perspective resulted in a home that perfectly captures what Steve sees as New Zealand’s emerging architectural identity – a departure from the “mish-mash of the rest of the world” to something that clearly epitomised the South Island landscape.

The resulting 170sqm three-bedroom, twobathroom home is beautifully understated and elegant.

Dark cedar offset with black accents creates a bold yet harmonious exterior that blends in while making a subtle statement. The home stands wide and low, echoing the visual landscape of Lake Wakatipu’s Frankton arm, with a single planar roof that reaches towards the dramatic Remarkables mountain range.

“It was never trying to be innovative or unusual,” Steve says. “But what it was trying to do was to give a sense of abundant space, when there really wasn’t that much available.”

The house greets visitors as low and humble, resting comfortably with an uncomplicated architectural language of cedar, cement board and glazing. Upon arrival, the entry door isn’t immediately obvious, as it opens directly off the courtyard – an intentional choice that maximises valuable space while eliminating unnecessary formality.

The Vaasa Oak Dining Table, Parq Barstools and Bowie Armchair, all by Hawthorne, add organic elegance, comfort and sophistication to this home’s interiors.

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The home is anchored to the landscape with heavy black, exaggerated columns that serve as bookends. “It’s not a delicate home,” Steve says. “It sits with intent. Its heavy forms and boldness intentionally give the feeling ‘we are not moving’, which I always felt a need to impart on the edge of a cliff on a shaky island.”

The south side of the house and balcony become one with the living space and courtyard to the north.

This connection is enhanced by a wrap-around deck that magnifies the horizontal scale, giving the home “an almost tropical connectedness in the summer months”.

To bring the interior vision to life, Steve and Jackie connected with Jess Blair from Forager Studio. The interior designer’s challenge was to create spaces that balanced sophistication with natural warmth.

“The brief was both poetic and precise,” Jess recalls.

“We needed to craft a sophisticated holiday home that would operate as a sanctuary – a place of restorative calm with a deep connection to the alpine setting.”

The material palette became crucial to achieving this vision. Dark-stained cabinetry and charred panelling brings richness and grounding warmth, layered with accents of aged brass that will patina over time and achieve a subtle drama. The palette in the bedrooms softens, creating tactile, restful spaces. Use of colour within a considered, restrained palette allows for artful, playful moments. “The kitchen exemplifies this approach perfectly, with a richly toned benchtop and splashback that emulate the surrounding rock faces, and deep green and smoky brown tones that echo the alpine forest,” says Jess.

The Daikin ducted heat pump system and heat reclaim ventilation system by Queenstown Heatpumps & Refrigeration provides energy efficient heating and cooling throughout the house.

Heating, cooling and ventilation solutions across the Queenstown Lakes & Central Otago regions.

0277 828 100

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queenstownheatpumps.co.nz

@queenstownheatpumps

Vanda, based in Auckland, made the custom made curtain hardware for the home, featuring motorised surface-mounted tracks, recessed motorised tracks and manual recessed tracks.

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The pure interior oil on this home

by Natural Paint Co. is non-toxic and ultra-low VOC, meaning it smells great and is durable and washable.

The Urban Tokyo engineered timber flooring from Forté provides rich tones and a characterful, luxurious surface for the home.

The rectangular open plan living area has become Steve’s favourite space. “It’s just a rectangle. It’s about as simple as you can imagine, but it’s the way it’s been detailed and finished off that always mattered.”

A standout feature in the living area is the retroinspired couch from Coco Republic, and Forager Studio’s fabulous remote-controlled sheer curtains filter light while providing privacy. “They give a beautifully subtle filtered quasi-green when pulled, which is perfectly in tune with the landscape,” Steve says. “It achieves exactly what we wanted.”

Practical considerations were equally important. The decision to keep the home to a single level was driven by the challenging schist rock of the hillside. “Excavation costs would have just been outrageous,” Steve says.

This constraint became an opportunity, allowing for underfloor heating and cooling – “a benefit that would have been impossible in a small ceiling space” – and double insulation that Steve describes as magnificent.

Jess calls the result as “a texturally sculptured, moody retreat that feels immersive and intriguing”.

The home unfolds gradually, revealing new views and vignettes as you move through it – from the kitchen framed against the lake to the serene bathing space that feels suspended in the landscape.

For Steve, as the project designer, the house was always far more than just a building. “When you get to Otago, you just feel like it’s heavenly, really,” he says.

It’s a sentiment that resonates through every carefully considered decision. This home captures the essence of contemporary Otago architecture – humble yet sophisticated, bold yet sensitive. A true reflection of its extraordinary setting.

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Involved in this project INTERIOR DESIGNER Forager Studio 021 088 22458 foragerstudio.co.nz PROJECT DESIGN Steve Worrall +61 41 4375 861 FLOORING Forté 0508 356 677 forte.co.nz CURTAIN HARDWARE Vanda Holdings Limited 0800 826 326 vanda.co.nz DINING TABLE, BARSTOOL & ARMCHAIR Hawthorne 09 296 5804 hawthornegroup.co.nz DUCTED HEAT PUMP & HEAT RECLAIM VENTILATION SYSTEM Queenstown Heatpumps & Refrigeration 027 782 8100 queenstownheatpumps.co.nz PURE INTERIOR OIL Natural Paint Co. 0800 472 468 naturalpaint.co.nz

RE FINED

Explore Forte in person.

Queenstown 179 Glenda Drive Frankton

Christchurch 93 Manchester Street Christchurch Central

TIM B E R

S U R F A CES

COME TOGETHER A celebration of place, friendship and sustainable living, this thoughtful home was designed by Performance Architecture and built by Clive Barrington Construction.

WORDS KATHY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ROWLANDS

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Colorsteel in the Lichen colourway from Metalcraft was the chosen roofing and exterior wall choice, linking it firmly with the surrounding environment.

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T

The brick cladding is custom made by Canterbury Clay Bricks, in Roman style from the bespoke Create Range, and at 290 x 50 x 70mm they are slimline and elegant. Each set of bricks is made especially per project.

his home started as a conversation between friends.

It evolved into an architectural beauty that blends intelligent space planning, energy efficiency and a connection to the surrounding wetlands environment.

Te Kōrari, as the property is named, sits in a quiet ˉ cul-de-sac in Marshland, Otautahi Christchurch.

“The site had been owned by my parents-in-law for the past 20-plus years,” explains homeowner Mike.

“They decided to develop some of it and subdivided it into eight sections, which we were lucky enough to get first dibs of.” Mike continues, “My wife [Shelley] says 10 years ago she would never have entertained the idea of moving next door to her parents, but things are different when you have kids,” Mike laughs. “The term ‘it takes a village’ is so true.”

As first-time builders, Mike and Shelley were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the process unfolded. “We were a little worried about going into the whole process; you hear a lot of horror stories,” Mike says. “But it was actually a great experience.”

Hailey Sinke, senior architectural designer at Performance Architecture, explains further. “Mike and Shelley are friends of mine. Shelley approached me a while back and asked if I’d take on the job of designing a family home for the site.”

The brief was refreshingly straightforward: create a functional, low-maintenance family home for a busy working couple with young children. Hailey articulates their vision clearly: “They wanted it to be really light and calming; a simple design with clean lines.”

The layout needed to accommodate the family’s lifestyle with an open living area, kitchen and dining, but with a cosy area as well. The couple wanted the bedrooms to be upstairs, as a retreat from the communal aspect of the ground floor. This balance of openness and intimacy became a central theme in the design.

Perhaps most fascinating is how the home’s design also draws inspiration from the surrounding environment. The property’s name, Te Kōrari, references the flower stalk of the harakeke (flax) plant, which grows extensively in the Marshland area.

“It became a reference to the wider context,” Hailey says. “The harakeke thrive in wetland areas.”

This connection to place extends beyond just the naming. There are also symmetries in how the centre of the flax symbolises future generations – appropriate for a family home designed to grow with its inhabitants. This cultural and environmental connection grounds the contemporary design in its distinctly New Zealand context.

Clay bricks locally manufactured for commercial and residential projects throughout New Zealand for over 60 years.

Proudly New Zealand Made 46

.

Ph 03 341 5036

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info@clay-bricks.co.nz

clay-bricks.co.nz

One of the most striking features of the property is how the home’s positioning maximises outdoor living space despite challenges presented by the east-west oriented site. The ingenious solution was to detach the garage and position the house in an L-shape toward the south-southeast corner. This thoughtful placement creates a generous north/northwest-facing outdoor living space – perfect for a family with active children and two energetic dogs.

