Abode - Issue 67 - November/December 2023

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

RRP $10.50

Let in the light Classic elegance in an Ōtautahi Christchurch family home

REFINED RUSTIC A Kiwiana bach but not as we know it

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Time for warm weather get-togethers

A GOOD FEELING Inside the making of a Superhome

The TheClearwater...

Clearwater...

TheThe Coastal Coastal View View Lifestyle Lifestyle Village Village in Nelson’s in Nelson’s Tāhunanui Tāhunanui Hills, Hills, overlooking overlooking Tasman Tasman Bay, Bay, offers offers independent independent living living in in a stunning a stunning location, location, with with a a comprehensive comprehensive range range of activities. of activities.

TheThe new new Clearwater Clearwater duplex duplex units units (shown (shown above) above) have have been been designed designed by by Kerry Kerry Mason Mason andand Huia Huia Reriti Reriti of award-winning of award-winning +MAP +MAP architects. architects.

These These two-storey two-storey homes homes with with liftslifts andand upstairs upstairs living living offer offer expansive expansive views. views.

coastalview.co.nz | 50 Clarence Drive, Bishopdale | 03 548 8864 A subsidiary of

NKBA SUPREME BATHROOM AWARD WINNER 2023.

A W A R D - W I N N I N G K I T C H E N & B AT H R O O M D E S I G N S T U D I O

daviniasutton.com

PLAN I DESIGN I MANAGE I BUILD

djhewitt.co.nz | P: 03 384 7470

Editor’s Note A

bout 20 years ago, in a quirky little 1940s ex-state house we were renting, we had a single potted yucca tree in our hallway.

As did everyone, then.

How things have changed. Now, I lose count after about 35 pot plants in our house, from mother in law’s tongue and fiddle leaf figs to ZZ plants and strings of succulents.

These days, filling your house with greenery is considered both stylish and mood-boosting, and each season brings a new houseplant trend.

It was Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell who sparked my memory of the lonely yucca, in his regular column on page 86. Give it a read: he talks about how and why connecting with nature puts some pep in our steps.

Bob Burnett of Bob Burnett Architecture also mentions biophilic design in this issue.

Bob founded the Superhome Movement, and he advocates that a home should be your happy place as well as high-performing. The striking Prebbleton house he designed, in the feature story on page 56, is a wonderful example.

I know most of us can’t wait to get back outside, as well as bring the outside in. We have all the advice you need for entertaining and catching up with friends and family in your outdoor space in the special feature from page 85.

Enjoy this issue, and the summer.

Cassie Doherty EDITOR cassie@27publishers.co.nz

abodemagazine.co.nz

PUBLISHER

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Cassie Doherty cassie@27publishers.co.nz

4

Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects create quality landscape designs. Based in Christchurch and Queenstown, our talented team are ready for your next residential or commercial project. kamomarsh.co.nz 03 366 8181

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Rachel Lowrey designer@27publishers.co.nz ADVERTISING DESIGN

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

Kathy Catton kathy@27publishers.co.nz

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

GENERAL MANAGER AND SALES

Caroline Martin caroline@27publishers.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS

Sven Alberding, Claire Aldous, Robyn Alexander, Baden Brown, Stephen Goodenough, Charlie Rose Jackson, Dean McGuigan, Tony Milne, Sam Parish, Dennis Radermacher, Hazel Redmond, Shelley Sweeney, Sarah Tuck, Veronica Wedlake, Elsa Young PRINT

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

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

Independently Brilliant As an established independent direct importer Brymac Tiles has a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to draw on. We offer extensive ranges of porcelain stoneware and specialised tiling consumables. For quality materials and immaculate installation, you can count on Brymac Tiles.

Visit our showroom

42 Durham Street . Christchurch . Ph 03 366 8187

brymactiles.co.nz

Contents FE ATU RE S 14

SUMMER EDIT Grey, peach and terracotta

82

HE ALTHY KIWI HOMES The balance of wellbeing and budget

85

O U TD O O R E NTE RTA I N I N G 8 6 R E S TO R ATI V E N AT U R E Bringing the outside in 8 8 P R O D U C T W R A P- U P For al fresco get-togethers 91 TH E M A K I N G O F A N OA S I S Gather around an outdoor fire

NO.1 BAYLEYS CANTERBURY RESIDENTIAL 6 YEARS RUNNING

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

OVER HALF A BILLION OF PROPERTY SOLD.

26

HE ART AND SOUL A beautiful blend of old and new

34

W H E R E TH E H E A R T I S A builder’s most important client

44

I N TH E LI M E LI G H T How to build a standout home

50

INSIDE AND OUT A modern home for a lifestyle block

56

F E E LI N G S U P E R A sustainable home that’s also a joy

62

A C A NTE R B U RY D U O Two showstopper display homes

68

B E S T O F B OTH WO R LD S Mountains or lakes - why choose?

76

SUPER CHARGED A colourful, compact London home

34

22 P 03 375 4710 M 027 327 7298 W ahteam.co.nz

6

HOME S

56

COLU MNS 12

5 M E R C H A NT S Performance review

104

G O LD E N H O M E S A big shift

LIFE S T YLE 93

FOOD Ultimate avo dip PLUS sweet treats

100

TH E G O O D LI F E

REG U L AR S 4

E D I TO R ’ S N OTE

8

TH E H O M E PAG E

10

S U B S C R I B E TO abode

18

INSPIRING FINDS

97

F O R YO U R H O M E

98

S H O P W I N D OW & D I R E C TO RY

AOTEAROA HOMES + IDEAS + ADVICE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

RRP $10.50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Architecture & Craftsmanship We are driven to create surfaces that make a living environment durable and look good.

We believe that when it comes to cladding and interiors, the tactile nature of plaster makes it an unrivalled product.

Classic elegance in an Ōtautahi Christchurch family home

BUILDER

Daleco Built

CLADDING

INTEGRA w Rockcote Cerano concrete finish

PLASTERING PROFESSIONAL Evolution Plastering, Christchurch

Rockcote Abode Ad final.indd 1

14

I N T E R I O R SYST E MS

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

ISSUE 67

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

REFINED RUSTIC A Kiwiana bach but not as we know it

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING Time for warm weather get-togethers

A GOOD FEELING Inside the making of a Superhome

9/10/23 12:49 PM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Let in the light

ON THE COVER ˉ This charming 1939 Otautahi Christchurch family home was updated and perfected

by Barry Connor Design.

Photography: Hazel Redmond

7

The Home Page Find us

Social comments, musings, questions and requests from our readers

@abodemagazineNZ

@abode_magazine

DDIGGING BIV Our cover home last issue was a real eye-catcher. Biv, the unusual bach designed

by Fabric, emulates historic gold miners’ huts on te Tai Poutini the West Coast.

“So unique and close to nature,” said one Instagram follower. The story is still online, so read all about it at abodemagazine.co.nz.

C D I V E IN Our readership was certainly embracing the impending spring, as this stunning Mayfair Pools Pool of the Year made a bit of a splash online. And what’s not to like? The Tāhuna Queenstown home boasts a reflection pond and a hot tub, as well as the multi-storey infinity pool with an actual waterfall. Catch the story on our Facebook or Instagram.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

B F O R T H E G E N E R AT I O N S There was a lot of love online for this holiday home in Akaroa by Petrie Construction. Designed to make the most of its harbour views and access to the beach, it’s also extremely functional. With a games room, an entertaining deck and a pool, it’s a real haven for the homeowners’ children and grandchildren. “Dreams,” sighed one follower.

8

P EAK VIEWIN GE Plenty of Instagram likes were directed at this outstanding image by photographer Dennis Radermacher of a Chilton + Mayne architecturally designed home in Ashburton.

Follow abode on Facebook @abodemagazineNZ or Instagram @abode_magazine – or better yet, subscribe by turning to page 10 – and you’ll never miss a detail.

B G E T G ROWI N G Senior landscape architect from Kamo Marsh, Emily Hastie, updated us on the latest in landscaping trends, and our readers were fans of this beautiful garden and her expert advice. Want more insights on enjoying your al fresco spaces? Turn to page 85 for our special feature on outdoor entertaining.

spaces inspired by your story We design living spaces that are beautiful, inspirational, and suit the way that you and your family like to live. From end-to-end interior design to helping you find that one perfect piece, Nextdore helps you create a space that reflects your unique style.

Showroom at 102 Montreal Street Sydenham nextdore.co.nz

10 lucky subscribers will win a copy of Living Big in a Tiny House valued at $54.99

Subscribe to win!

D

on’t miss out! Treat yourself or a friend to a year of abode (six issues) for only $57. In every bi-monthly issue of abode, we bring you outstanding homes, interiors, inspiration and insights from experts around Aotearoa.

Thanks to Potton & Burton, everyone who subscribes to abode before the end of December 2023 will be in with a chance to win one of 10 copies of Living Big in a Tiny House valued at $54.99.

Living Big in a Tiny House is a book about the big world of tiny houses. The tiny house movement is rapidly growing as people downsize their homes in search of a larger life.

Author Bryce Langston lives in his own tiny house in Aotearoa, and has travelled the country and the world to find inspired individuals and their wonderful homes – gaining fascinating insights into their way of life.

Living Big in a Tiny House showcases people and homes that break the mould and shows how their lives have been positively impacted through the decision to build a tiny house. Be transported into a world of imagination, innovation and an alternative way of living.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Go to abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe or scan the QR code below.

TRULY LIVEABLE TINY HOMES MADE IN NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND We are proud to be the South Island’s exclusive licensed builder of Shaye’s Tiny Homes. We work with you to customise one of Shaye’s Tiny Homes to your requirements, or if you have an idea of your own, we can help you visualise your dream.

build@nelsontiny.nz nelsontiny.nz 10

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. Please allow up to eight weeks for delivery of your first magazine. Visit abodemagazine.co.nz/subscribe for further information.

HIGH PERFORMANCE HOMES

Homes built for comfort, durability, indoor air quality and low energy use, without compromising on architectural details.

027 233 1446 | info@yblbuilding.nz www.yblbuilding.nz

PERFORMANCE REVIEW If you’ve ever worried about the health and efficiency of your home, Baden Brown of 5Merchants has the solution.

BA D E N BROWN 5Merchants

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

I

12

t’s well known that the majority of homes in New Zealand are cold, damp and inefficient. About 75 per cent of our homes lack adequate insulation, for example, which raises concerns about health and increased energy costs. While the government has updated building codes for new structures, what about existing homes?

Easy fixes, such as retrofitting extra insulation, can often cause further issues such as condensation and mould, especially if it is improperly installed and without consideration for New Zealand’s unique climate conditions.

At 5Merchants we feel every Kiwi deserves to thrive in a comfortable home, and we know exactly what it takes to create one. So that’s why we now offer Home Performance Audits for some clear guidance.

A Home Performance Audit gives you useable data, not opinions, on how your home currently performs, and provides expert advice on the best ways to improve it.

Importantly, this means homeowners can make informed decisions.

The audit starts with a free 15-minute consultation to fully explain the service and discuss the current situation. Next, information is gathered about the home’s layout and construction materials. If the required data is not readily available, especially for older homes, a site visit may be needed. Then energy modelling software is used to create a digital model of the home, identifying areas for improvement.

A choice of packages is available, depending on the level of advice a homeowner would like. A comprehensive report is included, detailing the parts of the home that are underperforming and offering tailored solutions.

No one wants a house that’s damp and chilly in winter or stuffy in summer. But transforming your underperforming house into a comfortable, energy-efficient home is entirely possible. Diagnosing your home’s issues is the crucial first step.

0800 434 287 | 5merchants.co.nz

Maximise storage with MERIVOBOX drawers De-clutter your home and store your everyday items right where you need them. Visit a Blum showroom to explore inspirational Cabinet Applications with MERIVOBOX, the latest drawer from Blum, and

discover ideas for areas that are often considered a wasted space. www.blum.com/cabinetapplications

Summer Edit abode stylists curate the latest colours, furniture and accessories for the new season.

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLIE ROSE JACKSON STYLING AND WORDS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

SHELLEY SWEENEY

14

Grey geometry The striking geometry of the Kelly Hoppen Nova Sofa from Frobisher is echoed in the angular backdrop in Resene Westminster, Resene Four Winds and Resene Black White.

