96 | ARCHITECTURE Johnston Architects T T Kim Newth Private retreat with big sky views The private northern façade is almost completely transparent with double height, high performance glazing opening the interior to sun and views. 193 Halswell Rd, Christchurch | 03 338 9199 | sales@halswelltimber.co.nz Proudly supporting Johnston Architects From the street, a new modern residence in a lovely tree-lined area of suburban Christchurch gives few clues as to what lies within. The strong brick-clad exterior and generous vehicle forecourt reveal little about the interior. Only at the recessed front entry is there a glimpse of what lies on the other side. In the client’s brief for this home, privacy was a top priority. Working with the site’s orientation, allowing for vehicle maneuvering and service spaces to be located to the south, Johnston Architects were able to maximise privacy from the streetscape. Yet the true design magic here lies in how this four-bedroom home, shortlisted in the 2023 Canterbury Architecture Awards, supports the client’s lifestyle enabling sophisticated entertaining inside and out, all the while connected with Canterbury’s distant mountain views and big skies. Johnston Architects is an award-winning Christchurch-based practice that specialises in uniquely crafted, site-specific new home design, matched with the client’s brief and budget. Established in 2014, the experienced design studio has delivered some outstanding homes over the past few years. This latest new home is another notable project for studio founder Regan Johnston. In contrast to the home’s solid southern side – finished beautifully with handmade Stellaria brick – the private northern façade is almost completely transparent with double height, high performance glazing opening the interior to sun and views. Large sliding doors blur the demarcation between internal living spaces and the al fresco outdoor living area. “To maximise views and connections with the sky, we elevated the main living spaces half a floor above ground level bringing the sight line above neighbouring properties and raised the ceilings to create the lofty double height volume,” says Regan. With warm timber floor and ceiling planes extending horizontally to form a covered double height verandah over the sheltered, sunny outdoor entertainment area, the home’s usable living space is almost doubled. Retractable shade blinds, hidden within steel beams, can be lowered at the flick of a switch. Radiant heaters, integrated into the design, add warmth after sunset or on cooler winter days. Beyond lies a formal lawn and garden. A swimjet pool and spa pool further enhance the pleasures of outdoor living here. Steel features prominently as a structural element and to provide crisp detailing, for example in the signature ‘double barrelled’ chimney flues and in the loggia over the northern deck. The home’s support structure is encapsulated in a high performance warm roof, with wide wall framing providing further insulation. Adding to this, an insulated slab system helps keep the home warm and comfortable. Roofing and soffit elements are well-designed to protect against excessive summer sun while enabling penetration of low winter sun. Smart sustainability features include rainwater harvesting tanks under the deck and photovoltaic panels. “We see sustainability as just one of the variables – although a critical one – that needs to be juggled to create a successful project. New homes provide a solution to immediate needs, but they also have to perform well and be desirable, not just now, but in 50 or even 100 years.” Conscious planning for the long term infuses the whole home design. For example, the fourth bedroom is located on the ground floor where level access ensures future proofed living. “Our aim is to create timeless architecture that will age gracefully, add value and enhance their owners’ lives over long periods of time.” Since moving into their home in mid-2022, the owners have been relishing their new lifestyle and are now planning to proceed with a new holiday home with Johnston Architects in the near future. Johnston Architects’ ongoing focus is to add value and deliver good work for their clients. “We have some truly special projects underway throughout New Zealand at the moment and are particularly excited about several projects in Australia and North America.”
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