Rather than implementing a conventional hallway, Hailey created a central spine to the home, transforming what could have been merely functional space into something more dynamic and light-filled.

Careful attention to shading prevents overheating, with deliberate eave placement protecting the glazed areas.

“Because we recessed the window joinery, we decided to also return the brick into the openings,” says Hailey.

“We then came up with a detail to take the brick all the way down to ground level, so that you don’t have the foundation edge visible like you often see on brick houses.”

Cedar accents around the core further define this architectural element while being intentionally kept low so that it’s not too difficult to maintain – a practical consideration that aligns perfectly with the homeowners’ desire for a low-maintenance property.

This home also excels in environmental performance. Despite being designed before the recent H1 building code changes, Performance Architecture incorporated thermally broken aluminium joinery, low-E double glazing, and higher levels of insulation that exceeded minimum requirements at the time.

This forward-thinking approach has paid dividends. “The couple have barely used the gas fire because it’s always really nice and warm,” says Hailey, with the home performing well in terms of comfort and energy efficiency.

Clive Barrington Construction enjoyed building this home. It was an opportunity to create something above the “run-of-the-mill subdivision homes”, and respond to the simple forms of the design.

No matter how you look at it there’s no mistaking a Clive Barrington built house +64 3 343 2010 / info@clivebarrington.com clivebarrington.com 47

The Mitsubishi Lossnay ventilation system and Daikin VRV air conditioning system were supplied and installed by Gavin Lowe Energy to provide a combined fresh air, heating and cooling solution for this family home.

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Lance Ash Interiors provided all the interior plaster work on this home, including linings and metal ceiling battens, continuing the calm, organic feel of the finishings.

“When building within a subdivision there’s always a need to consider the neighbouring properties,” says Clive. “With this home, as well as delivering on the whole home build, we helped with the fencing and landscaping to create a home that sits nicely on the land, and offers privacy from other homes. It was a delight to work with the homeowners.”

Kitchen and bathroom designer Ingrid Geldof and interior designer Jane Swinard were also instrumental in the home’s evolution. They worked with the homeowners to create practical and beautiful spaces.

“I designed the kitchen, scullery and laundry so as to incorporate a back porch,” says Ingrid. “I felt the family needed a place to dump dirty gear, jackets and so on, before entering the rest of the home.”

Jane then established key colours for the exterior building materials followed by interior finishes, such as the oak wooden flooring choice, carpet colours and wall finishes.

“It was great to provide positive reinforcement and alternative ideas and solutions with a design edge, where appropriate,” says Jane.

The kitchen features a Caesarstone benchtop, complemented by olive Vixel glass mosaic tiles as a splashback. The oak shelves also add depth and warmth. Throughout the home, a carefully curated palette of wood, green and off-white creates what Ingrid describes as a “natural, homely feel”, with feature tiles adding character without breaking the budget.

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From patchy to perfect: the low maintenance artificial lawn is by Lifestyle Lawns.

Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Performance Architecture 03 332 1797 parch.co.nz BUILDER Clive Barrington Construction Limited 03 343 2010 clivebarrington.com KITCHEN & BATHROOM DESIGNER Ingrid Geldof Design 03 377 2557 igd.co.nz INTERIOR DESIGNER Jane Swinard 027 431 7885 janeswinard.co.nz

The bathroom is another example of Ingrid’s experience in considered space planning. The ensuite’s stunning skylight allows light to come into the shower area, and adds value to the bathroom far greater than the cost to create it. As Ingrid says, “In 20 years, the house is still going to look good.” Even the children’s bathroom has been designed with practicality in mind, featuring a cleverly hidden shower and separate toilet space. “When you come in, you can brush your teeth and not see the person in the shower,” says Ingrid, making it ideal for the growing family.

When asked about their favourite aspects of the home, Mike says, “There’s always natural light coming in from somewhere, which makes it feel super warm and inviting.” This abundance of natural illumination creates the calm atmosphere they sought from the beginning.

The pair are very complimentary of the entire building team. “It was really effortless. Communication was consistently clear and responsive,” Mike says.

“Whenever we brought ideas to the table, the team at Performance Architecture came back with thoughtful options and guided us through the next steps. The whole process was straightforward.”

The recognition extends across the entire team.

“The Clive Barrington Construction team, kitchen and bathroom designer and interior designer all delivered exceptional work,” Mike states. “The level of craftsmanship was truly outstanding – and we wouldn’t change a thing.”

BRICK CLADDING Canterbury Clay Bricks 03 341 5036 clay-bricks.co.nz WOODEN FLOORING, CARPETS, BATHROOM TILES Nextdore 03 366 9400 nextdore.co.nz METAL ROOF & WALLS Metalcraft 03 349 7350 metalcraft.co.nz AIR CONDITIONING & VENTILATION Gavin Lowe Energy 03 337 9584 gavinlowe.co.nz ARTIFICIAL LAWN Lifestyle Lawns 0800 575 2926 lifestylelawns.co.nz INTERIOR PLASTERING Lance Ash Interiors 03 341 7922 laip.co.nz

www.lifestylelawns.co.nz

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AFTER

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URBAN VERTICAL A bold design transforms a small site into a grand statement, brilliantly executed by MO Brown Builders, Krush Architecture and Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture.

WORDS KATHY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY MICK STEPHENSON

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uilder Mike Brown from MO Brown Builders doesn’t mince his words when he describes this section as “a particularly tight site”. It’s just ˉ 235sqm, in a central suburb of Otautahi Christchurch.

What makes this architectural triumph remarkable isn’t just its strong presence on such a compact footprint, but how it transforms those spatial limitations into a design advantage, creating a sophisticated urban sanctuary that feels both industrial and intimate.

For the homeowners, their journey began with a search for something distinctive. “We had been looking to buy in the area after moving down from Auckland. We were struggling to find something that ticked enough of our boxes, that offered something unique and met our expectation for quality. Then we stumbled upon this section,” they explain. ˉ Located just one property away from Otākaro Avon River and adjacent to Hagley Park, the site presented a rare opportunity. Though small, its position offered potential views over the park and to the Southern Alps in the distance – views the couple were determined to capture in their design.

PTL Structural & Fire's refined structural detailing enabled exposed steel elements, aligning architectural intent with engineering performance and client desires.

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The presence of steel is a large component of this home. Christchurch Steel and Lyndon Engineering were responsible for fabricating and installing the steel work, both internally and structurally.

The brief reflected the couple’s desire for “an open plan, minimalist, apartment feel with industrial appearance”. Working with architectural designer Kelly Rush of Krush Architecture, they envisioned a space reminiscent of a New York loft, featuring exposed structural steel and grid-formation glazing, while still maintaining a cosy feel, especially at night.

This industrial aesthetic is immediately apparent throughout the three-level 270sqm home. In the main living room two structural steel portal beams, which would typically be hidden in traditional builds, are deliberately exposed, complemented by industrial-style internal staircases with mesh balustrades and handrails.

hello@michellelamb.co.nz 64 272 076 992 @michelle.lamb_ 54

The flooring supplied by Nextdore is Pergo Gotland timber in Parchment Oak as it had just the right amount of coppery depth to it.

krusharchitecture.co.nz M 027 631 5339

E info@krusharchitecture.co.nz

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Manufactured by Ryan’s Kitchens & Joinery, the kitchen features stainless steel cladded cabinetry, complementing the home’s industrial style.

Powering homes with precision 027 67 47 111 56

tim@yourelectrician.co.nz

The windows and doors in this home are from Altherm Window Systems and come from the Metro series.

The master bedroom features striking New York loft-style windows with grid formation glazing that overlooks an internal void. “Despite being in a busy area of the city we really wanted it to be quiet,” the homeowners say. “What we have is a real sanctuary, quiet and dark at night, and by day, a great environment to sit, relax and look out to the mountains.”

The exterior showcases an eclectic mix of materials: Rockcote plaster with a Cerano finish, charred cedar and Colorsteel tray cladding. The charred cedar, finished using the ancient Japanese shou sugi ban technique, continues from the exterior into the ceiling of the lounge, elegantly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

One of the home’s most distinctive features is the banks of electric louvres on the eastern aspect. “They allow us in the winter to capture the sun, and in the summer they will allow us to shade large expanses of glass, and help ensure privacy. So internal window coverings were not required,” say the homeowners. This ingenious solution both maintains the clean lines they wanted and eliminated unnecessary costs.