Layers of grey bring a luxurious cool to any living space.

This look features minimalist geometry with lines and curves in a spectrum of greys – from the charcoal of Resene Westminster and the 101 Copenhagen Dawn Lamp to the cool wall in Resene Four Winds behind the warmer greys of the Kelly Hoppen Nova Sofa, accent table and rug from Frobisher. Amid these neutral surroundings the chalky grey white of Resene Black White adds a crisp contrast to turn up the volume and connect with the fresh white accessories.

CLEAN LINES The geometry of the Kelly Hoppen Nova Sofa has the timeless appeal of a design classic. The clean lines and linear form are softened by a luxurious bouclé fabric, making the Nova a standout piece.

ARCHITECTURAL LIGHT A functional work of art, the Dawn Lamp draws inspiration from brutalist architecture. Its pared-back design echoes the angular form of the sofa.

The square, raw oxidised aluminium base and shades are textured with an almost concrete-like surface.

CYLINDRICAL SIDE The precise cylindrical curve and

textural oak lines of the Kelly Hoppen Morgan Accent Table connect to the architectural forms of the sofa and lamp with a height that’s ideal for creating a small vignette.

BRIGHT WHITE This textural white cushion brings depth

and brightness to the setting, connecting both sides of the scheme. The quilted brutalist patterns with lines and curves mirror the pared-back design of the sofa and lamp.

SCULPTURAL FORMS The accessories on the accent table create a focal point with bright white and black to stand out from the soft white wall and shades of grey in the space. These elegantly sculptured silhouettes bring curved symmetry to the scheme.

Resene Westminster

Resene Four Winds

Kelly Hoppen Nova Sofa; Kelly Hoppen Morgan Accent Table; 101 Copenhagen Dawn Floor Lamp; Andes Cushion Ecru; Decor Rugs Piazzo Rug; 101 Copenhagen Duck Bowl Mini; 101 Copenhagen Sphere Vase Mini Bubble White; Books: Dior Catwalk and Andrew Martin Interior Design Review frobisher.co.nz; Resene Westminster, Resene Four Winds and Resene Black White resene.co.nz/colorshops

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Resene Black White

15

Sage and summer peaches The sage and peach accessories from Shut The Front Door bring soft summery gift inspiration amid a backdrop of Resene Soulful, plinth in Resene Green Acres and floor in Resene Transcend.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The harmonious pastel tones of Resene Green Acres and Resene Transcend strike a complementary colour balance with the pale peach pink of Resene Soulful. The sage and peach accessories in this look create harmonious tonal colour with pops of white. Each item combines form and function, ideal for the gifting season.

Resene Soulful

Resene Green Acres

Resene Transcend 16

Domes Metal Planter Sage Small; Domes Metal Planter Sage Medium; Mustard Made Billie Sage Basket; Silicone Avocado Stacker; Made of Tomorrow 2024 Weekly Diary in Peach; Notebook Peach Grid; Notebook Fruit Picnic; Charlie Bell Alarm Clock Mint shutthefrontdoor.co.nz; Resene Soulful; Resene Green Acres and Resene Transcend resene.co.nz/colorshops

Terracotta and terrazzo The warm terrazzo look of the D Lash Nordic Sand porcelain tile from Naturally Tiles gently stands out from the warm orange cream wall in Resene Solitaire and muted terracotta toned floor in Resene Dawn Glow.

This summery vignette from Naturally Tiles recalls the Italian and Mediterranean tradition of terrazzo with a modern twist. Combining the welcoming warmth of Resene Solitaire and Resene Dawn Glow with terrazzo look, terracotta and cream-coloured porcelain tiles.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Resene Solitaire

Resene Dawn Glow

D Lash Terrazzo Nordic Sand Porcelain Floor Tile; Stripes Ice White Porcelain Wall Tile; Pigmento Terra Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile; Confetti Terrazzo Bianco Cotto Porcelain Floor Tile; Arkistone Clay Esagona Porcelain Floor Tile; Miniature Fregio Bianco Naturale Porcelain Wall Tile naturallytiles.co.nz; Resene Solitaire and Resene Dawn Glow resene.co.nz/colorshops

17

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Ikat Weave Tablecloth

by Stitchwallah madegood.co.nz

Betty Cushion sundayhomestore.co.nz

Checkers Ceramic Vase homelabstore.co.nz Ferro Wood Table Lamp homelabstore.co.nz

Baina Pool Towel sundayhomestore.co.nz Ceramic Check Bowl by Eloeil bohemehome.co.nz

YOUR MOVE

Mystery Creek Nerikomi Tumbler ikoiko.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Get on board the trend for cheeky chequerboard patterns.

Bonnie & Neil Checker Doormat paperplanestore.com

Le Monde Checked Vases smithandcaugheys.co.nz 18

Tommy Beach Chair paperplanestore.com

VISIT THE ARTWOOD SHOWROOM ARTWOOD.NZ

59 - 61 THE STRAND, PARNELL

INFO@JI.NET.NZ

0800 ARTWOOD

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

Agatha Pendant Light accentlighting.co.nz

Kalendi Plate boltofcloth.com

The Poster Club Print – The Line Red paperplanestore.com

Paola & Joy Cora Table Lamp wonderroom.co.nz Wedgwood Wonderlust Crimson Jewel Bowl smithandcaugheys.co.nz

RED HOT Arcs Candleholder by HAY cultdesign.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Fermob Salsa Pedestal Table in Poppy jardin.co.nz

Panton Classic Chair by Vitra matisse.co.nz EM77 Vacuum Jug

by Stelton infinitedefinite.com

20

Bring the energy to any interior with a pop or two of this bold primary hue.

Unikko Cushion Cover boltofcloth.com

Tile suppliers and installers for award winning builders and designers 399 Barrington Street, Spreydon, Christchurch | 03 338 0155

motiles.co.nz

Inspiring Finds New looks, design ideas and finishing touches

VASE NOTES Add more oomph to your floral displays with a statement vessel for any occasion.

Kartell Shanghai Vase backhousenz.com

Jonathan Adler Pleat Vase smithandcaugheys.co.nz

Hurricane No. 45 Vase designdenmark.co.nz

Blue Sphere Vase

by Susan Christie thepoiroom.co.nz

Wind & Fire Vase in Aubergine by Serax ecc.co.nz

Ferm Living Water Swirl Vase in Amber slowstore.co.nz

Muuto Kink Vase bauhaus.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Hübsch Vase in Amber and Smoke alliuminteriors.co.nz

Stevie Vase by Marloe/Marloe slowstore.co.nz Rosenthal Node Stripes Vase smithandcaugheys.co.nz

Iittala Aalto Vase in Moss Green thestudio.co.nz 22

Momento Vase in Emerald cultdesign.co.nz

03 347 7356 office@nathancookbuilders.co.nz

nathancookbuilders.co.nz

RESTORE THE PAST, ENHANCE THE FUTUR E. THE TEAM AT NCB WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR CLIENTS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGHOUT 2023.

WE WISH YOU ALL A RELAXING SUMMER BREAK. The team at Nathan Cook Builders’ expertise ranges from building extraordinary new homes and renovations through to creating outstanding outdoor spaces to enhance your home. Whether it is a new architectural build or an alteration, they tackle all types of projects. Your trusted local builders, servicing our community with exceptional workmanship since 2002.

HOMES With a variety of sizes, styles and layouts, all our feature houses are wildly different but every one is perfect.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

A shower room with a view. See page 68.

25

26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Heart and soul Architectural designer Barry Connor and builder Nick Parsons put together an appealing blend of old and new to create a comfortable character family home in a leafy Christchurch suburb.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY HAZEL REDMOND

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 27

28

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

“I

features that had been taken out – the ceiling heights, the coving, the wall panelling.”

Blending the old with the new became the summary of the brief for Barry. The home needed to be suited to modern living with a young, growing family, as well as restoring the charm and essence of an older home with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Barry considered the transformation of the entire floor plan and has curated a cohesive and functional habitat for this family.

“We worked closely with Josie and Daniel to understand their needs and preferences and develop a design that seamlessly blends modern amenities with the villa’s classic character,” says Barry.

One of the main objectives was to create more flexible social spaces that could respond to a variety of different occasions and scenarios. “We wanted it to be a welcoming space for family and friends of all ages to be in while also giving us spaces to relax in and retreat to,” says Josie.

Barry’s design accomplished this by reimagining the total layout and forming an open-concept living area that can adapt to the family’s changing needs over time.

Large windows and doors bring natural light into the home and provide easy access to the outdoors.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

’ve always been drawn to character homes.”

These are the words of Josie, the homeowner of this classic Christchurch villa-style property.

“There’s something about the homeliness of these places, their character and their personality,” she says.

But their home ownership journey didn’t start with the old. Josie and her husband Daniel built their first home on a new subdivision on the outskirts of Christchurch. While it served them at that time in their lives, before children, it didn’t speak to them as their forever home. “It was almost too pristine. We didn’t want the home to feel like it was show home perfect, so we sought out a character home for our next move.”

The search began, and the couple soon settled on a corner site with unobstructed northwest sun.

Originally built in 1939, the St Albans property has undergone various modifications over the years including extensive and numerous renovations by the previous owners. But this had resulted in an unreasoned layout with little rationale. Spaces had become underutilised and disjointed.

“Within two weeks of moving in, I had reached out to Barry at Barry Connor Design to start the project of renovating,” says Josie. “I wanted to restore the original

29

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 30

Classic with a twist

T

he traditional look of this kitchen is elegantly combined with the modern conveniences of today, with an integrated fridge and dishwasher, custom shaker-style profiled cabinetry and Neolith porcelain benchtops and splashbacks. The butler’s pantry and laundry are deftly obscured behind a fluted glass sliding door, creating a truly unique kitchen.

Modern Age Kitchens modernagekitchens.co.nz

The “classic” Cluny 1000 Lacanche hand-crafted oven brings the French culinary feel to this home and is available in one of 24 enamel finishes and four different chrome finishes from La Maison France, the sole supplier of these ovens in New Zealand.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

As well as optimising natural light, Barry looked for opportunities to repurpose existing spaces without increasing the floor area. “We were able to include a new powder room, rumpus room and pantry space without increasing the floor area,” he says.

Admitting to not realising the full extent of the amount of work required to achieve this plan, the couple says they fully believed in Barry’s vision and trusted him from the very start.

“Being English, I think Barry has a great understanding of older homes, which complements his experience with more contemporary builds,” says Josie.

“He was really good to work with, and he understood our desires for the home.”

Knowing the couple’s high attention to detail, the pair wanted a builder who was equally as knowledgeable with the finer complexities of building.

“On meeting Nick from Parsons Construction, I knew straight away that he knew his stuff,” says Josie. “We are very grateful for his input on this project.”

For Nick, this was always going to be an incredible project, but the fact that 90 per cent of the interior walls were removed, meant that the team was left with an almost empty canvas.

“This gave us efficiencies, and once we had lifted the foundations and created a level flooring, we were able to create what was required,” says Nick.

It was a full and extensive contract for Parsons Construction, with most of the windows also being replaced with double-glazed timber joinery units, new flooring being laid and wood panelling work being completed by the team.

“This project allowed my team to push the boundaries of their capabilities,” says Nick. “We have recreated carpentry as it would appear 80 years ago and made it match as close as possible to what was.”

Significant challenges were not unexpected with this character renovation, but the overriding difficulty of this project was the time delays due to the supply of some building materials. “There was more floorwork than we anticipated. That aspect alone delayed the project by about a month,” says Josie.

The 10-month project was worth the wait, though, and the couple is delighted with the home now it’s complete. “I just love how much character we’ve injected into the place,” says Josie.

For example, the Lacanche stove adds that classic vibe while the Neolith splashback and benchtop give that nod to the functional and modern. The wooden flooring instantly earths the home into a bygone time, while the conscious use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions and smart home technologies bring the home well and truly into the modern world.

“We were always mindful about bringing the character back. From the period-appropriate high ceilings to the coving and brass tapware, we wanted to create a home where old meets new. We couldn’t be happier with the result,” says Josie.

31

32

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Specified by Mooi Design, the premium quality kitchen and bathroom tapware and bathroom accessories from In Residence are manufactured in the UK by Perrin & Rowe, offering timeless beauty and reliable performance.

Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Barry Connor Design 021 203 5992 barryconnordesign.co.nz BUILDER Parsons Construction Ltd 021 999 691 parsonsconstruction.co.nz JOINERY Modern Age Kitchens & Joinery 03 365 1675 modernagekitchens.co.nz OVEN La Maison France NZ 027 640 4422 lamaisonfrance.co.nz TAPWARE In Residence 09 309 3023 inres.co.nz TILES Brymac Tiles 03 366 8187 brymactiles.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

027 434 3505 PARSONSCONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ

33

34

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Where the heart is Stu Bell Construction created this Waitaha Canterbury new build home for a very important client – Stu’s mother.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY HAZEL REDMOND

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The dining table in this home

by Stu Bell Construction was a family project, made of recycled Australian ironbark.

It took six people to carry it into the dining room, says homeowner Christine.

35

36

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

T

here’s a handcrafted dining table in Christine and Graeme’s newly built house at Lake Hood.

Christine tells the story about how the pair managed to source 100-year-old Australian ironbark from the Timaru wharf, had it milled and cut, and used it to build the pergola over a deck at their new home.

“We then used the same Australian ironbark hardwood in chunky pieces to make a gorgeous 12-seater dining table. It was cut into big slabs for us, and we spent hours sanding and oiling it,” says Christine.

One of the couple’s sons-in-law, who is an engineer, made the frame and had it powder-coated. With help from Graeme and Christine’s son, Stu Bell – a builder – the table was assembled. “It’s very special to us,” says Christine, “and it’s so nice because the whole family can sit around it. The chatter between the generations is precious.”

The story of the ironbark reflects the story of this house. Between the lines, it tells everything about Christine and Graeme and their care and clarity of purpose in not only creating this space but also the close-knit family that helped them.

Christine’s son Stu, as owner of Stu Bell Construction in Ashburton, was the builder of this house – and he recalls the creation of that pergola.

“It’s a simple structure, so you’d think it would be easy,” he says. “Those beams were really heavy, and it was very hard timber to cut.”

Otherwise, Stu says building his mother and stepfather’s house was mostly smooth sailing. “They’ve been talking about building for quite a few years, and they wanted us to be involved. It was decided at the start that we would keep it pretty professional. We just had to treat it like anyone else’s build.”

Christine and Graeme’s architectural designer, Jonathan Moore of Moore Architecture, worked well with them all.

“It was good working with Stu,” says Jonathan. “He could keep his mother’s vision going with the finishes.

We all sat down once the design was produced, and were all on the same page with the final product. It was quite easy to work with everyone. I’ve since worked with Stu on other projects.”

Jonathan enjoyed working with Christine and Graeme. Everyone gelled, and Christine knew exactly what she wanted. “Christine’s got a good design sense.

She knew what she was after; she had a vision. So I helped them put this vision together and create new ideas,” says Jonathan.

• • •

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING LACQUERING EXTERIOR PLASTERING

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

YOUR DECORATING AND PLASTERING PROFESSIONALS

A red oak and red beech were milled from Christine and Graeme’s previous farmstead and made into floating shelves in the scullery.

OFFICE 0800 832 274 CRAIG BISHOP 027 444 4856 15 Grey Street, Ashburton 37

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 38

Christine and Graeme were moving out of their 80-year-old farmstead. The chilly mid-Canterbury winters there spurred their priority for all-day sunshine and warmth, as well as maximising views towards Mt Peel and the Southern Alps.

“It isn’t a large home, but it has a big footprint. It’s a three-bedroom home spread out to achieve some space.

It’s designed for entertaining, with room for family, friends and grandchildren when they turn up. And we wanted to capture views everywhere.”

The home’s structure is essentially four boxes that are seamlessly connected to form wings. There are different aspects throughout the house, with high ceilings and exposed steel, and raw concrete giving a pared-back look, but some parts of the house feel softer.

It’s a highly detailed design that required a lot of finesse for Stu’s team to bring to life. Jonathan built a small-scale model as well as rendering a 3D video virtual walk-through of the design. “By doing it this way, we kept everybody focused on the same objective,” says Jonathan. Christine says she found the 3D render extremely helpful.

Stu certainly appreciated the level of attention to detail. “It’s critical for a successful build that everyone has input – builder, architect and client all fully engaged, so there are no grey areas and you get what you want. Jonathan stayed involved along the way. If there were any bits and pieces that needed to be altered or changed on the plans, it was easy to get that done.”

Christine and Graeme were, of course, in constant communication with Stu. “It was really easy to get decisions out of them,” says Stu. “And if they were unsure, they’d come back to us within a few hours or a day or so. We often use an app to improve our customer experience. It allows us to have one central communication system, share pictures, videos and daily logs of the job, as well as next-level transparency, with a full job schedule and live running job total.”

The concrete polished floors absorb sunlight during the day and release the warmth at night. A warm house was high on the couple’s wishlist.

PlaceMakers Ashburton are proud to be a supplier for Stu Bell Construction’s build at Lakeview Terrace

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

With over 25 years experience in the architectural industry, Jonathan is passionate and professional.

He loved designing the Talyor's dwelling, creating an open warm contemporary home that captured their dreams

1 Queens Drive, Allenton, Ashburton Phone:- 03 308 0299 email:- info @ moorearch.co.nz PLACEMAKERS ASHBURTON web page:- www.moorearch.co.nz 115 ALFORD FOREST ROAD | (03) 308 9099

39

Smart mowing

K

eeping this large lawn lush, green and manicured year-round with minimal effort from the homeowner is the perfect brief for the Husqvarna Automower 550 EPOS. Its wire-free technology allows precise area management with virtual boundaries where several work areas with different settings can be defined. Lawn stripes are achieved with the systematic mowing action and perfect cutting results, even in rainy conditions.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Husqvarna New Zealand Ltd husqvarna.com

40

Stu says one of the main focuses of Stu Bell Construction is the finishing details. “Our team specialises in high-end homes to bring the client the highest quality products along with the best workmanship and attention to detail. I spend a lot of time researching any products that we use.”

Stu says he learned something new with the feature of exposed concrete walls – a process that saw threemetre-high walls poured into forms on site. “It was quite a big task to undertake, but they turned out well. I did some trials at home to find out what mix would look right and which boards to use to get the right texture.”

The overall result is a home where the quality of finishing is evident. “I’m really happy with it,” says Stu. “As a builder I’m never going to be 100 per cent happy because there’s always something that could be better. I’m always wanting to make things better on the next one.”

Christine, however, is 100 per cent happy. “We have absolutely captured every aspect of the several years we spent dreaming, researching and planning. We put in

hours of thought looking at open homes, knocking on doors, asking questions and looking at magazines. This was our dream, and we both agree that we would do it all over again.”

A particular favourite is the feel of the great room with full-length glazing and the cedar-lined cathedral ceiling. “It radiates a certain ambience.”

Christine and interior designer Sarah Bennett kept a balance of old and new while furnishing the house, to add character. “I believe we perfected the look,” says Christine.

Adds Sarah: “We spent a lot of time together discussing Christine’s dreams and putting them into reality. She and Graeme were extremely easy to work with and knowledgeable about what they wanted.

Christine had done a lot of research on looks that she wanted and we put together wallpaper features, curtains, custom-made bedheads, lighting, re-recovering and painting furniture and positioning of artwork. I supplied all the fabrics and had everything made.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

With over 25 years experience in the architectural industry, Jonathan is passionate and professional.

He loved designing the Talyor's dwelling, creating an open warm contemporary home that captured their dreams

1 Queens Drive, Allenton, Ashburton Phone:- 03 308 0299 email:- info @ moorearch.co.nz web page:- www.moorearch.co.nz 41

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Sarah planned the colour scheme for the home’s interior using Resene paints. “The master bedroom was a moody, masculine look with a touch of femininity with the floaty curtains. We supplied the Arte zebra wallpaper in the powder room that Christine always wanted, and used dark contrasting walls and ceiling to make it dramatic.”

Two wingback chairs came here from the farmstead and were reupholstered in zebra-patterned fabric. Says Christine: “I wanted to make a statement. They sit in the front window and we’ve had so many comments about them.”

The rugs on the floor also have a story. “I have always loved Turkish rugs,” says Christine, “so we purchased these several years ago from a beach resort town in Kusadasi on Turkey’s western coast. There’s a lot of history.”

Sarah loves the final outcome and says Christine and Graeme were an absolute delight to work with.

“They were open to all sorts of ideas and suggestions.”

Christine is grateful for Sarah’s help. “She knew what I liked. She never said no; she could always make it happen.

She brought out the best in me and encouraged me. We had a lot of fun and I have made a lovely new friend.”

And was it as relaxed working with her son Stu? “It was easy,” says Christine. “Nothing stresses Stu. He knows the things I like and he’s as particular as I am. He’s got a great team. They all get on really well, and you can totally trust him that they’re doing the best possible job.”

Stu gets to visit his handiwork often. “That’s one of the most exciting things about this build,” says Stu. “That it’s come together really well.”

Manufacturer and supplier of Rylock Aluminium Windows & Doors

t: 03 308 8493 e: owdrylock@gmail.com 8A John Street, Ashburton 42

Retro Double Glazing Installers

Involved in this project BUILDER Stu Bell Construction 027 696 8532 stubellconstruction.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Moore Architecture 03 308 0299 moorearch.co.nz JOINER Ashburton Joinery 03 308 5059 ashburtonjoinery.co.nz WINDOW JOINERY Ashburton Windows and Doors 03 308 8493 INTERIOR PLASTERER Keig Bros Plasterers 021 147 8440 BUILDING SUPPLIES PlaceMakers Ashburton 03 308 9099 placemakers.co.nz INTERIOR DESIGNER Sarah Bennett Interior Design 027 648 8383 PAINTER AND DECORATOR The Finishing Company 03 307 8870 thefinishingcompany.co.nz LAWNMOWER Husqvarna New Zealand Ltd 09 920 2410 husqvarna.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

stubellconstruction.co.nz 43

44

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

IN THE LIMELIGHT The plan was for this new Rangiora home to be a standout and, as both homeowner and builder, Elliott Dale of Daleco Built knew exactly how to achieve it.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA WEDLAKE

T

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

his is the second house that Elliott Dale has built for himself. This time, he had some ideas about what worked and what he wanted to upgrade. And, of course, as owner of Daleco Built construction firm in Rangiora, he also had a wealth of experience to draw on.

He makes the build seem like a breeze.

“I’m pretty good at making decisions. I find something I like and I go for it. I can just picture it in my head before it happens.”

Elliott says this new-build is a natural progression.

“It was time to keep moving – onwards and upwards.

This house was always going to be bigger and a bit more designed. I started by drawing out a rough idea of what I wanted onto grid paper, and I went to an architect from there. It was developed and changed until here it is now.”

And what he has is a three-bedroom home with two lounges and two bathrooms, that he shares with partner Ayla Wilson-Bairds and their white Swiss shepherd Winston.

The two forms of the house are linked by a glass walkway, so the bedrooms are separate from the public areas. It is a house built for socialising, with plenty of decking options.

“It has good covered areas and we do a lot of entertaining, especially in summer,” says Elliott. “But the second lounge is my sports room. There’s a bifold door to the deck and all the lads can come around and watch the UFC or the rugby.”

There’s a 75-inch TV in here, and integrated speakers inside and out that are controlled with a phone app. Elliott’s office also tucks away behind alcove doors.

Some elements in this house were a given, such as the concrete benches poured on-site. “I did that in my first house as sort of a tester. We changed it up a lot and poured quite a full-on kitchen bench and concrete hearth. They’re a big feature of the house.”

Other parts of the house, despite Elliott’s planning, were more of a surprise. The kitchen cabinetry is in a matt Kombu Green finish by Dezignatek from Sockburn Joinery. “I just saw it and loved it,” says Elliott.

45

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Alongside the timber cladding is a Resene Integra render with Rockcote Cerano finish applied

by Evolution Exterior Plastering.

The render was a last-minute decision by the homeowner, and he could not be happier with the result.

46

He came across the home’s exterior render at the last minute – Resene Integra with Rockcote Cerano finish – and liked the concrete look.

