88 | Designing to deliver SAN Architecture undertakes commercial and residential work. SAN Architecture T T Kelly Deeks Asym Design Architectural design without the high cost T T Rosa Watson ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SAN Architecture director Aaron Peck says the current economic climate is reshaping how businesses invest in property, with a stronger emphasis on performance, return and collaboration. With experience across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, Aaron is helping clients navigate that shift by focusing on practical design, buildability, and financial outcomes. Aaron’s specialty lies in industrial design and management, where buildings must support precise workflows, manufacturing processes, and future scalability. He spends time early in each project understanding how the business operates. Manufacturing and engineering facilities are highly individual, with machinery placement, storage, access, and Health & Safety considerations driving the layout. That complexity is often underestimated, and Aaron says this is where tailored planning has a direct impact on output and efficiency. SAN Architecture also undertakes commercial and residential work, giving Aaron a broad view of how confidence and investment cycles move between sectors. In the commercial market, businesses often arrive at a point where their existing building limits growth. In the industrial market, operational bottlenecks become financial bottlenecks. When a client Two new homes under construction in the rapidly-growing North Canterbury town of Rangiora are showcasing how clever and thoughtful design can create a contemporary look at a reasonable price. The project is a small residential development in Townsend Fields, Rangiora, with two standalone, single-storey homes located at 8 and 10 Sutton Street. “Both homes are designed to feel modern and sharp, without being over-complicated,” designer Will Syme of Asym Design says. “It’s good planning, good proportions, and a bit of architectural detail, so they don’t feel like a standard spec build.” Will says while the 867sqm and 711sqm sections are within the Medium Density Residential zone, the approach has been to keep the homes as standalone dwellings with appealing outdoor living and backyard areas. Both homes include 6m x 6m double internal-access garaging, and modern open-plan living. A big part of both designs is the focus on outdoor living, he says. “The outdoor spaces aren’t an afterthought. They’re designed as part of the home, so you can actually use them properly.” The use of modern and low-maintenance materials provides texture and detail, so the homes don’t feel flat, he says. “It’s a mix that gives a strong modern look, but it’s also cost-effective and practical. It’s not trying to be ‘fancy’ for the sake of it.” Both homes have strong gable forms and clean roof lines, modern proportions and good street presence. Good window placement allows for natural light throughout the homes, and outdoor living ties seamlessly into the interior spaces. They also feature raking ceilings in the main living areas. Number 8 uses parallel chord trusses with a higher internal rake through the living spaces, and number 10 uses scissor trusses through the living areas. “That’s one of those features that makes a home feel more spacious the moment you walk in.” Will says the development adds two quality homes to a market where there is high demand. “Rangiora is still one of those places where people want to live, especially families and buyers coming out of Christchurch, and the demand for modern housing is still strong. “These homes bring two brand-new dwellings to the market, modern design and modern comfort, good outdoor living and backyard space, and a more architectural look than a standard spec build. “The goal is for them to sit at a competitive price point, but still feel like you’re getting something a bit more considered than a standard plan.” The project suits quite a wide range of buyers, he says, including families, professional couples, upsizers, small families, and downsizers, who still want a modern home with a double garage and outdoor space. Both homes are being built by local firm Copper Peak Residential. “They’re hands-on, efficient, and have a really good reputation locally,” Will says. “They’re also delivering the homes right through to landscaping stage, so the end product is basically turnkey and ready for sale.” Asym Design was started in 2024 with the aim of offering something that sits in between design and real-world construction. Led by Will, the team includes architectural designer Lilly, who Will says has brought fresh energy to the practice. “Rangiora is still one of those places where people want to live, especially families and buyers coming out of Christchurch, and the demand for modern housing is still strong.” reaches that threshold, they need a building that supports both performance and return. Aaron’s approach is to design for how the building will be used, as well as how it will look. A large portion of SAN Architecture’s work comes through design-and-build contractors, whose clients are looking for new facilities. The process typically begins with identifying potential sites. Canterbury’s industrial growth continues to push outward, with developments in Rolleston, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Belfast, each location offering different advantages. Sites are assessed with contractors and clients for access, service connections, logistics, and long-term suitability for the client’s operational model. Selecting the right site has a direct impact on cost, buildability, and future flexibility. Once a site is selected, the conversation shifts to construction methodology and economics. Aaron favours early contractor involvement to ensure the design responds to how the building will actually be constructed. Good information on drawings supports smoother construction and protects programme, while gaps or late changes create delays. Having worked with multiple industrial contractors, Aaron adapts SAN Architecture’s documentation style to suit different build methodologies. He says this reduces friction on-site and improves outcomes for clients, contractors, and developers. sanarch.co.nz Join Hundreds of Satisfied Homeowners & Businesses! We carry out all aspects of electrical work throughout Christchurch from large scale commercial projects to multi unit developments and new build residential houses. CONTACT US (03) 669 2009 office@jrlelectrical.co.nz 2024/25 Asym Design & Copper Peak Residential M: 0277 336 623 |E: admin@erect.nz |erectscaffolding.co.nz
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