Knowles Residence

Project Description

Knowles residence is a home that merges effortlessly within the urban framework of Christchurch’s city fringes. It is positioned on the rear portion of a larger original plot with the front house designed by another local designer for a different client. Both houses are unique in form whilst still being sympathetic to each other. The brief was to construct a simple, efficient and functional home for our client. Inspiration has been drawn from the “Christchurch Style”, a distinct regional style of modernist New Zealand architecture. The residence has been thoughtfully tailored to fit within the site constraints whilst still maximising access to sunlight. Spatially, the layout consists of two perpendicular gable forms connected with a flat link and an attached double garage. A covered glazed entry is positioned next to the flush hidden garage door with the locally grown Abodo shiplap cladding wrapping seamlessly into the interior space. The northeast gable form contains the open plan kitchen, living and dining spaces on the ground floor with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper level. The indoor spaces flow effortlessly out to the exterior pavilions through full-height glazed sliding doors, acting as an extension to the living spaces. Exposed heated concrete floors with perimeter insulation and thicker exterior wall framing ensure that a comfortable interior environment is achieved year round. Angled wing walls and recessed glazing ensure that solar gain during warmer months is managed appropriately. A glazed link provides wall space for the client’s art while also providing a connection to the private areas of the floor plan. A more reserved single-level gable form accommodates the main bedroom, walk-in robe, ensuite and flexible second living. This form provides privacy whilst still having a visual connection to the outdoor living spaces. Refined detailing of the intersecting exterior claddings alongside the timber window surrounds further exudes modernism. The overall result is a home that connects with our modern architectural heritage while also accommodating the modern demands of living.