“I hadn’t used it before and I was definitely keen on making the house stand out.” Alongside it is Abodo timber that is intended to weather to a pale silver, making for a bold but minimalist style. Drama comes from a standalone fin wall with the letterbox, an oversized house number and a large sliding shutter for a front window.

Elliott has been building for more than a decade, and started Daleco Built around four years ago. Rather than feeling like he was taking his work home, Elliott enjoyed building his own home in between projects. “It did seem to take longer than doing a client’s build,” he says. “Entering the Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards definitely helped get it finished.”

The house scooped a few accolades, including Regional Category Winner for Canterbury and Top 100 National Award.

The kitchen is not the only touch of green. Elliott and Ayla chose all the internal finishes and decor themselves with airy greens, board-and-batten finishes and whimsical wallpapers softening the industrial elements.

The large barn door in the main living area was custom made from pine and painted by Ayla with a rust effect, as were the ceiling beams.

As the homeowner as well as the builder, Elliott customised the house to the way he wanted to live.

There is three-car garaging, for example. There’s a glassfronted beer fridge in the scullery, and a fun concealed door in the entrance hall that leads to his sports lounge.

His long experience means he’s also taken care of all the practical considerations too, that some homeowners might overlook, such as careful placement of power outlets, switches, skylights and more. Functionality is evident everywhere.

One aspect of a build that he considers vital is good lighting. “I believe that one of the best things you can do for your house is the feature lighting. One hundred per cent.”

That attention to detail can be seen in the exterior entry, where strip lighting and the Abodo timber cladding both carry on up and over across the ceiling.

In fact, all the Abodo cladding has hidden fixings, so there’s not a nail in sight.

So he’s created a house that exactly suits his life and style right now. “We’re really happy with how it turned out,” he says.

But he’s not one to sit around. Will there be another build for himself in the future?

“Yes,” he says, “there will be.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Experience.

Reputation.

Service.

03 375 0700 | info@firstchch.co.nz firstchch.co.nz

47

Easy and breezy

T

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

he idea in this new-build was for easy-care flooring with a beachy feel. Flooring Xtra Rangiora supplied and installed Okiwi Bay carpet in Stone and Xpert Pro Moray laminate in Buckie. The laminate is certified low-emission and produced from sustainable materials. It has a waterproof surface, so can be used throughout, even in the laundry, and homeowner Elliott Dale is a fan of the pale colour. The cut pile twist carpet is solution-dyed nylon – a very hardwearing option for a house with a dog.

48

Flooring Xtra Rangiora flooringxtra.co.nz

Cabinetry and benchtops in the kitchen, pantry, laundry and bathroom were all designed by Sockburn Joinery, which works on residential and commercial projects all over New Zealand. The green cabinetry in the kitchen is Kombu Green by Designatek in a Milan Square profile panel.

Involved in this project BUILDER Daleco Built 027 307 9834 WINDOW JOINERY First Windows & Doors 03 375 0700 firstwindows.co.nz FLOORING Flooring Xtra Rangiora 03 313 8415 flooringxtra.co.nz

JOINERY Sockburn Joinery 03 342 6044 sbj.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems Evolution Exterior Plastering 027 956 9477 reseneconstruction.co.nz

49

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

INSIDE AND OUT

50

This spacious home built by LOC Construction shows how a modern home can fit seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA WEDLAKE

W

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

hat makes a modern home beautiful? Is it the architectural merit, slick contemporary interiors or the fact that it’s doing its bit for the environment? For this Prebbleton property, it’s probably a combination of all three. And the icing on the cake is that the home was built in such a way as to pursue excellence at every junction.

For Simon and Rebecca, the dream of this home started as a bare, flat paddock in a prime location in Prebbleton, Canterbury. The land had some established shelter-belt trees on it, but little else.

“We wanted a small lifestyle block like this for a long time,” says Rebecca. The search had proven lacklustre until Simon spotted this section. The couple admits to having almost given up looking. “Simon came across the For Sale sign by chance during lockdown, and we instantly fell in love.”

What initially attracted the pair was the established trees and the rich birdlife. After purchasing the land, they started planning the home, installing irrigation and planting many hundreds of plants. “We did most of this ourselves, with a little help,” says Rebecca.

This labour of love and grafting on the land meant the couple could start to really understand the location: the tracking of the sun, the wet and dry patches, the local wildlife.

From a timing perspective, the homeowners wanted to live in stage one of the house build, while stage two of the house was underway. “The house had to be designed with that imperative in mind, while ensuring that the end result was still seamless,” says Rebecca. “The house wasn’t finished until September 2022, but the builders were great about having us on site.”

For Tom O’Connell and his team at LOC Construction, the two-stage building of the 356sqm home was easily manageable.

“The homeowners wanted the three-bay garage and three-bedroom wing built first,” explains Tom. “They lived in this part with a temporary kitchen while we completed the second wing. A covered glass linkway formed the corridor to the lounge, living, kitchen and master bedroom wing, which sits at right angles to the bedroom wing. The result is completely harmonious.”

51

Sleek kitchen lines

P

recision-designed, supplied and installed German-made joinery by Palazzo Kitchens Christchurch gives this working space a stylish durability and functionality.

The white handleless joinery creates a sleek and modern back wall and scullery nook, while the graphite lacquered fronts on the island, combined with Quartzite Arctic Sky benchtop, bring the drama. The anti-fingerprinting quality of the graphite fronts is a must-have for a busy family kitchen.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Palazzo Kitchens Christchurch palazzokitchenschristchurch.nz

52

The aesthetic for the home is straight, clean lines with a minimalist, calm and elegant approach. The open spaces, high ceilings and strong design connection between the interior and exterior bring this aesthetic to reality.

Rockcote masonry cladding teams with LMA timber to add a grand touch to the exterior, while large windows illuminate the interiors and maximise the rural views.

All doors and windows are full height. The interior ceilings and exterior soffits are uninterrupted on the same plane.

The reclaimed feature Australian grey ironbark soffit invites you right into the foyer, creating a red hue in the interior that matches the horizontal grey ironbark cladding.

“The way the home has been designed meant that we were able to show our proficiency and craftsmanship throughout the construction,” says Tom. “The floor-toceiling windows and doors meant that everything had to line up perfectly. There was no margin for error.”

Along with the proficiency on the tools, Tom and his team had to work with the challenges of a complex build period due to Covid-19. “For example, we had to re-think how we did the framing, as pre-made framing was in very short supply,” says Tom. “We ended up making all the framing ourselves – it was a great experience for our lads to practise their trade.”

Cladding | Decking | Flooring Structural Beams & Posts | Joinery

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Australian Hardwood by:

V I S I T O U R N E W S H O W R O O M A T:

66 Wickham Street, Bromley, Christchurch T: 027 255 4345

lmatimber.co.nz 53

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Homeowners Rebecca and Simon describe the Covidrelated supply challenges as “less unexpected and more accepted” in that period, but they worked closely with LOC Construction to work through these hurdles. “We spoke almost every day. Communication and tenacity were the key,” says Simon. “Tom and Les were great to work with. Tom is unflappable, and the team are great problem-solvers. The site was always well managed, and the building crew were always friendly and cheerful.”

And the compliments are reciprocated, with Tom enjoying having the homeowners on-site through the build. “Simon and Rebecca were great to work with.

They obviously care about the land, and it’s great to see all the planting they have done, including the fernery between the two halves of the home.”

The flow from interior to exterior in this home is a definite standout feature for the homeowners. “We chose flooring and deck timber which is the same (both Australian blackbutt) so that the floor runs almost seamlessly from indoors to out,” says Rebecca.

“The beautiful Waitaha schist stonework features both inside and out, and we love the areas where the stone meets and runs right into the home, as though the home somehow interrupts the stonework.”

The glass walkway through the fernery gives the impression that you are walking through the ferns, which are also planted across the entire frontage of the home. “Eventually, we hope that it will feel as though the house is nestled in a native bush,” says Rebecca.

The connection between what is inside and out highlights here the outstanding site and the illustration that the two are merging to become one. And judges in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2023 awards agree, awarding this home the Regional Supreme House of the Year award (Carters New Home $1 million-$1.5 million), Regional Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award and Regional APL Sustainable and Environmental Excellence award in the Mid and South Canterbury region.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED. EST 1988.

Green Dog Insulation proudly insulated this winning House of the Year for LOC Construction with Knauf Earthwool.

Quality insulation installed correctly always pays you back.

Phone (03) 384 9001 for a free consultation and insulation options.

SEND US YOUR PLANS AND WE’LL PRICE THEM UP FOR YOU! 54

Check out our website www.GreenDogInsulation.co.nz

Reclaimed grey ironbark cladding from LMA Timber was used on the exterior of this home – all part of the sense of blurring the lines between inside and outside.

TK Plastering provided the exterior Resene Rockcote Construction plaster cladding on this home, giving it a modern, fresh look.

Involved in this project BUILDER LOC Construction 022 025 9915 locconstruction.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems TK Plastering 027 840 0033 tkplastering.co.nz KITCHEN Palazzo Kitchens Christchurch 03 365 0751 palazzokitchenschristchurch.nz TIMBER LMA Timber 027 255 4345 lmatimber.co.nz LIGHTING Accent Lighting 03 379 0600 accentlighting.co.nz INSULATION Green Dog Insulation 03 384 9001 greendoginsulation.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

0800 562 266 022 025 9915 info@locconstruction.co.nz locconstruction.co.nz

55

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Solar Living installed 18 panels on the roof of this new build, which is controlled by the PowerGenius home energy management system. Solar Living is a member of the Superhome movement so is committed to sustainable – and affordable – solutions.

56

Feeling super This new Canterbury home designed by Bob Burnett Architecture checks the boxes as a sustainable, certified Superhome that is also a joy to live in.

WORDS CASSIE DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY DENNIS RADERMACHER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 57

T

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

here’s a winning combination when it comes to house design, says Bob Burnett, director of Bob Burnett Architecture. It’s the bringing together of beautiful architecture and high-performance criteria. And too often, the beautiful architecture takes second place.

“I think the key is design,” says Bob. “A lot of sustainable ratings are about the technical side, the thermal performance. It’s about ticking the boxes and filling out the spreadsheet. While these technical specifications are very important, I think a Superhome needs to be the best of both worlds: a holistic, welldesigned home, first and foremost, with beautiful aesthetics and the best possible living environment.”

And Bob should know. He founded the Superhome Movement in 2015 after the Christchurch earthquakes forced him into a series of rental houses, highlighting New Zealand’s dire housing standards. The organisation lobbies for change in the country’s building industry.

And at Bob Burnett Architecture, he leads by example.

“Once people experience living in a home that’s well-designed, they understand. It’s all about having an aesthetically pleasing home that is delightful to live in, as well as warm, comfortable and high-performance.

The best comment I hear when we finish a home is that it’s got a nice feel. As designers, that’s what we’re striving for, to provide something with some soul.”

Homeowners Paul and Shirley Watson can attest to that. “If someone had told me beforehand that our house could be so nice to live in, I wouldn’t have believed them,” says Paul of their new-build home in Prebbleton in Canterbury.

“When we talked to Bob, he talked about how he had all these checkpoints for making a home extremely energy-efficient but how you could easily get caught in the trap of just checking off those boxes and end up with a really dry design. He actually thought about the liveability and the design all the way through.”

And there’s nothing so illustrative of the concept of form meeting functionality than the stone wall that runs through the centre of the house. It’s a dramatic feature, clad in Classic Stone veneer that makes the house a standout.

But there’s more to it than that.

“It serves a few functions,” says Bob. “Spatially, it provides the separation between the public area and the private area. So there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms on one side and on the other, the kitchendining-living and the guest bedroom that Shirley also uses as her craft room. It allows for high-level windows for cross-ventilation and that beautiful quality of light.

And the wall also houses a lot of the plant infrastructure.

So the heating system is actually inside the wall, as is the ventilation unit and the ductwork, the hot water cylinder and a bit of storage.”

58

Darren McGuire of MO Tiles in Christchurch helped create the bathroom concept, and said homeowner Paul Watson immediately loved these tiles.

They are 450 x 900mm Plant Copper by Refin, and were chosen for their earthy, warm and natural tones.

