Merivale home
This family home in one of Christchurch’s more established neighbourhoods wraps around a centrally located reflection pond. As light changes throughout the day, month or year, wavering reflections move across the internal spaces to create an ever changing and calming atmosphere for the family. The decorative louvres further scramble the light and connect to the linear nature of the rusticated timber weatherboards used.
Q This was an earthquake rebuild so it must have been bittersweet - what was the process like?
A (Jo and Jeremy) The process was very easy for us. Through some lovely chats, Mitchell was able to gauge what we wanted while understanding our budget. We felt comfortable knowing he was honest and reliable regarding cost and he was always looking for alternative solutions to achieve the desired outcome. Mitchell gently encouraged us to add features we never considered which have both enhanced the enjoyment of our home and added great value.
We particularly liked being presented multiple options so we felt every possible scenario was covered and we wouldn’t reflect on our decision. It was like Mitchell could read our minds - Jo thought the final design was perfect even though it was upside-down when she first saw it.
Mitchell felt like a good friend from the beginning - he has no ‘airs and graces’, just very good style and capability!
(Mitchell) We had such an amazing time going through this journey with the entire family. They gave honest feedback to ensure the home worked best for them, but also took our advice which made coming in on budget an easy outcome to achieve. We especially enjoyed having the kids input into several design meetings.
Q Being in an established area, how did you ensure this home slotted into its surroundings?
A (Mitchell) With much effort, vegetation and landscaping from the previous site was retained - including the large tree that is located out front. This, along with the lack of front fence and the reduced dominance of the garage, helps the new home sit comfortably within the established street scene.
The form and material selection also plays a critical part. Environmental context was important to address in this neighbourhood of eclectic styles, as well as the building’s fit within the architectural heritage of Christchurch. We utilised strong gabled forms and crisp detailing from the Christchurch School style, and employed rusticated timber weatherboards to the gable ends to soften the masculine form and tie in with the neighbouring designs of the 1980s.
Q Aside from a sense of calm, what does the reflection pond bring to this home?
A (Mitchell) So much! From a practical point of view it gave a central point to wrap the house around which created interesting spaces to play with in the floor plan and opportunities to elegantly vary ceiling heights and materials while still maintaining a sense of connection between spaces.
For visitors, it provides a focal point when arriving into the lower height entrance way that draws their view out towards the beautiful private garden, then onto the heart of the home.
For the family, it is their connection to the outdoors thanks to the weather affected reflections they experience inside their home everyday.
Q And what about the built in joinery?
A (Mitchell) It brings a level of polish you can’t achieve with furniture. The joinery helps to reduce clutter within the spaces while offering storage and display areas for the family to bring their story and sense of style to the largely neutral interior. The reduction of furniture and colour throughout the living, dining and kitchen is the perfect backdrop for the pond’s reflections.
Q As this is a family home, how did you address their potentially high energy consumption?
A (Mitchell) Careful detailing for thermal performance was incorporated along with specific window placement provides passive solar gain, while passive stack ventilation of the double-height foyer moderates temperature fluctuations. Temperature is also controlled by the light-coloured roofing and cladding – limiting overheating and reducing long-term maintenance, which in turn lowers the carbon footprint of the building.
Q How has your new home changed the way you live?
A (Jo and Jeremy) We love being in our new home, whether that’s with our extended family and friends, or on our own, and it is so easy to tidy up with joinery to hide away everything. It is low maintenance without compromising on style so it's very easy care. From the living room and lounge we look out on the garden so if the weather is dull we don't feel that need to get out of the house! We are sheltered from the wind so we can now sit outdoors well into the evening. It is fabulous and we absolutely love it.
Awards
ADNZ Residential Interiors Regional Winner
ADNZ Residential New Home over 300m² Regional Highly Commended