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.

Modern house with dark wood siding, large windows, and a well-lit entrance, surrounded by trees and a white border wall, during dusk.
Interior view of a modern home entrance with wooden ceiling, hardwood floor, white walls, and a large glass door leading to a living room.

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.

Interior view of a modern home with a wooden ceiling, light-colored floor, an open door leading to a living room, and large glass doors opening to a garden with greenery and a house in the background.
Modern open-concept living room and kitchen with large windows, beige sofa, wooden dining table with chairs, white kitchen island, and greenery outside.
Modern dining room with a wooden table and chairs, a large white pendant lamp hanging above, a vase with a dried flower on the side, and large glass windows showing greenery outside.

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.

A modern living room with a round black coffee table on a plush gray rug, a flower arrangement in a green vase on the table, a light wood cabinet under a mounted flat-screen TV, large windows allowing natural light, and a view of a patio outside.
Empty kitchen counter with a gray surface, white tiled backsplash, white cabinets, and a large window providing natural light.

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.

Modern living room seen through white vertical slats, featuring a dark sofa, a vase with flowers, and large windows with natural light.
A modern built-in wooden shelf with multiple compartments, some with doors and some open, containing decorative items like books, framed pictures, and small sculptures. Next to the shelf is a gray fireplace with a black frame, and a wicker lantern is placed on the floor to the right of the fireplace, with a small decorative plant nearby. The wall behind the shelf and fireplace has a textured gray finish.
An attic room with a sloped ceiling and large skylight window, decorated with various toys and a dollhouse. There is a doorway leading to a small office space with a woman sitting at a desk working on a computer.

Awards

ADNZ Residential Interiors Regional Winner

ADNZ Residential New Home over 300m² Regional Highly Commended