They include thermal performance, which involves energy modelling.

“I was surprised by the technicalities that went into measuring the angle of the sun and light and how much that would impact on the heating of the house,” says Paul. “It was actually about preventing the house from overheating rather than being too cold.” Even the planting of deciduous trees shading the windows is included in the thermal calculations.

Other principles are structure, which includes super-insulation, and windows that are highperformance and recessed to be in line with insulation.

Airtightness and ventilation go hand-in-hand, and systems such as solar panels and heat pumps are gaining in popularity.

Addressing water efficiency can be as small a step as installing water-efficient taps or appliances. Here, rainwater is collected by ground-level gutters that channel into a 4000-litre water tank hidden under the driveway. It’s treated with UV light so it can be used for drinking, showering and washing as well as irrigation and toilet flushing, to supplement the mains-connected water.

Materials should be recyclable, low-carbon and responsibly sourced, says Bob.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The stone wall was the starting point for the rest of the house. The black Colorsteel was chosen for its longevity and low maintenance and as a modern complement to the more rustic stone. And the cedar cladding enhances the tactile feel and adds biophilic properties. “Humans respond better to natural materials,” says Bob. “Wood just makes us feel better.”

Paul and Shirley both come from nursing backgrounds. That’s why the Superhome approach was so appealing to them.

“I’m well aware of how privileged we are to have a house like this,” says Paul. “The building standard in New Zealand is so far behind most other parts of the developed world, and this makes no sense to me from a health background. We have lots of elderly and young people in hospitals, from living in cold, damp houses.”

Bob says this was the first house in Canterbury to be awarded ADNZ’s recently introduced Kaitiakitanga Award for sustainability. Kaitiakitanga is the ethics and practice of protection and conservation of the natural environment and the resources within it.

There are 10 main principles in the making of a Superhome. Some are self-explanatory and easy to achieve, while others require a lot of pre-planning and forethought.

59

60

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The stone cladding from Classic Stone is the Southern Ledgestone profile in the Wanaka Blend colour. The Southern Ledgestone profile is a contemporary take on New Zealand schist: its balance of modern and rustic suits the application of the central spine that runs through the home and anchors the build.

Involved in this project “Dealing with waste, that’s a big one,” says Bob. “And it’s actually easy to have a lot less waste going to landfill. The construction industry is responsible for approximately 50 per cent of waste to landfill, with a lot of it being completely unnecessary. You can eliminate waste just through clever design. Using prefabricated methods, for example, and using optimal dimensions so you’re not cutting materials in the first place.”

And the main principle, of course, is overarching.

“Design filters through all of those things,” says Bob. He and the homeowners are pleased with the end result.

“A really good part of this project was having really good clients,” says Bob. “People that are like-minded, have a similar world outlook and understand the things that we do. Who take the path less travelled and have the courage to do something different.”

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Bob Burnett Architecture 0800 002 674 bbarc.com STONE CLADDING Classic Stone 0800 278 663 classicstone.co.nz SOLAR PANELS Solar Living NZ 027 226 4536 solarliving.co.nz BATHROOM TILES MO Tiles 03 338 0155 motiles.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Classic Stone is renowned for their high quality authentic stone veneer products for both the residential and commercial markets AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

0800 278 663 | info@classicstone.co.nz classicstone.co.nz 61

62

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

A Canterbury duo Keen to learn from previous successes, Jennian Homes Canterbury now offers two distinct Display Homes to the Ashburton audience.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY JENNIAN HOMES CANTERBURY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Each Display Home boasts a modern, sleek exterior. As a registered and licenced Rockcote Resene Construction applicator, The Finishing Company installed the Resene Integra insulated facade system.

63

Resene Half Rice Cake has been used as the warm whites throughout 6 Strowan Avenue. All paint colours, wallpaper, materials and finishes were selected by Petronella’s Interior Design.

I

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

t’s fair to say that since the Canterbury earthquakes, the region has emerged as a hotspot for property development. And the growth of building work is not limited to Christchurch. Ashburton, just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, is experiencing a shift in home ownership of its own.

Jennian Homes has Display Homes nationwide, and now it’s Ashburton’s turn. Last year, the new home build company completed two side-by-side Display Homes in Christchurch, in collaboration with the New Zealand Olympic Committee. This was a model the company wanted to repeat.

“The partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee was a great success,” says Cassy Appleton, Jennian Homes Canterbury’s Marketing Manager. “In 2022, we undertook a double build, which included one of the Display Homes being used for hosting events and Olympic athletes.”

Cassy says feedback from clients and the general public after visiting the dual Display Homes has been overwhelmingly positive. “We instantly knew we could offer the same concept of side-by-side builds in Ashburton, showcasing two homes configured differently right next to each other. And with our team of quality, dedicated builders, we can give our clients an easeful home-building process, no matter what their design or budget.”

This time around, the Jennian team built a 220sqm executive family home and a 216sqm contemporary family home right next door. Number 6 Strowan Avenue features a variety of premium products throughout the home, which rests on a slightly larger section of 650sqm, while number 4 Strowan Avenue showcases the range of quality products Jennian Homes Canterbury frequently install on a 632sqm section.

First in line is 4 Strowan Avenue. This abode has an interesting layout, meaning the garage door doesn’t face the street. The cladding is brick with James Hardie Linea. The interiors are of an exceptionally high standard and offer the open plan living and dining space that appeals to families.

Experts in Everything Electrical for your new home Solar Installations Residential Electrical Lighting Specialists Air Conditioning TV & Audio

Jonny

64

Andre

Nigel

Mitchell

Dylan B

Dylan H

a 166 Moore Street, Ashburton e service@electraserve.co.nz w www.electraserve.co.nz

This Trends Kitchens custom-made kitchen is built to exact measurements and to the highest of standards in its own factory in Christchurch, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology.

Stepping next door, at number 6 is the executive family home, an affordable yet impeccable home that exudes elegance. Boasting a practical floor plan, the four-bedroom home maximises space without compromising on style. It is clad in Rockcote and James Hardie Oblique and has a large master bedroom of 12.5sqm. The master retreat becomes more spacious by an additional 10sqm when the inclusions of a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite and a makeup/study desk are taken into consideration.

The open plan living area allows families and guests to relax and connect, with large windows that bathe the room in natural light, creating an inviting and cosy atmosphere. The kitchen design is sleek, with plenty of storage to allow for a clutter-free space.

The team at Petronella’s Interior Design was brought in to create wow factor in each of the homes.

As Ineke Winkelman, interior designer at Petronella’s Interior Design says, “The aim was to showcase different materials, finishes and colours in both homes. People are typically very visual, so having the ability to showcase what’s available makes the selection process a lot easier for clients.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 65

subcontractors working together on the same street.

We’re delighted with how efficient the whole process has been. We were able to provide everyone a barbecue lunch recently – just to say thank you to our hardworking tradies.”

Jennian Homes Canterbury enjoys supporting local businesses and giving back to the community. The team is very thankful for the quality and efficiency the local trades and suppliers have put into these homes. “We are fortunate to have outstanding relationships with our suppliers, which allows us to have strong product availability, resulting in peace of mind for our clients,” says Cassy.

It’s a rare occurrence that a home-build company can offer two different Display Homes at two different price points next to each other on the same street.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The facility of two Display Homes provides an opportunity for clients to visualise the use of paint colours, light versus dark carpet, loop pile versus cut pile carpet and light or dark-coloured roof. “Being Timarubased, we were able to get to site quickly and bring our expertise to achieve a cohesive and harmonious design,” says Ineke.

The Ashburton duo are both built to the highest standards using premium materials and products.

Jennian has ensured that attention to detail is at the forefront of each build, and including energy-efficient systems is now standard in all Jennian Homes.

“We’ve also been building for our clients in this new subdivision,” says Cassy. “We are a locally owned and operated business, meaning we use local trades and suppliers. It’s been great to have many of our

TM

Leading the way in custom joinery. Function and style, with your own point of difference. www.trendskitchens.co.nz 03 343 5242

66

NELSON

|

BLENHEIM

|

CHRISTCHURCH

|

CROMWELL

|

AUCKLAND

All the showers, baths and vanities in these homes were supplied by Clearlite Bathrooms.

The Kiwi owned and operated company provides locally manufactured products and is committed to reducing environmental impact.

Involved in this project DESIGN AND BUILD Jennian Homes Canterbury 03 741 1436 jennianhomes.co.nz EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING Resene Construction Systems The Finishing Company 0800 832 274 thefinishingcompany.co.nz KITCHEN Trends Kitchens 03 343 5242 trendskitchens.co.nz

This Ashburton duo has brought the vision of modern living to Canterbury, allowing homeowners to choose between luxurious elegance, affordable practicality or a combination of both.

Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards judges agree, with Jennian Homes Canterbury receiving awards across the Canterbury region in the 2023 Awards, including both a Gold Award and an entry into the Top 100 National Awards for a locally built Ashburton home.

Jennian Homes Canterbury have five Display Homes throughout the region, featuring an array of design ideas and products. Its Studio J design centre in Sockburn, Christchurch, also offers further inspiration for those looking to build.

to yours

BATHROOM SUPPLIES Clearlite Bathrooms 09 444 3780 clearlite.co.nz ROOFING RoofingSmiths Christchurch 03 349 7218 roofingsmiths.co.nz ELECTRICIAN ElectraServe 03 308 9008 electraserve.co.nz

CLEARLITE for life

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

From our hands

INTERIOR DESIGN Petronella’s Interior Design 03 686 0259 petronellasdesign.com

67

68

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Best of both worlds This family collaboration, with Archco Architecture at the fore, led to a refined mountain retreat – perfect for all seasons.

WORDS KATHY CATTON PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN GOODENOUGH

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 69

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

A

70

stylish mountain getaway will have many of us dreaming of cosy nights in front of the fire and picturesque alpine views. For this family, their dream started several years ago when they started looking for a section to build their own retreat to be used, hopefully, for generations to come.

In November 2019, Gareth Ritchie, Director of Archco Architecture, stumbled across a section for sale ˉ at Lake Ohau in Waitaki District. On exploring further, the family fell in love with the natural beauty and remoteness of the site. ˉ Off the beaten track, Lake Ohau Village is surrounded by mountains and water, with the highest of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, visible on a clear day. This particular section overlooks Middleton ˉ and Ohau Lakes, with the snow fields behind the northwest of the section, just 20 minutes’ drive away.

“It was the best of both worlds,” says Gareth. “It’s a stunning spot and appeals in both summer and winter.”

For Gareth this was an exceptional assignment, as the clients were his parents. “It was always the intention that my parents would ask me to design their holiday home, so it was just a matter of how.”

Gareth’s only parameter from his parents was to “stick to the budget”. So he set about envisioning an abode that was small, compact and funky and that would become a “magical spot to love”.

“It was a collaborative effort, and one that embraced the diversity of the surrounding natural materials,” says Gareth. Larch exterior cladding, monopitch roof, gaboon interior plywood and volcanic rock all help to amalgamate the home into the dramatic scenery. The minimalist floor plan and deliberate placement of the windows frame a diverse range of views.

For example, the shower has a large skylight above it, providing views of the awe-inspiring, protected night sky. The timber detailing on the interiors is exquisite and extensive use of kwila screens on the exterior of the home create different visual moments as you walk through it.

“It’s certainly not a standard home,” says Gareth.

“There’s a Kiwiana vibe to the home, and the timber ties back to the alpine feel.”

Despite the relatively small size, the 149sqm home maximises the space. It contains four bedrooms, and an additional bunk or break-out room, sleeping up to 12 people.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

71

72

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The builder of choice for this project was Lee from Majestic Housing. Gareth and Lee have worked on other homes together over the previous five years, so they understood each other’s requirements and standards.

“Gareth got me involved from the beginning,” says Lee. “This was great as we could start to work through some of the detailing early on, to ensure everything was going to work.”

The detailing for the project required a specific construction process and a few items had to be built “back-to-front”, as Lee says. The soffits were installed before the roof cladding, and dummy rafters were placed on the outside of the cladding line to allow for the junctions to be set up correctly.

“It was real attention-to-detail stuff,” says Lee. “The gaboon plywood sheets aren’t dead square, so we had to trim every sheet square before we put it up on the walls and ceiling.”