Bring your vision to life with our Aluminium and uPVC Windows and Doors

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03 379 7660 admin@althermcanterbury.co.nz altherm.co.nz 57

The Nextdore bathroom tiles in this home are varying shades of concrete with a hint of a metallic oxide and were installed by J&C Tiling.

Quality tiling everytime!

TILING RENOVATIONS

Chris Ooi – MANAGER M: 021 288 2663 June Wong – ASSISTANT MANAGER M: 022 313 2668 E: jctilingspecialists@gmail.com

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Building on such a small site surrounded by existing properties presented obvious logistical challenges for the builder. “Access was always going to be a challenge,” admits Mike. “Fortunately, all the neighbours on all sides were absolutely awesome.”

The home’s height and compact footprint required extensive engineering. “The ground floor is like a structural steel skeleton,” says Mike. “Within the 110sqm ground-level floor plate, there are 42 steel posts within the floor.” This “forest of steel” provides the necessary structural strength to support the vertical design.

Because of the site’s historic nature – being close to the site of an old water mill – the project had to include the involvement of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, before starting work. The consultant archaeologist shared research and provided the homeowners with a documented summary of the property’s history.

The construction required careful planning to move heavy materials to the upper levels within a tight space, including a 180kg stone bath for the master ensuite and the three-metre-long glass sky door that opens to the rooftop deck. “You take it for granted,” Mike says of the logistics. “Some of the stuff you just can’t physically get up the stairs... you’ve got to plan for how it will happen.”

Without traditional garden space, the home compensates with thoughtfully designed outdoor living areas. The covered deck off the mid-level living space features vertical shutter panels on a three-track system, adjustable louvres and a drop-down windscreen. “It’s an awesome little retreat,” Mike says. “A year-round extension of the living room.”

The crowning glory is the rooftop deck, accessed through the electric-opening glass sky door that leads to stunning 360-degree views out to the mountains, over Hagley Park and the city. “The rooftop deck is not only a great space to relax and enjoy a weekend morning coffee – or evening gin and tonic – it provides real benefits in the form of heat regulation,” the homeowners say. “In the summer it means the roof surface is shaded, with airflow over it; in the winter, sheltered from frost.”

Interior plasterers Next Level Plastering completed all the interior plastering on this contemporary home, adding to the clean and minimal feel.

The Zinc powder room wallpaper from James Dunlop is a stunning cork laminated over a metallic foil. It really encapsulates the industrial, distressed yet beautiful look.

Shane Methven 027 766 7844 nextlevelplasteringnz@hotmail.com 59

The family can enjoy year-round living with Johnson & Couzins louvres and shutters. They provide protection from sun and rain and transform the deck area into an extra outdoor room.

The exterior cladding, back exterior and outdoor fire are in a Rockcote Cerano Concrete Finish, installed by Properly Plastered and giving a stylish and solid exterior to the home.

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Inside, the industrial kitchen and joinery throughout the home have been designed by Michelle of Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture.

Describing the interiors as “raw, refined and undeniably cool”, Michelle says it was a challenge to get the cosy and inviting feel in the home alongside the utilitarian style.

“The addition of wooden textures certainly helped to soften things, as did the lighting,” she says. “And ultimately the beautiful collection of the clients’ things – plants, art, trinkets and their resident beagle – all helped to achieve a cosy and inviting space.”

For Mike, satisfaction in the completed home is evident: “It sits very proudly on the site and has a good presence with its tall structure.” Kelly agrees saying he’s pleased with how the spaces interact really well and how big it feels inside despite the small footprint. The project was also a great example of the positive relationship that can be formed between the builder, the architectural designer, the interior designer and the client.

“We started the journey as clients and builder, and we finished as friends,” say the homeowners. “The whole extended team delivered what they said they would, when they said they would. They ensured that what had the potential to be a stressful journey was actually a really enjoyable experience.”

Involved in this project BUILDER MO Brown Builders 027 439 2527 mobrown.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Krush Architecture 03 355 9660 krusharchitecture.co.nz

KITCHEN & JOINERY Ryan’s Kitchens & Joinery 03 348 7921 ryanskitchens.co.nz

EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Properly Plastered 021 221 0282 properlyplastered.co.nz

WINDOWS & DOORS Altherm Window Systems 03 379 7660 altherm.co.nz

ENGINEER PTL Structural & Fire 03 925 9173 ptlnz.com

SHEEPSKIN RUG Wilson & Dorset 03 443 8312 wilsondorset.com

WOODEN FLOORING & TILES Nextdore 03 366 9400 nextdore.co.nz

INTERIOR DESIGNER Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture 027 2076 992 michellelamb.co.nz

TILER J&C Tiling Specialists Ltd 022 313 2668 jctilingspecialists.com

ELECTRICAL Your Electrician 027 67 47 111

INTERNAL PLASTERING Next Level Plastering 027 766 7844

LOUVRES & SHUTTERS Johnson & Couzins 0800 664 083 johnsonandcouzins.com STRUCTURAL & INTERIOR STEEL Christchurch Steel & Lyndon Engineering 03 352 3406 christchurch-steel.co.nz

CONTACT US TODAY

M: 027 439 2527

E: mobrownbuilders@xtra.co.nz

MOBROWN.CO.NZ

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Fully informed Restrained design and clarity of vision define this Bay of Plenty home by Arkhē Architecture.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER STUDIO

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urrounded by native bush above the coastline of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, looking out to the Rurima and Moutohorā Islands, this site is a special one.

Homeowners and downsizers Clare and Kevin Power are themselves something to be reckoned with – they purchased the property fresh from trekking the length of New Zealand on the formidable Te Araroa trail.

While planning their forever home, they camped on-site for a year, pondering their specific requirements.

While the brief for the house itself was open, the pair had other priorities. “We didn’t want the house to compete with the area’s natural beauty but rather work with it and allow us to feel connected to the environment, both indoors and out,” says Clare. “We also wanted a minimalist style with a small footprint.”

When they came across Diego Marangoni, director of Arkhē Architecture, they were impressed by his process. Says Diego: “They liked how we designed for specific, unique localities, and found our intentionality really interesting.”

Diego always begins with what he calls a deep investigation, to discover what it is that connects the site to the clients. “It’s not an approach that is dictated by the architect,” he says. Rather than impose his vision, he delves into all the conditions, restrictions and context, following logical processes to arrive at the ideal resolution. “That way, every time I approach a new design, I don’t have to wonder.”

In this case, a major factor was that the homeowners wanted to simplify their lives. “They wanted to not only downsize their house but downsize their lifestyle as well.”

The next consideration was the site. As a new subdivision, there was an existing steep driveway, and a limited, oddly shaped building platform.

It was surrounded by pristine native bush, with substantial setbacks from steep banks for structural and erosion control reasons.

Then, the light. “We have bedrooms on the western end against a very high bank of vegetation, so they’re not negatively affected by the western sun.

Then you have the main living area as a single, open space in the middle, facing north and enjoying the views. And the master bedroom is on the eastern end of the house, and that’s where we have the most welcomed source of natural light, the eastern light.

So that’s where the roof rises to maximise the glazing. On the northern elevation, the roof gently decreases in height towards the western side, where we want to be protective and manage the sun intake. The building shape is very much informed by the circadian rhythm.”

Lastly, the locale. It was imperative that the building be recessive – even the garage roof shape mimics the angle of the new driveway, so it feels as if it’s been carved out of the land. “The surroundings are stunning so it doesn’t make any sense to design something that tries to bring more attention to itself.

There are circumstances where I like to subvert the context, if there’s something suburban and really restrictive, but in this case we worked on subduing the building against the landscape, punctuated with large expanses of glass to engage with the views.”

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Materials were key. The green-grey Colorsteel cladding is quiet and robust, while charred Japanese cedar elevates the exterior on a human scale – a tactile and engaging material on the interactive areas by doors and sliders. It even smells nice, says Diego, and avoids an overly industrial look. The concrete flooring with inslab heating is robust and low maintenance and works very efficiently as a solar heat sink.

The intention is for a rural feel, in both form and finish. Bathrooms have external access so they also function as mud rooms, and there’s no wasted space.

Bedrooms are multi-functional; there is no unnecessary separate dining room, nor the formality of a front door. Guests enter through the glass slider. To Diego, the home’s modest but comfortable size is crucial to sustainability. “The carbon footprint is mostly attributed to the size of a home itself.”

Partway through construction, the homeowners and original builder parted ways, and Thomas Blakeway of Karma Construction stepped in. While some of the exterior was already complete, Thomas and his team focused on the interiors as well as garaging and decking.