As with any build in a remote part of New Zealand, location was the biggest challenge faced by the builder.

The snow, “chaotic wind” and rain were all winter challenges, while the extreme summer temperatures also played a part. While these elements informed the design of the home, with the monopitch roof allowing for high-level glazing for sun, when it came to the construction phase, it was very much a case of dealing with what nature threw at them.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

FOR PLUMBING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE BOX

WWW.BOXPLUMBING.CO.NZ : 027 434 4472 : CHRISTCHURCH 73

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 74

“We were digging the holes in 28-degree temperatures, but then we had two days of snow after that,” says Lee. “We would typically work 12 days on while living in Twizel, then have a long weekend off.

Towards the end of the build, we could bunk down and stay in the home itself to save the travel. I always treat the home as if I’m building my own.”

The collaboration between the builder and architectural designer continued throughout the process as on-the-spot decisions needed to be made; for example, when post holes hit rock and the pile design needed to be re-engineered. “It was fantastic to work with the engineers and adapt to the rock in order to achieve the same loading,” says Lee. “Gareth and I work well together at bouncing ideas off each other and finding a solution that will work for everyone.”

With it being a family bach, Gareth, immediate family and friends did a fair portion of the finishing work themselves, such as the staining of the timber interiors and setting up the gabion baskets outside. “It was great that everyone could contribute to achieve such a fantastic result,” says Gareth.

The architecture was also recently celebrated at the Canterbury Regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, with the home winning best residential compact new home up to 150sqm and best interiors.

The family moved in at the start of the year and are revelling in the warm and peaceful spot. “It’s cosy, modern and yet with that timeless feel,” says Gareth.

“We made sure the home is well over insulation standards and with the careful placement of the home and the roof racking downhill, we think we’ve maximised the sun and views, making it an awesome place to be.”

Western Red Cedar Rusticated Weatherboard, coated in Wood-X damper,

by Hermpac, gives this home a rustic yet hardy look and feel.

Involved in this project ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Archco Architecture 03 928 3983 archco.co.nz BUILDER Majestic Housing Ltd 021 278 2226 majestichousing.co.nz CLADDING Hermpac 03 341 2163 hermpac.co.nz PLUMBER Box Plumbing and Design Ltd 0274 344 472 boxplumbing.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 75

76

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

SUPER CHARGED Interior designer Kim Stephen’s terraced home in London combines her signature flair for colour with clever use of its compact spaces.

WORDS ROBYN ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY ELSA YOUNG/BUREAUX PRODUCTION SVEN ALBERDING/BUREAUX

vast array of interiors fabrics. “I just found the colourful ones more exciting and interesting,” says Kim. As anyone will know who has tried to put together a scheme using a range of bright shades, it’s not easy to get it right. Kim says that to make colour work in interiors, tempering it with neutrals and texture is important.

Here in her own home, she made sure both elements were effectively used.

An example is the textured charcoal wallpaper that covers one long wall in the open-plan ground floor, and then wraps around the far end of the living space to subtly demarcate the lounge area. The wallpaper is one of Kim’s signature materials. “It is the perfect antidote to my full-on colour, and art looks amazing against it. It brings warmth and texture and the light bounces off the linen-like effect of the paper.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

S

ituated in a row of brick terraced homes that were originally built as workers’ housing, the facade of this house is almost identical to those on either side of it. Step inside the front door, however, and interior designer Kim Stephen’s colourful style is immediately evident.

“I am naturally drawn to colour and I’ve certainly got a very wide range of colours in this house,” says Kim. She’s not exaggerating – from the bright blue and green ikat wallpaper in the guest cloakroom to the bright pinks and yellows in the open-plan dining, kitchen and living space, a plethora of vibrant shades meets the eye.

“Colour makes me feel happy and it brings interiors to life. My use of it feels intuitive.” Her mother owns an interiors textiles showroom, so she grew up exposed to a

77

78

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Homeowner and interior designer Kim Stephens was very happy with the kitchen design by a previous owner. However, to create a multifunctional kitchen island in the space, she had a simple freestanding wooden structure made and topped it with honed Carrara marble.

“It’s now an integral part of the kitchen – it serves as a breakfast bar, workstation and drinks prep area. It becomes a central hub for people to congregate around.”

“Yellow is probably the colour that I use most,” says Kim, “but always in small quantities and I always make sure that it sits closely to something black and white.” The abstract artwork in the hallway was purchased in Cape Town, and the rattan bench was picked up at a junk store in London.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Against this neutral backdrop, Kim has used a combination of bold pieces – the acid-pink rug, and the abstract artworks that feature various shades of yellow – as well as a cleverly chosen pendant light fitting to make the space come alive.

But these elements all came together very organically, says Kim. “I spend so much time meticulously planning interiors within my work sphere, so I quite enjoyed just letting this space develop its own personality over time.”

The house had previously been given a considered structural renovation. This meant that its classic London terraced house layout had been enhanced with built-in storage, high-quality appliances and skylights that give several rooms a greater sense of spaciousness.

The home’s location in Barnes, a district in south London, is another vital part of its appeal to Kim, her husband Graham and their two children. “Barnes has a really village-like feel,” says Kim, “with a beautiful green, a pond with ducks and a high street with mostly traditional independent shops. When we moved here from South Africa, Graham loved the idea of living in a country village, but I really wanted to be in London – and to our surprise, we got both boxes ticked when we arrived in Barnes.”

79

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Jamie’s bed is situated directly beneath one of the skylights, so in summer when the skylight can be left open, he feels like he is outdoors and under the stars. Says Kim: “We also needed to make the space practical, so he has double desks – one for online gaming and one for homework.”

80

While the entire family enjoys life out and about, they all equally relish time spent in their home’s more private spaces. Upstairs, Kim has created a cocooning yet contemporary master bedroom that features an upholstered headboard in a bold blue pattern. More graphic pieces in the form of scatter cushions are punctuated with a mix of blue and yellow throws. The effect is breezy – yet a moodier atmosphere can be created with the inclusion of velvety textured throws and accessories in deeper blues.

Also on the first floor is daughter Anna’s room, and son Jamie’s is situated on the loft level above. Both rooms reflect their personalities and came together as true collaborations. “Jamie wanted a room that felt like his own little den, and Anna seems to acquire and collect all sorts of toys, artwork and knick-knacks, hence the emphasis on display in her room.”

Back downstairs in Kim’s home office – situated at the front of the house – a monochrome patterned wallpaper repeats another of her signatures: the use of black and white as a neutral. “I find it jazzy and light, and it brings me joy while I work.”

Nowhere is more an extravaganza of pattern and colour than the powder room, with its blue ikat wallpaper and large brass-framed mirror. Kim says this is the place to go a little mad in. “You are in there for such a short time and it’s such a great opportunity to give someone an experience. I want them to come out with a sense of wonder.”

Which is a very good way to describe this effortlessly chic house in general.

Create the Look BOLD AND BRIGHT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT Black Note Keys Pendant Light accentlighting.co.nz; Chelsea Glass Vase nood.co.nz; Como Portable Table Lamp by Space Copenhagen cultdesign.co.nz; Paisley Dream Rug by Romance Was Born designerrugs.nz; Black and White Strapping Basket republichome.com; Normann Copenhagen Ring Box in Sand paperplanestore.com; Jessica Hans Glossy Cow Vase cultdesign.co.nz; Chloe Chair in White cintesi.co.nz; Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip Print with White Frame littleandfox.co.nz; Matrix Neo 1 Tile tilewarehouse.co.nz

81

HEALTHY HOMES: A KIWI REALITY Katheren Leitner, Chief Executive of Asthma New Zealand, tells abode how building homes with health in mind can be good for wellbeing without being bad for the budget.

I

H O M E H E A LT H F O C U S

n the Healthy Homes A Kiwi Dream series, Katheren Leitner tours Aotearoa, speaking to experts in the building industry about how to improve the respiratory health of New Zealanders with healthier homes.

In the series, available to view on the Asthma New Zealand website, Katheren meets with Homestar and Passive House builders, delivering healthier homes on budget by building smaller and smarter.

One of these experts is Joe Lyth, a certified Passive House designer living in a home he designed and had built for just over $2,500 per square metre. According to the latest figures from Canstar, the average cost per square metre of building a home in New Zealand is around $2,800, making Joe’s house more affordable than many standard new builds.

Joe set out to create a healthy home for his family and wanted to prove that a Passive House could be affordably built. “A

Proudly making kiwi homes warmer, safer and quieter.

SHOWROOM

17 Hammersmith Drive, Wigram 82

lot of people think Passive homes and highperformance homes have to look like modern boxes, but they can look like anything,” says Joe, whose high-performing home is a modest plywood-clad cottage on a rural section. “It’s about making sure it’s efficient enough with a well-performing interior. That can be applied to pretty much any building if you consider the key things: ventilation, air tightness, good windows and no thermal bridging.” Thermal bridges are weak points in the building envelope that allow heat to pass through and can cause up to 30 per cent of heat loss in a home.

To save time and money building a healthier home, Joe recommends using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which work like a sandwich with two layers of timber sheets and insulation in between.

“They are the structure, the insulation, the interior finish and exterior air barrier, and are exceptionally quick to put up. With SIPs you use significantly less timber, which saves

T 03 344 3126 E info@nkwindows.co.nz

nkwindows.co.nz

money and means less thermal bridging,” says Joe, who notes that prefabricated building systems have been used worldwide for decades due to their good insulation performance and energy efficiency.

Joe adds that a Passive House must have a balanced ducted ventilation system that transfers air and retains heat. Jo and his family haven’t had to use any active heating in their home. The balanced ventilation system extracts warm, damp air from living spaces and passes it through a heat exchanger to heat up dry air, which the system brings in from outside.

According to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) windows can be responsible for up to 50 per cent of heat loss in a building. Joe notes that the windows were the most expensive component in his home. The highperformance triple glazed windows with wooden joinery were recessed into the wall

to form part of the building envelope, increasing air tightness.

While Joe and his family previously suffered from asthma and allergy symptoms in winter, in their new Passive House their respiratory health is as optimal as the air quality.

“It is possible to build Passive Houses on scale so that our future generations are left with assets, not liabilities. You and I can build a house that’s affordable and keeps us healthy,” says Katheren. “As we move forward, if nothing else, we hope you look for a home with health in mind. The purpose of a home is to keep us healthy. If we’re not doing that, then we’re doing ourselves an injustice. Healthy homes should not be a dream; they should be a Kiwi reality.”

09 623 0236 | asthma.org.nz

Building more than just homes.

Building trust.

0508 442 556

H O M E H E A LT H F O C U S

Your home, our commitment.

info@hallmarkhomes.co.nz

hallmarkhomes.co.nz 83

Jim the Builder

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING As the warm weather draws us outside, it’s time to catch up with family and friends. From landscaping to barbecuing, our special feature shows you how to get the entertaining space of your dreams.

A fireplace becomes a focal point that connects. See page 91.

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G 85

W

RESTORATIVE NATURE

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G

Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell on the great outdoors and the pleasure of bringing it inside.

86

TON Y M ILN E

Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects

hile the blossom has already blessed the flowering cherries I run under, the daffodils still cheerily mark my path in Hagley Park. There seems to be plenty of bonhomie in the air. It must be spring.

My running mate Boony and I enjoy the challenge the inclement weather of winter can bring. There is a vitality about it, almost a righteousness. However, our self-bestowed hardness quickly dissipates with the sights and scents of spring flowers.

I’m not sure our stride lengthens, nor is there any greater bounce in our step, but our chat is sprightlier.

It may be a result of the promised libation at the end, or is there a more profound stirring of our soul? Is it this very simple experience of nature, running around a park, that elicits such a stirring, such a positive response within us? I firmly believe it does, and this is certainly not a new concept.

This is not too dissimilar to the effect colour has on us. It is widely accepted colours have qualities that can cause certain emotions in people. Bright, warm colours stimulate energy and happiness, while cool, subdued colours soothe and calm.

If I cast my mind back to when our children were younger, I was most likely responsible for them missing out on an extra boost of joy as I rolled Half Thorndon Cream and Double Parchment onto their bedroom walls. Their mother was happy, though, as she was with the ubiquitous yucca proudly standing in a corner of our cloistered hallway.