“I jumped at the opportunity to showcase what we can do,” he says. And he did it seamlessly, with creative thinking and wide experience that is ideal for taking on a unique high-end project such as this. His highlight is the birch-ply lined ceiling. It was extremely painstaking work, calculating the fit and pattern for the complex raking angles, but it’s a showstopper.

“It has been executed perfectly,” says Diego, noting how important the material was to reflect the light and fill the space with a warm, golden hue. “It was lucky we got Thomas. He came in and did an amazing job.”

It can be no easy task to jump in mid-project, but Thomas made it work with open communication. He relished the opportunity to share ideas with Diego.

“I love it when people are willing to hear different perspectives because I’m there every day, looking at it in different ways. For me, all the little details matter.”

He was quickly in tune with Clare and Kevin, often sharing a laugh. “Because they were living on-site, they were in every morning, every night, checking out the progress, and they trusted us.”

Colour choices are key to this project, including the concrete floor colour by PeterFell, which is PFL155 from the Neutral range finished with C2 Gloss. There’s a wide variety of options in the innovative PeterFell range for evoking a unique look and feel.

www.karmaconstruction.co.nz Architectural Homes Bay of Plenty

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Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Arkhē Architecture 027 544 3011 arkhe.co.nz BUILDER Karma Construction 027 270 4737 karmaconstruction.co.nz COLOURED CONCRETE PeterFell 09 828 6460 peterfell.co.nz LIGHTING DESIGN Rough Electrical 027 463 5445 roughelectrical.com

“Diego’s clever design is enhanced further by the lighting design,” says homeowner Clare Power.

“Tom Rough, from Rough Electrical, was so much more than your average electrician – he was almost an artist. He created a very real sense of calm, and, at night, the house comes alive.”

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The couple also enjoyed the process. “It was a pleasure to work with those that felt passion and connection to the build,” says Clare. “From the very beginning Diego took time to really get to know who we were and what was important to us. His design was just perfect. He thought of many important factors, such as the sun’s angle in different seasons, that we greatly appreciate now we live in the house. Thomas and foreman Rex were also passionate about the build and took pride in the smallest of details. Their easy-going natures and friendly personalities made the process less stressful for us.”

Thomas is impressed with the easy elegance of the end result. “You’re in your own little world up there. It’s so picturesque, and the design absolutely nailed it. It just fits in that site so beautifully.”

Diego also loves it. “It was a really adventurous project for the clients. I’m really happy with it; I think it really respects the context and reflects their characters.”

The home won a regional ADNZ Architectural Design Award for New Homes up to 150sqm in 2024 and was a 2024 Best Awards Residential Finalist.

As for Clare and Kevin, their biggest surprise is the feel of their home in the evenings. “At night the house comes alive and feels connected to the ngahere that encompasses it. We still get a thrill being here in the evening, listening to the ruru call and watching the rewarewa and tree ferns gently sway in the breeze.”

Colour your Concrete. peterfell.co.nz Colours may look different on print.

Order some actual samples before making your final decision.

Peaked interest A brand-new Benchmark Homes show home in Wānaka is brought to life

by Lily + Forbes Interior Design.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY MICKEY ROSS

“W

e’ve been wanting to build a show home in the Central Lakes area,” says Sam Evans, director of Benchmark Homes.

“We felt like we could offer a great service and product in Wānaka, and we thought this was the right time to do it.”

Mission accomplished. While Benchmark Homes is based in Christchurch, serving the expansive Canterbury and Central Lakes area, the newly completed show home is now open and ready to inspire, just a stone’s throw from the central Wānaka township.

The build showcases an updated Benchmark Homes look and feel, with a fresh take on a classic homestead.

“We’ve done a lot of double pavilion houses,” says Sam. “We find people really like that kind of traditional look, and it can be quite affordable as well. But we added a Wānaka spin on it. That’s where the cladding and some of the other features come into their own.”

The style of the show home in Wānaka was very carefully considered by Benchmark Homes. Plaster work by Matrix Plastering creates the modern rustic feeling and tactile experience that is so important.

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The exterior features bagged brick on one of the home’s forms, and cedar weatherboard on the other. “I love the deep, rich colour of the cedar and the horizontal lay with vertical battens. It’s very tactile, and with the bagged brick, it’s such a timeless look,” says Sam. The gabled forms have been deliberately kept minimal and contemporary to keep the focus on the cladding. “It’s a modern take on rustic.”

The twin forms are functional as well as beautiful, offering plenty of flexibility. The show home features three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, and a living area with stunning raked ceilings.

“Benchmark Homes is a full design-and-build company, so we don’t have any standard plans,” says Sam, explaining that the show homes are a great starting point to help people visualise a home for themselves. “This house is 200sqm, and one pavilion has the bedrooms, the other has the living areas, but you can easily extend either side to add more bedrooms, for example, or a media room. They can go at the front of the house, the back, or wherever the sun is. It’s a very modular design.”

Design consultants work with clients to provide the best solutions for all briefs and budgets, including highspec energy-efficiency standards. Benchmark Homes can even help find a site if necessary.

The show home’s interiors reflect the same contemporary yet traditional style. There are clean lines, precise joinery and luxurious but understated finishes.

“It’s an elevated look, and we wanted to do raked ceilings here, which look amazing,” says Sam. “It creates a lot of volume.”

Andrea Marshall and Siobhan Nolan of Lily + Forbes Interior Design have collaborated with Benchmark Homes for several years, and worked on the interiors here. Designing for a show home is an interesting challenge, as there’s no specific homeowner’s style to work with. “You have to choose your own direction from the start,” says Siobhan.

The wooden flooring was the impetus for the interior scheme. It is Saint Tropez Oak from Marchand Luxury Oak. The natural grain and warmth of European oak is highlighted with honey and amber tones, and it is protected by a durable German lacquer.

Curators of calm interiors Andrea Marshall 021 034 1220 andrea@lilyandforbes.co.nz Siobhan Nolan 021 0272 1833 siobhan@lilyandforbes.co.nz

lilyandforbes.co.nz 71

Heating services were undertaken by Southern Electrics. The team worked closely with Benchmark Homes to meet specific requirements for heating and cooling throughout the home.

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The crisp white 90cm Bubble Saucer feature pendant from Mr Ralph has a timeless quality with wide appeal. Made of resin, it glows without glare.

For Andrea and Siobhan, that meant following their own instincts and adding a Wānaka twist to the Benchmark Homes style. “Because we’ve worked with them for such a long time, we understand what they’re looking for. Benchmark Homes are definitely sophisticated and timeless, and we like to create calm, airy and relaxing interiors,” says Siobhan. “To us, in Wānaka’s alpine environment, that meant warm, natural materials like stone and timber. And of course we try to keep it simple and neutral so people can walk through a show home, understand the dimensions and envisage how they would put their own personality into one of their builds.”

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Involved in this project DESIGN & BUILD Benchmark Homes 03 343 8260 benchmarkhomes.co.nz INTERIOR DESIGNER Lily + Forbes Interior Design 021 0272 1833 lilyandforbes.co.nz INTERIOR PLASTERING Matrix Plastering 020 414 85106 matrixplastering.co.nz WOODEN FLOORING Marchand Luxury Oak 0274 272 659 marchandonline.co.nz FEATURE LIGHTING Mr Ralph 0800 677 2574 mrralph.co.nz HEATING SERVICES Southern Electrics Limited 027 825 5384

So where to start? With the flooring, says Andrea, as it’s such a large area of any home. “Then that dictates where we go with finishes and colours, and it flows on from there – all the while keeping in mind what the finished result should be. Here, we chose a beautiful engineered timber floor that we knew would work well.”

With a mid-toned floor and a light-filled space, Andrea and Siobhan opted for dark kitchen cabinetry.

A stone benchtop and curved panelling on the island complete the high-end design. Bedrooms and bathrooms are also sophisticated. Says Andrea: “We prefer a warmer, organic look for bedrooms and bathrooms that’s still bright, especially in a colder environment. And having a wall-to-wall vanity in a bathroom or ensuite really elevates it – it’s like a bespoke piece of furniture. Then we like to bring in some subtle pops of colour, like the soft green towels.”

One standout in the show home is the feature wall in the master bedroom. It is timber-look panelling with negative detailing and a built-in shelf, which adds warmth, texture and functionality and draws the eye up to the impressive ceiling heights. Andrea and Siobhan

say the wall required a lot of planning and discussion but was well worth the effort.