Our restrained colour palette has remained as that, but it is with some relief that nature, albeit tamed, has tentatively poked its head into the interior of our house.

A little more wild would be interesting; we are, though, modestly tipping our hat to the practice and principles of biophilic design.

Most simply consider it “keeping a fruit salad plant”. Not us, as I proudly proclaim to the adorer of Thorndon Cream. It is more than that.

Biophilia is our innate biological connection with nature. Consider this the next time you sit around a campfire pondering the flames, or as you look out across the rhythmical roll of the ocean.

Biophilic design seeks to reconnect us with nature. A reconnection that is said to help reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity, improve our wellbeing and speed up our healing.

I am convinced that the views of the river from our studio, the overhanging branches of the courtyard paperbark maple that invite themselves in through the open sliding window to our workspace, enhance the creativity and wellbeing of our team. As does the odd curious pıwakawaka. ˉ I enjoy a leafy park run to restore and recharge the batteries, to clear the mind and, of course, for the company too. Boony too, I think, or for him it may be that the Irish Red is a healer in itself. So, let’s not forget the opportunity to connect with nature. For the sake of our own health.

03 366 3268 | rmmla.co.nz

YOUR HEATING SOLUTIONS LEADER IN CANTERBURY

The Denva Outdoor Fire and BBQ is sure to enhance the enjoyment, comfort, and usability of any outdoor entertaining area.

Perfect for three-seasons outdoor entertaining Added bonus of BBQ style cooking with hot plate and grill supplied as standard Large open front for superior heat output and ambience Corten steel finish for a stunning outdoor rustic look Fire and Flue: $7500 | Concrete Hearth: $1950 Free delivery if purchased before 15th December 2023

DENVA OUTDOOR FIRE AND BBQ NOW ON DISPLAY AT OUR SIMPLY HEAT SHOWROOM

Visit our showroom 95 Byron Sreet, Sydenham Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 1pm 03 365 3685 | info@simplyheat.co.nz | simplyheat.co.nz

Step out in style Sprucing up your space? Here’s your one-stop guide to the best backyard or balcony.

D O U T D O O R F LOW Create stunning indoor or outdoor areas with the latest new technology, In/Out Tiles. They are matt when dry, but nonslip when wet. No need to compromise style for safety – now you can have both. Explore our huge range in-store. midastiles.co.nz

U NR E AL LOU NGIN G E Look closely at this sun lounger by Sika Design and you’ll discover a unique powder coated aluminium finish that replicates the look of real rattan – a much more durable product that can be left outdoors year-round.

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G

greenwithenvy.co.nz

DD R I N K TO T H AT Enjoy the brand new Huski champagne flute and the redesigned Huski wine tumbler, with convenience and performance to help your special moments last even longer.

Available to pre-order now. anyexcuse.co.nz

88

DFIT FOR A KING The new Aura Outdoor Sofa is influenced by the form of floating islands. King Living’s Aura Outdoor Sofa is durable and elegant with stylish organic curves. The versatile Crescent and Lode ottomans add a sculptural statement. kingliving.co.nz

B G LOW U P The Aqua Globe lights by Slide in Italy are watertight and wired in to float in a pool or water feature for ethereal, elegant party lighting. Available in 40cm or 60cm diameters. poynters.co.nz

S ET S AIL E Live outdoors longer with a bespoke range of shade options from umbrellas and blinds to shade sails. Sails are available in a variety of textiles, shapes and colours, designed to enhance your existing space. weatherwise.co.nz

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G 89

WAR M B OTANIC A L E The Lola Paraiso beanbag in Olive is soft and comfortable, with stain-resistant fabric, making it perfect for indoors and out. The pomegranate and leaf design hints at a Mediterranean escape. nextdore.co.nz

CSTEEL YOURSE L F An insulated stainless steel pool offers surprising benefits: it’s durable, safe and eco-friendly. Designed and manufactured in Christchurch, fully bespoke designs can be custom made to your requirements. stainlesspools.co.nz

C PO S I T I V E I M PACT The Skagerak collection is environmentally conscious, crafted primarily with FSC-certified teak and oak. From Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen, the collection expresses a connection between nature and design.

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G

cultdesign.co.nz

90

T

The making of an oasis Green Therapy creates a leafy idyll centred around an outdoor fireplace.

his outdoor living space in Kennedy’s ˉ Bush, Otautahi Christchurch, is all about connections. Not only does the secluded haven seamlessly access the house, garden and pool, but the spot is all about friends and family gathering together.

Garden design and planting professionals Green Therapy designed the area for a busy couple looking for a yearround relaxation and entertaining space.

The fireplace is a strong feature cleverly concealed by existing trees from interior vantages, offering the wow factor yet remaining a tranquil escape. To preserve the site’s character, Green Therapy took inspiration from the home’s mid-century modern architecture as well as materials found in the landscape, opting to use locally sourced stone and native planting.

The goal was to preserve the site’s character. Existing tussocks and native shrubs were integrated into the design, with new planting aimed at supporting local wildlife and enhancing the garden’s biodiversity. The result is an environment that feels like it’s always been there.

The project earned gold in Residential Project Design and silver in Residential Construction up to $100,000 at The Landscape of Distinction Awards 2023.

For the homeowners, this space has become a favourite retreat where they gather as a family around the fire, enjoying meals together. To Green Therapy, the client’s happiness is the ultimate measure of success.

The Green Therapy team are accustomed to receiving recognition and awards for their work. Last year the team scooped two gold awards, two premier awards and Supreme Winner Landscape of the Year. A grand undertaking on Lake Wakatipu, Green Therapy created a place to reconnect with nature and enhance the local environment.

One of Green Therapy’s future build projects also won gold for design at this year’s awards. Yet to be realised, the Fendalton garden and pool designed for multi-generational entertaining will connect the family to their riverside setting: another Green Therapy project abundant with inspiration.

0508 2GARDEN | greentherapy.info

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G 91

ULTIMATE AVO DIP

S A M PAR I S H

Chef, Cookbook Author

The ideal bring-a-plate option for any picnic or barbecue, this guacamole by chef and cookbook author Sam Parish is easy, versatile and delicious.

Recipe from Cook Me — 30 dishes/3 ways

By Sam Parish Publisher KOA Press

P R E P TI M E : 10 minutes I N G R E D I E NT S : 250g sour cream 1 x 30g sachet taco seasoning 4 avocados, peeled and destoned juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, diced 1 bunch spring onion, sliced 200g cheddar cheese, freshly grated smoked paprika and corn chips, to serve M E TH O D : Mix sour cream and taco seasoning in a bowl.

Roughly mash avocados with lime juice.

Spoon sour cream onto a serving platter, add avo, then scatter with tomato, spring onion and grated cheese.

Scatter with paprika and serve with corn chips and lime wedges.

Serves 6-8 as a starter samparishfood.com | @sam.parish.food

FOOD

Spice it up: With a good glug of chipotle hot sauce in the sour cream mixture, and some jalapeños.

Jazz it up: With a frozen margarita or two.

93

94

FOOD

Archie’s Twix Tart I N G R E D I E NT S : BASE: 225g plain biscuits (we used Krispie) 75g butter, melted FILLING : 450g jar dulce de leche or 397g tin ready-made caramel condensed milk, whisked until very smooth C H O CO L AT E G A N AC H E : 150ml cream 75g milk chocolate (33% cocoa), chopped 75g dark chocolate (72% cocoa), chopped ½ teaspoon sea salt M E TH O D : Lightly grease a 35cm x 12cm loose-based rectangular tart tin. Preheat the oven to 150°C fan bake.

Base: Blitz the biscuits in a food processor, add the melted butter and pulse to make fine, damp crumbs. Tip into the tin and press to make an even shell. Pop in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up. Bake for 20 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes.

Filling: Carefully spoon the dulce de leche or caramel condensed milk onto the base and smooth the top. Bake for a further 8 minutes.

Cool, then chill in the fridge.

Chocolate ganache: Heat the cream in a small saucepan until hot. Remove from the heat and add both chocolates. Leave for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and stir in the salt.

Cool to a thick pouring consistency, then pour over the caramel and smooth into gentle peaks using the back of a teaspoon.

Chill for at least 2 hours, until the ganache is firm. The tart can be made 3 days ahead, covered and chilled. Remove from the fridge and cut into small wedges or fingers to serve.

Serves 10-12

Treat yourself with this more-ish cheesecake slice. The streusel is used to make both the crunchy base and the topping.

I N G R E D I E NT S :

M E TH O D :

STREUSEL :

Grease a 28cm x 18cm slice tin and line with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan bake.

1⅓ cups plain flour 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup rolled oats 1 tsp each baking powder and ground mixed spice ½ tsp sea salt 150g butter, melted C H E E S EC A K E : 500g cream cheese, at room temperature ½ cup sour cream 1 cup caster sugar 2 large eggs 2 tbsp custard powder finely grated zest 1 large lemon TO P P I N G : ¼ cup dark seedless berry jam 1½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (not thawed)

Streusel: Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix to form damp crumbs (you can use your fingertips). Take out 2¾ cups of the mix and press firmly and evenly into the base of the slice tin. Set the remaining mixture aside. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and firm. Set aside. Change the oven from fan bake to 160°C regular bake.

Cheesecake: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Tip over the base and smooth the top.

Topping: Stir the jam and blueberries together, then spoon over the top of the cheesecake.

Scatter over the remaining streusel.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheesecake is set. Cool, then refrigerate for several hours to firm up. Cut into the desired size for serving.

FOOD

A surprisingly easy and elegant tart based on the popular caramel, chocolate and shortbread bar Twix.

Blueberry Cheesecake and Oatmeal Streusel Slice

95

I N G R E D I E NT S : 175g self-raising flour ½ cup each caster sugar and sultanas 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp sea salt 2 large very ripe bananas, mashed (you need 1 cup mashed) finely grated zest 1 orange 80g butter, melted 1 large egg 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract TO P P I N G : 1 cup boiling water 150g brown sugar 2 tbsp golden syrup 2 tbsp rum, optional 2-3 small bananas, halved M E TH O D : Lightly grease a 6-cup capacity baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 160°C fan bake.

Combine all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl and toss so the sultanas are not clumped together.

In a separate bowl, whisk the bananas, zest, butter, egg, milk and vanilla together. Add to the dry ingredients and stir together.

Pour into the baking dish, then place on a lipped baking tray.

Topping: Stir all the topping ingredients, except the bananas, together to dissolve the sugar.

Lay the sliced bananas on top of the pudding.

Pour the hot topping mixture onto the pudding over the back of a large spoon.

Bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown, the top is firm and risen and you can see the sauce bubbling up the side of the dish.

Serve hot with ice cream or softly whipped cream.

FOOD

Serves 8

96

Banana and Rum Self-saucing Pudding A tasty and filling dessert that’s super simple and decadent.

These recipes from dish SWEET By Sarah Tuck and Claire Aldous, SCG Media RRP $45

For Your Home Quality and style without compromise

NAT URALLY T ILES Naturally Tiles is a Christchurch-based, boutique tile company importing porcelain tiles directly from exclusive Italian sources.

Heather, the owner, has forged strong, professional relationships with suppliers to provide a great selection of tiles. Naturally Tiles endeavours to showcase tiles unique to this store. Are you wanting a bespoke tile design for your space? Keep in mind that our tiles can take some time to arrive from Europe, once ordered. Finalising your room design and ordering early helps to ensure they arrive on time.

13 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch naturallytiles.co.nz

T USSOC KS H OM EWARE Your home is more than just a place, it’s a collection of cherished memories and treasures meant to be shared with loved ones. At Tussocks Homeware, we take pride in helping you discover the ideal pieces to transform your house into a warm and inviting home. With our curated selection, expert guidance and a commitment to creating spaces that reflect your unique style, Lisa and the team at Tussocks Homeware are here to make your home truly special. An exciting, developing addition to Tussocks Homeware is our wedding registry service. We work with you to personalise your registry choices.

Explore our collection in-store at 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka or shop online with delivery available across New Zealand.

03 443 6597 | tussocks.co.nz

AC C E NT LIG H T ING NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

At Accent Lighting, the team prides itself on its 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.