That kind of collaboration is what Lily + Forbes Interior Design do best. In every design project they undertake, the duo works closely with clients, both having creative input yet with one or the other taking the lead on communication. It’s a very effective process, they say, and while this project had logistical challenges because they were running it remotely from Christchurch, they’re extremely happy with the cohesive end result. “It was a lot of fun,” says Andrea.

“We really enjoy working with Benchmark Homes.

They’ve got such amazing clients, so we’ve been really lucky to work with them.”

There’s a lot of trust in that relationship, and to Sam at Benchmark Homes, the show home is a real success. “It’s tailored towards people who understand the value of that level of detailing and finish, and we really feel this represents who we are and what we can offer.”

The show home is located at 43 Avalon Station Drive, Pembroke, Wānaka.

benchmarkhomes.co.nz

Design and build architecture 75

Passion project For TL Builders and Figure & Ground, great homes come from the craft of designing and building – and understanding the realities of family living.

WORDS KATHY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ROWLANDS

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A cosy and comfortable family home like this wouldn’t be complete without a bean bag and sheepskin rug, such as this one from Wilson & Dorset. The cluster of opal glass pendants are from the Gang range from Mr Ralph.

The hand-blown matt glass is characterful and creates a radiant glow.

W

hen a builder sets out to construct his own home, you know it’s going to be something special. In this case, the attention to detail is next-level, the passion is palpable and every corner of this builder’s home tells a story of someone who truly understands the bones of a house. ˉ Tom Lindsay’s home in St Albans, Otautahi Christchurch, is precisely that kind of place – an abode where a skilled builder gets to create a peaceful haven for himself and his growing family.

Director of TL Builders, Tom’s journey began 15 years ago when, at 16, he started his building career working alongside his father. That early apprenticeship in both craftsmanship and work ethic laid the foundation for what would become his own successful business. In 2016, he took the leap into self-employment, and today leads a team of five whom he speaks of with genuine pride and respect.

As you approach the new back-section home, you must first take in a beautifully restored 1905 villa at the

front. Tom and his wife purchased this whole property with a grand plan in mind. The couple saw the potential – a chance to restore the villa and then create a purposebuilt home behind the villa that would suit their young family’s needs.

“The villa was lovely, but we really wanted to build new,” Tom says, referencing the sleek, contemporary home that now sits at the rear of the property. After carefully renovating the villa, he subdivided the land and embarked on the project that would become his family’s home.

The collaboration with the architectural designer began through mutual friends, who introduced Tom to Sam Connell, director and architectural designer at Figure & Ground. His vision would help bring Tom’s building expertise to life. Together, they crafted a home that’s both architecturally striking and deeply practical, forming an elegant C-shape around an internal courtyard that provides privacy and shelter from the ˉ changeable weather that Otautahi can be known for.

03 384 3547 | admin@joineryscene.co.nz

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The thoughtfully designed kitchen, laundry, media room, walk-in-wardrobe and vanities by designer Mikayla Raye from Joinery Scene, bring the couple’s vision to life.

This splashback by Claddagh Plastering is made of microcement, a decorative coating that brings a seamless finish to this kitchen, without the grout lines.

CREATING CUSTOM INTERIORS WITH POLISHED PLASTER AND MICROCEMENT Bespoke Decorative Finishes M 021 1759697 E contact@claddaghplastering.com claddaghplastering.com 79

The underfloor heating is laid into the foundation of this home and uses hot water heat pump technology, provided by Warmth.NZ.

Where Health Meets Comfort

Heat Recovery Ventilation Hydronic Underfloor Heating Heat Pump Hot Water Cylinders Ducted Heating & Cooling info@warmth.nz | 0800 477 778 | www.warmth.nz 80

“Given the small 547sqm site and its southern orientation, our goal was to position the dwelling as far back on the site as possible to create a north-facing courtyard,” says Sam. “However, this approach resulted in recession plane issues, which took nearly a year to resolve and gain resource consent. But in the end the final design is compact and makes excellent use of space.”

Says Tom: “It was a team project from day one. Sam’s expertise in planning and design has meant that we’ve been able to maximise our outdoor areas and make the home a really family-friendly space.”

Tom’s wife was also involved thanks to her incredible eye for interiors, and she worked alongside Sam throughout the entire design process. Every material choice, every spatial decision – she was part of it. This collaborative approach, alongside Nextdore Interiors, is evident throughout the home, where building expertise meets interior design flair in equal measure.

The two-storey design enjoys both space and natural light, with the ground floor flowing seamlessly between living areas. The heart of the home is undoubtedly the kitchen and living space, with a dramatic cathedral ceiling that draws the eye upward and adds an impressive sense of volume. As passionate entertainers, the couple knew this space would be central to their social life.

“We love having friends and family over,” Tom says.

“The kitchen needed to be somewhere we could cook for a crowd while still being part of the conversation.”

The result is a space that feels grand enough for parties yet intimate enough for family breakfasts, with sight lines that connect to the internal courtyard and create that coveted indoor-outdoor flow. As Sam says, “The integration of the driveway and outdoor living areas allows them to function as one cohesive zone, maximising open space to the north.”

A charming media room provides the perfect retreat for quieter moments, while the ground floor also features a bedroom and bathroom, plus a separate toilet – practical touches that speak to Tom and Sam’s understanding of how families actually live. Upstairs, three bedrooms include a master suite complete with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, creating a private parents’ retreat above the public spaces.

Nextdore Interiors was instrumental in pushing Tom and his partner to think outside the box, presenting an incredible range of products, including the green carpet upstairs and the choice of tiles in the bathrooms.

All interior painting throughout this home was carried out by Swanston Painting & Decorating.

We specialise in bespoke architecturally designed homes, working with Architects, designers, & home owners. Monarch have a reputation for quality workmanship and service.

03 384 9477 sales@monarchali.co.nz monarchali.co.nz 81

Tom’s building philosophy extends well beyond aesthetics. Having completed a passive house course, he’s deeply committed to energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. This knowledge informed countless decisions throughout the build, from insulation choices to recessed window placement, ensuring the home not only looks beautiful but performs exceptionally year-round.

The exteriors are equally thoughtful. The internal courtyard provides a safe, sheltered outdoor area that has become an extension of the living spaces. At the same time, a tiny elevated pool adds an element of resortstyle luxury. It’s these details that transform a house into a home – understanding that luxury isn’t always about size, but about creating exactly what your family needs.

“I’m incredibly lucky to work with such skilled people,” Tom says. “Building is a team sport, and having the right people around you makes all the difference.”

This collaborative spirit, evident in his business relationships, is clearly reflected in his approach to creating this family home.

Sam agrees, saying he is proud to have been part of the project. The pair have since continued working together on other projects, as a result of the strong working relationship formed.

For Tom, this home represents the perfect blend of his professional expertise and personal values – a place where his family can grow, where friends can gather and where the art of building becomes the foundation for the art of living well.

OUR SERVICES • • • • •

Exterior Plastering Exterior Painting Repairs Interior Effects Intertenancy Systems

027 333 0128 | geocoat.co.nz 82

Involved in this project BUILDER TL Builders 027 470 9911 tlbuilders.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Figure & Ground 03 352 4333 figureandground.co.nz INTERIORS Nextdore Interiors 03 366 9400 nextdore.co.nz JOINERY Joinery Scene 03 384 3547 joineryscene.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Geocoat Exterior Plastering 027 333 0128 geocoat.co.nz PAINTING & DECORATING Swanston Painting & Decorating 027 696 3057 swanstonpainting.co.nz BEANBAG & SHEEPSKINS Wilson & Dorset 03 443 8312 wilsondorset.com SWIMMING POOL Tiny Pools 021 159 0896 tinypools.co.nz

FEATURE LIGHTING Mr Ralph Lighting 0800 677 2574 mrralph.co.nz

POLISHED CONCRETE FLOOR A Brilliant Concrete Grinder Company 021 063 8833 abconcretegrinder.co.nz

UNDERFLOOR HEATING Warmth.NZ 0800 477 778 warmth.nz

WINDOWS & DOORS Monarch Aluminium 03 384 9477 monarchali.co.nz

MICROCEMENT SPLASHBACK Claddagh Plastering 021 175 9697 claddaghplastering.com

tom@tlbuilders.co.nz

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The exterior plastering was completed

by Geocoat Exterior Plastering using Resene Construction Systems Integra Lightweight Concrete Facade System with a Cerano finish.

The elevated tiny pool from Tiny Pools is the ideal addition to this young family’s outdoor living: it provides the perfect blend of fun and practicality.

tlbuilders.co.nz

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The shape of you Designed by Young+Richards, a sculptural delight in Tāmakimakaurau holds at its core a comfortable family home.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID STRAIGHT

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any factors influenced the brave architecture of this home in St Heliers, Tāmakimakaurau, but none more so than the homeowners’ art collection.

For Harriet Pilkington and Elvon Young of Young+Richards, the paintings and sculptures – and their clients’ eye for curation – offered insights and inspiration in myriad, surprising ways.

“It’s a significant collection,” says Harriet. “It’s an eclectic mix of New Zealand art collected over many years, and we liked the personal nature of that. We felt we could create something special here because these were people that were interested in contemporary art, particularly abstract art, and they would be able to push the boundaries.”

Conceptually, this sparked the exploration of the simple yet sculptural forms, which Harriet describes as cubes effortlessly cascading down the hillside. “It’s like a piece of art on the landscape itself.”

Further, Harriet and Elvon felt they wanted to create an art gallery, not only in a literal sense for the artworks, but also in considering the home as a canvas, a backdrop for family life.

First, of course, practicalities had to be addressed.

Foremost being that the homeowners didn’t even approach Young+Richards for a new house design at all. They initially planned to renovate their long-time family home.

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A sophisticated lighting design by Dark Arts Studio accentuates the home’s geometry, balances light and shadow, and creates moments of drama and intrigue.

“This was a project that had a really long gestation period,” Harriet explains. “We’ve known the clients for quite some time and we were asked to have a look at their existing house. It was dark, it was pretty run-down and it had become unsuitable for their needs as their children were growing up. It was a 1970s house with a rabbit warren of spaces, and the family needed both more separation as well as more togetherness.”

It was quite a complex site, she says – steep, tightly enclosed by neighbouring properties and with a swimming pool on the top tier, higher than the house. During the design process, it became clear that rebuilding from scratch would be the more appropriate approach. The pool could be kept, but with the living area of the house lifted up to the same level to improve the indoor-outdoor flow.

Harriet and Elvon were so convinced of the notion of building anew, they pitched it to the homeowners with a full plan. “We went much further than we would usually go,” says Harriet. “We got carried away and designed the whole thing.”

No surprise, the homeowners were immediately on board. “They absolutely loved it.”

From the street front, the new house is clean and dramatic. On entering, a warm and functional family home unfolds. Downstairs are all the amenities, including a gym. Further up, there’s a private wing for the parents and, past a gallery space, a wing for children’s rooms with bathrooms.

Meeting in the middle, there’s the music room: a casual den to gather and relax, listen to music or watch a movie. All these rooms open to private outdoor areas.

Heading upstairs, the stairwell frames the views.

That includes the property itself, with sculptures strategically placed outside to be enjoyed from indoors as well as out.

The upper floor is designed for entertaining, opening onto outdoor living spaces with a bespoke fireplace, existing trees and a visual connection to the pool area via the soaring trapezoid roof that cantilevers overhead.

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Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL & INTERIOR DESIGN Young+Richards 09 520 6444 youngrichards.com EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Sharp Exteriors Ltd 022 028 4045 reseneconstruction.co.nz LANDSCAPE DESIGN WilesRead Landscapes 021 568 771 wilesread.co.nz INDEPENDENT LIGHTING DESIGNER Dark Arts Studio 027 522 6434 darkartsstudio.co.nz

The Resene Integra Lightweight concrete & premium plaster finishes were installed by Sharp Exteriors Ltd to provide a fresh exterior cladding in keeping with the sleek design.

It’s an easy flow that belies the tricky siteworks involved in carving out the terraces of flat gardens from the steep site while still maintaining privacy from neighbours.

Designers and homeowners were in sync on the finely tuned balance between bold aesthetics and comfortable liveability. Spatially, everything was extremely well planned, not only in the hanging of the precious artworks, but also the day-to-day moments, such as incorporating walk-in wardrobes and built-in desks. Nothing is random; it’s very personalised, and that makes it feel seamless.

From choosing material finishes to installing home automation and collaborating with the builder, says Harriet, the homeowners were very involved. “They’re into design, and they loved the process.”

They were also realistic about the timeframe, which took about a year. They rented a place nearby and visited often, asking questions and researching cost-effective alternatives to any issues. “They were aware of maintaining the design intent,” says Harriet.

“They wanted to think through every aspect, but they also trusted everyone’s professional opinions. We had a 88

series of designers working together on this, including those responsible for landscaping and lighting, which all came together really well.”

The lighting design, she says, was an opportunity for something special. “It’s about the house as a stage, and how it can be played out with different moods.”

Similarly, landscaping was also key to enhancing the concept. “It’s another form of artistic expression.”

The entire project is comprehensive and finely tuned, a testament to the working relationship between Young+Richards founders Harriet and Elvon. After 18 years in practice, including extending to studios in Napier and Queenstown, Harriet says they have a great deal of respect for each other. While one or the other will take the lead at various stages of a process, they always mesh well.

That cohesion is reflected here. “The end result is so successful. It was a really unique proposition, and everyone worked together to pull it off. It’s a big journey and along the way, it stayed true to concept.”

More importantly, she says, the homeowners say it’s wonderful to live in. “You always want to have a happy client. They love it, and it suits them.”

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Rustic remix This lovingly restored farmhouse in South Africa is a vibrant mix of pattern, nostalgia and creative charm, where every detail tells a story.

WORDS LORI COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY GREG COX/ BUREAUX PRODUCTION SVEN ALBERDING

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ornel and Neill Strydom always knew they wanted to return to the land. Both grew up in farming families, and while their careers had taken them elsewhere for years, that connection was never lost. When they bought Nagtegaalsfontein almost a decade ago, it was with a long-term plan: one day, this would be home.

“We decided early on that we weren’t going to grow old in a city,” says Cornel. “We wanted our lives to be rooted somewhere quieter, somewhere slower.” When they moved here full-time two years ago after their youngest finished school, they stepped into a space full of possibility. The house was built in 1858 and has never been on the grid, and it had been altered over the generations by different owners adapting it to their needs.

Thick walls held layers of history, and old additions told stories of practicality rather than aesthetics.

“The house already had so much character,” says Cornel. “It just needed thoughtful reworking.” The first thing they did was add a new kitchen with big windows facing north so they could take in the view all day long.

“The original kitchen made sense for winter, but it didn’t take advantage of what makes this place special: the openness,” she says.

The new kitchen has become an anchor for daily life for the guests who come to experience the Karoo, South Africa’s semi-desert region. The centrepiece is a round wooden table surrounded by multi-hued woven Malawi

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chairs. Anchoring them is a striking black-and-white tiled floor that Cornel pieced together from leftover tiles salvaged from her parents’ home. Instead of forcing mismatched pieces into uniformity, she embraced their differences, cutting them into smaller sections to create a Moroccan-inspired mosaic.

“You don’t need much when you get things like this right,” Cornel says. “Just one strong feature in a room can hold everything else together.”

In the living room, this playful approach comes to life through a cluster of dried branches suspended from the ceiling in a nest-like formation – a nod to the farm’s name, derived from the Dutch word for nightingale.

To create the nest here, Cornel gathered a bundle of thorn branches from the roadside and hung them from the beams using blue and white rope. “It was such an unexpected moment of inspiration, but it turned out to be the perfect way to bring the outdoors into the farmhouse,” she says. “The branches create a sculptural focal point and help break up the volume of the highceilinged room.”

In what’s known as the Blue Room, Cornel drew inspiration from Delft pottery. While digging garden beds, she unearthed fragments of Delftware, which sparked the idea of using indigo shades across upholstery and furniture – a quiet tribute to the stories buried beneath their feet.

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She has always loved the timeless charm of blue and white, with its sense of retro nostalgia, but wanted to give it a modern spin. Instead of a purely traditional look, she introduced subtle contrasts: a geometric rug blending vintage motifs with crisp contemporary lines and layers of white ceramics displayed on an indigo table.

“I love patterns,” says Cornel. “But I prefer experimenting with scale and form while keeping to a single shade.”

Luckily, fabric is never in short supply – her husband, Neill, owns textile and rug importer Romo South Africa, giving her access to an entire world of textures and patterns. But rather than indulging in excess, she takes a measured approach, letting one standout piece set the tone for the rest of the space.

Two of her favourites – gingham and ticking – appear throughout the bedrooms, both classic fabrics that she reinterprets through colour and scale.

Each bedroom has a distinct identity, but fabric isn’t always the starting point. “It usually begins with one object. In one bedroom, I had a beautiful white four-poster bed, so I built on that, keeping everything white to create a calm, serene feel. In another, I painted two single beds a nutty pink and repurposed a wardrobe from the dining room, adding a layer of grasscloth.