03 379 0600 | accentlighting.co.nz

97

Shop Window The very best products and services for your home

BLUM

blum.com @blumnewzealand Blum develops cabinetry hardware based on years of research and creates highquality and inspirational storage solutions for the entire home.

Discover their range of products and services to be inspired for your next home project at your nearest Blum showroom in Auckland or Christchurch and feel the original Blum quality first-hand.

OA K L E YS P L U M BI NG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

oakleysplumbing.co.nz

98

F ROB ISH E R frobisher.co.nz

For more than 25 years, Frobisher Interiors has delivered innovative interior designs to clients across New Zealand. Known for creating elegant, stylish homes and spaces that are individually tailored to meet a client’s lifestyle needs.

Frobisher’s design specialists are passionate about guiding their clients to find timeless quality pieces that reflect their personality and style. Not following trends, Frobisher has those one-of-akind pieces that you can display in several ways, no matter the occasion or aesthetic.

PE T RONE LLA ’S INT E RIOR D E SIG N

Warm colour palettes are transforming bathrooms this season. Layers of toasty beige introduce a cosy and restful atmosphere. Soft edges and curves on mirrors, basins and vanities add to the ambience, especially when highlighted with hints of soft blacks, copper bronze. Talk to the team at Oakleys about how to bring these bathroom trends into your home.

petronellasdesign.com @petronellas_interior_design Petronella’s Interior Design brings expertise to clients throughout the South Island. We create stunning, functional spaces tailored to your needs. We specialise in custom-made curtains and blinds, wallpaper, colour schemes, home staging, upholstery, furniture arrangements and maximising space utilisation to ensure your home is your sanctuary. With Petronella’s Interior Design, you can achieve a harmonious design that you will love coming home to!

H A I R C A N DY

RE SE NE

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.

Embarking on a home decorating project but experiencing a colour conundrum? Resene’s experienced colour experts are on hand to help you successfully select colour combinations and wallpapers that reflect your personality in your home. Book a free in-store consultation, or make an appointment with a Resene colour expert to visit you at home – where they can help you with your Resene paint, wood stain, wallpaper and colour choices, inside and out.

haircandy.nz

resene.co.nz/colourconsult

B RY M AC T I LE S

brymactiles.co.nz 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 longlasting 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.

WANAKA INT E RIORS

wanakainteriors.com We are a vibrant team based in the heart of Wānaka, offering a host of interior design and styling services. We create homes and spaces with good-looking legacies and form long-term relationships with our clients as their happiness is our happiness. Located on Brownston Street, our design studio is full of lush samples of fabrics, hardware, tiles, window treatments and more. Next door to our design studio is our retail store full of beautifully curated furniture and homewares.

NE X T D O RE

ROUG H M ILN E M ITC H E LL

Nextdore is passionate about helping its 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, Nextdore is an experience you will enjoy.

rmmla.co.nz You may recognise the name; Tony Milne is a regular columnist in the pages of abode. Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects has studios located in Christchurch, Auckland, Nelson, Wānaka and Dunedin, with a hot desk in Wellington.

With over 25 years in practice, they have developed a reputation for excellence through their collaborative style of working and highly skilled team. Their focus is to create innovative, sustainable solutions that connect people to their environments.

H E A LT H Y H OM E C O O P E RAT I ON

T RE ND S KITC H E NS

Imagine coming home to every room being the same temperature all the time, with no need to open the windows to let fresh air in and with minimal power bills. Call Damien for a consultation on how to make your new or existing home really healthy or if you would like him to provide geotechnical and structural engineering or thermal modelling support for your high-performance, healthy home project. Housing is about people – people working in cooperation to design and build healthy homes.

Building new or renovating, Trends welcome you to visit one of their five showrooms across New Zealand. Based in Auckland, Cromwell, Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch, homeowners can view a range of high-quality products, collect samples and informative brochures, as well as gain inspiration and expert advice.

To book your consultation, see trendskitchens.co.nz.

nextdore.co.nz

027 348 1110

villagegreenantiques.co.nz

After 40 years, Village Green Antiques will soon be an online-only store. So before the shop shuts its doors, hurry to Village Green Antiques at Shop D, The Gables Arcade, 96 High Street, Rangiora.

You’ll find a tantalising collection of very desirable sterling silver, jewellery, toys, art, furniture, clocks and china, from Georgian to mid-century.

Pop in and visit, or go to villagegreenantiques.co.nz and fb.com/villagegreenantiques.

SWINARD WOODEN FLOORS

swinard.co.nz Swinard Wooden Floors have specialised in the installation of flooring for over 35 years, both solid timber and prefinished engineered. They now offer an extensive selection of more cost-effective laminate flooring.

Additionally, they can renovate your existing floor, applying either hard wax oil or polyurethane.

Should you choose to further customise your floor, they are experts in staining. Large flooring samples can be viewed at their showroom by appointment.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

V I L L AG E G R E E N A NT I Q U E S

trendskitchens.co.nz @trendskitchens

99

The Good Life Our favourite small luxuries and must-haves I N S P I R E D S C E NT S The sixth and final addition to Aēsop’s Othertopias collection is Ouranon Eau de Parfum. The collection of six fragrances is inspired by worlds that transcend our immediate perception and is a celebration of endings, signalling the return home in preparation for new beginnings. You can discover Ouranon, and the five other Othertopias aromas, at Aēsop signature stores and online. aesop.com/nz

C A R E F O R YO U R H A I R Dyson has unveiled a BlueBlush special edition hair care range in an electrifying blue that contrasts a pastel blush pink, finished in ultra-matt. The range includes the Airwrap multi-styler, Corrale straightener and Supersonic hair dryer. All are engineered for ease of use and to help prevent heat damage to your hair. dyson.co.nz TE A F O R A DV E NT T2 Tea has launched its traditional range of advent calendars, including The Tea Party Extravaganza Luxury Advent Calendar.

They’re a fun way for tea lovers to count down to the festive season. It includes two limited edition fine bone china mugs, coasters, candles, gold accessories and a range of delicious teas to try every day until Christmas.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

T2tea.com

100

S U N B O DYC A R E

‘ E A R I T A LL

Get your suncare sorted with Bondi Sands.

If you’re prone to sensitivity, opting for unscented suncare is a gentle choice.

Bondi Sands introduces the latest addition to its fragrance-free range: Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Tinted Face Fluid.

Combining broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with instant skin hydration, this new formulation adds a sheer tint for subtle coverage. Available at Farmers, Chemist Warehouse and Life Pharmacies.

A Kiwi summer isn’t complete without Ultimate Ears’ all new EPICBOOM on shelves now at local retailers. Blending portability with bassy surround sound, the EPICBOOM is this summer’s ultimate sidekick, rain, hail or shine. Literally – it’s waterproof and uniquely designed to float in water, so it’s durable for boating, pool parties and New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. The EPICBOOM is available in two sleek colourways.

bondisands.com.au

ultimateears.com

E A S E F U L VAC A N D M O P The ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI boasts brand-new innovations. Its new square design and lower profile of just 9.5cm means it can fit under low-lying furniture and vacuum and mop every corner. Pioneering AI sees the robot independently select the best navigation strategy, and the suction is now 60 per cent more powerful. ECOVACS X2 OMNI is available from Godfreys, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, PB Tech and Robomate.

RE AD ING NOOK

ecovacs.com

THE PENGUIN NEW ZEALAND ANTHOLOGY 50 stories for 50 years in Aotearoa Publisher Penguin This collection celebrates Penguin’s milestone event – 50 years of publishing in New Zealand. This anthology brings together 50 tales from some of our country’s finest writers. From Vincent O’Sullivan in 1973, through Maurice Gee, CK Stead, Eleanor Catton and more, to Evana Belich’s 2023 How to Get Fired, these short stories track the changing styles, voices and preoccupations explored over the past five decades.

F E S TI V E H O M E H&M Home’s new festive collection invites you to embrace the art of holiday decorating. Whether you want to embrace a stylish or bold look, ornaments are key this season. Combine elegant white flowers and round pearl baubles for a chic tree, or mix it up with updated striped ornaments from burgundy to dark green and black. Available in H&M stores across New Zealand. hm.com

Edited by Lana Lopesi Publisher Penguin P U R I F Y YO U R A I R The latest Dyson air purifiers – the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen 1 and the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen 1 – are equipped with Dyson’s core filtration and airflow technology for high-quality, even purification. The Dyson Purifier range automatically detects particle pollution, including dust, pollen, pet dander and mould spores, and reports levels in real time on the LCD screen. dyson.co.nz

Pacific Arts Aotearoa tells the powerful story of Pacific arts in Aotearoa New Zealand. This account spans six decades of Pacific creativity, recounting the diverse, fresh and energetic contributions of Pacific artists to New Zealand, Oceania and the world. Edited by leading Pacific writer and scholar Lana Lopesi, this book includes over 300 images and contributions from more than 120 artists, curators and community voices.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

PACIFIC ARTS AOTEAROA The powerful and dynamic legacy of Pacific arts in Aotearoa, as told by the artists themselves

101

C L AD D IN G

P L AS T E R IN G

PAIN T

M A N U FAC T U R E R S

15 YEAR GUARANT E E

Tel: +64 27 840 0033 tkplastering.co.nz

Reduce your electricity bills immediately Reduce you carbon footprint Add value to your home

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

027 2264536 admin@solarliving.co.nz solarliving.co.nz

102

tkplasteringnz tkplastering

Kevin Williams

021 221 2616

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

throughout Christchurch & North Canterbury

We welcome enquiries for all aspects of concrete work including repair, resurfacing and new projects.

We offer a no obligation pricing service and can quote on site or from plans.

▪ New Builds & Renovations ▪

Mid Canterbury Area

Phone Aaron 021 147 8440 Proudly Supporting Stu Bell Construction

Driveways Earthquake Repairs

Patios & Paths

Natural Timber Design Solutions Cladding, Panelling, Decking, Flooring, Battens & Screens, Posts & Beams.

hermpac.co.nz

Contact us today... phone 0508 873 7483 email sales@affordableconcrete.co.nz

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

New Home Specialists

affordableconcrete.co.nz 103

A BIG SHIFT Dean McGuigan of Golden Homes on the uplift in customers wanting their new builds in small towns.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

S

104

pring is here, and it’s with enjoyment I can open the doors to the backyard during the weekends and feel the sunshine flooding into my happy family space. A place where I can take a breather and enjoy the respite from the hustle and bustle that working in town brings. Here, I can watch the kids enjoying our outdoor space.

In the Golden Homes office we are all feeling a lift in the market, along with a pep in our customers’ steps with their excitement at the prospect of lining up a new home build before the end of the year.

As we all head towards some welldeserved end-of-year relaxation, we are seeing increased customer requests to look at options for living outside the city centre.

We had recently experienced a phase where the request was to live close to town; however, now we are seeing an equal demand from those wanting to leave work life behind at the end of the day and enjoy more space with a short commute.

A flow-on effect from a couple of years ago shows some people still working from home or wanting a space to work from home in the future.

There is an appetite for small towns with a relaxed community feel, larger sections, and more bang for your buck.

Thankfully, this has been made more accessible over the past few years with new roading infrastructure.

Living north, south or west of Christchurch these days has become so much easier and quicker.

Locations such as Amberley, Waimakariri District, Darfield, Lincoln, Rolleston, Leeston and Rakaia are on buyers’ radars these days (especially those who are moving from the North Island, where a commute has always been their normal).

While city living will always be in demand, it’s worth checking out what your budget gets you on the city fringes or further out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Whether your home is in town or further afield, make sure you take the time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the space you’re living in.

0800 22 22 36 | goldenhomes.co.nz

DEAN MCGUIGAN Director, Canterbury Region at Golden Homes

coastalview.co.nz | 50 Clarence Drive, Bishopdale | 03 548 8864 A subsidiary of

Architecture & Craftsmanship We are driven to create surfaces that make a living environment durable and look good.

We believe that when it comes to cladding and interiors, the tactile nature of plaster makes it an unrivalled product.

BUILDER

Daleco Built

CLADDING

INTEGRA w Rockcote Cerano concrete finish

PLASTERING PROFESSIONAL Evolution Plastering, Christchurch

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

CL A D D I N G SYST E MS

I N T E R I O R SYST E MS

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