That shift led me to pinks and earthy tones, so I filled the walls with landscapes: another way of bringing the outdoors in. There’s always one small key that unlocks the whole design.”

“This guest room was designed with kids in mind, so placing the beds top-to-toe felt like a fun, space-saving solution,” says Cornel.

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In a third guest space, Cornel worked with the architecture rather than against it. With its soaring ceiling, the room needed something to create a sense of intimacy and grounding. Her solution: a suspended branch adorned with wicker pendant lights hanging at varying heights. This sculptural centrepiece anchored the design, drawing the eye inward, so naturally this is where the beds found their place. Positioned like this, they take full advantage of the uninterrupted views. In this bedroom the openness extends into a covered but openair bathroom, where a Victorian-style bath sits exposed to the elements, perfectly positioned to take in the view.

Throughout the farmhouse, contrast plays out in ways that surprise and delight. A large stone basin in the dining room stands unapologetically against delicate Victorian wallpaper in a striking juxtaposition that enhances both elements. It has a simple garden tap, an unpretentious touch in an otherwise refined space.

“I love mixing things that shouldn’t work together,” says Cornel.

Farm life is as much about the outdoors as it is about the home, and Cornel considered this just as carefully.

She built a low brick wall to define the space and create a sense of entry without shutting out the landscape. “I wanted it to feel like you were stepping into something,” she says, “but not closing anything off.”

The garden has been about working with the land rather than imposing upon it. She replaced roses with indigenous grasses and hardy shrubs, letting them spill over naturally. The pool blends so seamlessly into its surroundings that it feels as though it has always been there.

Throughout, subtle but unexpected design choices define the house. Nothing feels predictable, yet every decision makes perfect sense.

Create the Look FARMHOUSE CHARM

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT Pom Pom Faux Dahlias nottinghillinteriors.co.nz; Tussock Bamboo Pendant accentlighting.co.nz; New England Floral Cushion Cover simplycushions.co.nz; Burleigh Ink Blue Hibiscus Rectangular Platter thestudio.co.nz; Blue Velvet Buttoned Occasional Chair coastalstyle.co.nz; White Wavy Vase littleandfox.co.nz; Orla Kiely Linear Stem Rug in Slate boltofcloth.com; Ingeborg Wallpaper in Brown/Gold theinside.co.nz; Spode Blue Italian Buffet Plate thestudio.co.nz

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The Good Life Our favourite small luxuries and must-haves FINEST FINS Cast glass shark fin sculptures by Luke Jacomb Studio were originally a collaboration with Stolen Girlfriends Club in 2015. Now they’re back for 2025 in small, medium and large, and in 10 curated colours, including Denim, Citrine and Purple. A fun talking point, these striking pieces look fantastic on their own or as a grouping. From 10cm to 21cm. lukejacombstudio.com

I N A NEW FORM Good Form offers furniture, lighting and accessories from Scandinavian classics to Italian icons. This year, it moved into a larger gallery in Auckland which was built as an industrial space in the 1950s. With designer Gidon Bing, Good Form’s Dan and Emma Eagle restored the building, uncovering original features such as skylights and a saw-tooth roof. Now it’s a characterful experience that also includes their vintage brand Mr Bigglesworthy.

86 Newton Road, Eden Terrace. goodform.co.nz

The Whāia te Taniwha exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will explore the enduring presence of taniwha in Aotearoa. Opening 20 September, the works by Māori artists offer a window into the rich narratives that tāngata whenua have held for generations. Says co-curator Chloe Cull: “This exhibition celebrates the diversity of taniwha. They are shapeshifters, oceanic guides, leaders, adversaries, guardians and tricksters who have left their marks on the Aotearoa landscape.” christchurchartgallery.org.nz

SI P I N STYLE One of New Zealand’s most iconic ceramics brands, Acme, is expanding beyond coffee with its new Tajimi range. Crafted in Japan, these tumblers are perfect for green tea, filter coffee, beer or a crisp evening cocktail. With a sleek matt exterior and a smooth glazed interior, they’re made to keep drinks at the ideal temperature and there are two sizes to choose from.

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acmecups.nz

© Piri Cowie Te Wheke – Aro Hā Series 2024. Bronze on karā (basalt). Courtesy of the artist.

I S AW A TA N I WH A

RE AD ING NOOK

S H O RT | POTO The big book of small stories

LEGENDARY LIGHT ING Design Denmark is proud to introduce to New Zealand a new lighting range from Light-Point Copenhagen created in collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche in Austria – the same design studio behind the iconic Porsche 911. A fusion of Light-Point’s innovation and meticulous craftsmanship with Porsche’s timeless aesthetic, this range of functional, sculptural lighting pieces will elevate any space. designdenmark.co.nz

Edited by Michelle Elvy and Kiri Piahana-Wong Publisher Massey University Press

New from Aesop, Lucent Facial Refiner is a gentle yet effective exfoliating masque with PHA Gluconolactone and BHA Salicylic Acid to refine, and generous measures of vitamins B, E and F to replenish. A lightweight gel cream with a warm, floral aroma, it leaves your skin with a more even, clarified texture and appearance. aesop.co.nz

By Justine Olsen Publisher Te Papa Press

One hundred short, short stories in English and te reo Māori. Short, short stories are sometimes known as flash fiction or microfiction, and create a resonant world in fewer than 300 words. In this collection, a range of New Zealand writers, both well-known and emerging, deliver emotionally charged stories in this valuable contribution to our literary landscape that rewards repeated readings.

A showcase of the highlights of the Walter C Cook Collection of Decorative Arts, one of the treasures of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. Cook, a discerning collector of modest means, built the collection over 25 years with a specific goal: these objects, by notable designers, track the evolution of design from the arts and crafts movement through to the modernism of the 1970s.

T H E M I D N I G H T PL A N E Selected and new poems

G RO U N DWO R K The art and writing of Emily Cumming Harris

By Fiona Kidman Publisher Otago University Press

LET TH ERE BE L U C ENT

TOWA R D S M O D E R N I S M The Walter Cook Collection at Te Papa

In The Midnight Plane, Dame Fiona Kidman, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most distinguished writers, returns to her first and deepest literary love, poetry.

This beautifully curated volume opens with selected work from Kidman’s six previous collections, and concludes with a body of exciting new poems. A memoir in a sense, The Midnight Plane speaks to human relationships, connection and disconnection, and the mystery and majesty of life.

By Michele Leggott and Catherine Field-Dodgson Publisher Te Papa Press A luscious tribute to one of New Zealand’s most significant botanical artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Just as Emily Harris’s beautiful paintings occupy a liminal space between scientific botanical illustration and art, so this book occupies a shifting ground between biography and imagineered monograph. The result is often moving and always intriguing, and importantly, it restores to Aotearoa art history a figure who had almost disappeared.

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In the Kitchen Recipes from our favourite cookbooks

INGREDIENTS: soft butter for dish plus extra for dotting 2 tamarillos 1 medium egg 2 tablespoons sugar plus extra for sprinkling 1 heaped tablespoon plain flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup milk a drizzle of cream METHOD: Preheat the oven to 180°C and generously butter a small ovenproof dish.

Halve and scoop out flesh of fruit and cut into thick slices. Place in buttered dish.

Whisk egg with the 2 tablespoons sugar, add flour and whisk until smooth.

Whisk in vanilla and milk.

Pour batter over fruit, dot some butter over the top, and bake for 20 minutes or so until just set in the centre and golden.

Serve with a final sprinkle of sugar over the top and drizzle with cream. niciwickes.com

Tip: Instead of tamarillos, try fresh pitted cherries, prunes, feijoas or any not-too-juicy fruit.

Tamarillo Clafoutis At her family gatherings, says cookbook author Nici Wickes, someone will whip up a clafoutis on the spot. This is a scaled-back version of the recipe, just right for one (with leftovers for breakfast).

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Recipe from More From a Quiet Kitchen

By Nici Wickes Publisher Bateman Books

Shop Window The very best products and services for your home ACCE N T L I G H T I N G At Accent Lighting, the team of lighting experts pride themselves on their exceptional knowledge, expertise and service. They’re continuously adding to the collection with the latest styles and technology from top European designers.

The Alama pendant from Il Fanale Italy has a spherical luminous body with an interplay of geometry and balance. Quality pieces are complemented by a design service for both residential and commercial projects. They’re passionate about great design and the importance of lighting in any design project. Visit the showroom at 829 Colombo Street, Christchurch, for a complimentary consultation. accentlighting.co.nz

A RT. CO G A L L E RY Welcome to Art.co Gallery, in collaboration with Christchurch-based Armstrong Interiors. The gallery offers a carefully curated selection of unique paintings and ceramics by talented local Canterbury artists. Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a standout piece to enhance your home or business, or a commissioned artwork to reflect your personal style, Art.co has something for every taste. Pop in and take a look around their beautiful space and as a bonus, enjoy the incredible art while you’re here. Visit them at 3 Birmingham Drive in Christchurch.

artco.nz

N AT U R A L LY T I L E S Imagine stepping into your dream bathroom every morning. Your space deserves more than ordinary tiles.

Whether you’re remodelling or building new, Naturally Tiles have the perfect tiles to suit every style. Known for their durability and stunning aesthetics, their Italian porcelain tiles showcase a vast array of design options from classic designs to contemporary patterns. Visit their showroom today for a complimentary design consultation.

Fabio and Heather will guide you through the collections, ensuring you find the perfect tiles for your project.

naturallytiles.co.nz

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RESENE

NEXTDORE

Embarking on a home decorating project? Resene colour experts can help you successfully select colours and wallpapers that reflect your personality. Book a free in-store consultation, or make an appointment with a Resene colour expert to visit you at home – where they can help with your Resene paints, wallpapers and wood stains, inside and out.

Nextdore are passionate about helping their clients create spaces inspired by their stories. The team of talented and personable designers develop interiors that are unique, innovative and tailored to individual taste and budgets. Supported by experienced in-house professionals, they deliver both form and function from trusted suppliers like Bremworth, Luxaflex and Porcelanosa. With more than 60 years of experience in flooring and textiles.

resene.co.nz/colourconsult

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JOHN STON IMP ORTS

K A M O M A R S H L A N D S CA PE A RCH I T E CT S

Create a stylish and inviting lounge with the Andorra Collection.

Striking the perfect balance between comfort and modern elegance, the range features armchairs, sofas and chaise options in fabrics that complement a wide range of interior styles. Pair with their curated selection of accessories, coffee and side tables to complete the look. Contact them today to find your nearest stockist.

Operating out of Central Christchurch and Queenstown, this award-winning landscape architecture practice is dedicated to providing a friendly and personalised experience for every project they’re involved in. At Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects, the focus is on delivering quality landscape designs across a range of projects including residential, commercial, educational and subdivisions.

Every great result starts with a simple conversation so get in touch.

ji.net.nz

kamomarsh.co.nz

CA ST LIGH TING

LIEBHERR

Cast Lighting specialises in bespoke handcrafted timber pendants and luminaires inspired by the Aotearoa landscape. Their designs are pared-back, sculptural and sustainably made using recycled and locally sourced materials. Each piece is unique, showcasing the natural beauty of timber and natural materials. Make contact through their website to discuss your individual lighting needs.

German refrigeration specialist Liebherr offers a suite of elegant solutions for perfectly preserving food and wine, with fully integrated fridge, freezer and wine models that allow seamless matching with kitchen joinery. Standout features include premium interiors with LED lighting, Liebherr’s patented BioFresh to keep food fresh for longer, plus the option of an auto IceMaker.

castlighting.nz

home.liebherr.nz

CA ST C REATIVE C ONC R ET E

RO U G H M I L N E M I TCH E L L

Elevate your space and add a unique, high-end focal point to your home with our selection of hand-crafted concrete sinks, bathtubs and benchtops. They are perfectly imperfect, with no two creations the same, as each hand-poured design reflects the raw nature of concrete. We’re here to help, from initial design through to installation.

You’ll recognise the name: Tony Milne is a regular abode columnist.

Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects has studios in Christchurch, Auckland, Nelson, Wānaka and Dunedin, and a hot desk in Wellington. With over 25 years in practice, they have developed a reputation for excellence through a collaborative style of working and a highly skilled team. The focus is to create innovative, sustainable solutions that connect people to their environments.

castcreativeconcrete.co.nz

rmmla.co.nz

DA RK ARTS STUD IO

B RY M AC T I L E S

Dark Arts Studio embraced the bold geometric form of this home with a lighting design that plays with linearity and rhythm. The concept enhanced key architectural features through carefully positioned light lines and integrated systems that blend diffused ambient lighting and targeted accents. This layered approach and a responsive lighting control system fine tunes the balance between light and shadow, while intentional pockets of darkness create moments of drama and intrigue.

In operation for over 40 years, Brymac Tiles has a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to draw on. Offering an extensive range of luxury European tiles made from long-lasting materials, at the best prices, Brymac Tiles provides a professional installation service that guarantees quality workmanship every time. Visit their showroom at 42 Durham Street for all your interior and exterior tiling solutions.

darkartsstudio.co.nz

brymactiles.co.nz

HA IR C ANDY

CA N T E R B U RY WI N D OW COV E R I N G S

Created to help maximise hair health, Hair Candy keratin treatment has no nasty ingredients and is made with New Zealand sheep wool keratin, which is a 99 per cent match to human keratin protein. This treatment penetrates the hair cuticle and strengthens, restores and repairs from the inside out, preventing breakage by 85 per cent and reducing frizz. It’s essential for the strength and resilience of hair.

Make sure to give it a try – your hair will thank you for it.

Norman Plantation Shutters from Canterbury Window Coverings are ideal for managing light and privacy, but what truly sets them apart is their smart automation. The addition of a SmartDial remote or app-based control allows effortless operation, so you can select pre-set modes or customise your own preferences to achieve the perfect ambience at any time of day.

haircandy.nz

cwcblinds.nz

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Consulting Structural and Fire Engineers

info@ptlnz.com | 03 925 9173 | ptlnz.com

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leaders in drywall services • Supply, Fix and Stop of Plasterboard • Free Quotes • Metal Ceiling Battens • Batt Supply and Installation • Residential and Commercial Projects • Level 5 Specialists

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(03) 341 7922

PO Box 33 116, Christchurch • office@laip.co.nz

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Kevin Williams

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www.digoutservices.co.nz digoutservices@xtra.co.nz COVERING ALL EXCAVATING REQUIREMENTS

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BUILDING MORE THAN HOUSES Golden Homes Christchurch, says Dean McGuigan, is proudly built on value, backed by experience and powered by family.

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hen choosing a building company, many people focus on price – but a truly great builder offers something far more important: long-term value. From the quality of the build to the way you’re treated throughout the process, a good building company delivers peace of mind, confidence and a home that stands the test of time.

It starts with experience. A company with decades in the industry brings more than construction knowledge – it brings understanding of the local market and council processes, and a refined approach that avoids common pitfalls. This experience means fewer delays, no surprises and a smoother path from concept to completion.

But experience alone isn’t enough. At Golden Homes Christchurch, value is at the heart of everything we do. As a family-owned business with over 35 years of experience, we understand that building a home isn’t just about materials or floor plans, it’s about creating a place where your life happens.

That’s why we focus on delivering long-term value in every decision, every detail and every home we build.

Our value begins with listening. We take the time to understand what matters most to you – whether it’s space to grow a family, flexibility for the future or you simply want peace of mind that your investment is protected. With a team that genuinely cares, we turn your vision into a home that reflects your lifestyle, your goals and your budget.

To ensure that value carries through the entire journey, we have an in-house team that keeps the process smooth and efficient. Our plan drafting team works directly with you to customise designs that are both practical and beautiful, eliminating the need for outside consultants. And with our in-house Council Planning & Consents Manager, you benefit from local expertise that ensures compliance and keeps your project moving.

Our homes are built to last, using proven products that are well above minimum standards, and construction methods that offer peace of mind for years to come. Let us help you move forward with confidence.

Build with value, build with trust. goldenhomes.co.nz

DEAN MCGUIGAN Director, Canterbury Region at Golden Homes

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Define your space This modern inner-city home makes the most of its tight footprint, with an exterior plaster finish that gives it a strong, structural presence. To achieve this, the clients chose ROCKCOTE Cerano concrete finish, extending it through to the sheltered loggia courtyard

ARCHITECT

Krush Architecture

BUILDER

MO Brown Builders

PLASTERING PROFESSIONALS

Properly Plastered

ARTISAN INTERIOR

ROCKCOTE Cerano concrete effect finish

0800 50 70 40 w w w. r e s e n e c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o . n z 108

CL A D D I N G SYST E MS

A R T IS A N I N T E R I O R S

C O NST R U C T I O N PR O D U C T S