86 | Small spaces no barrier The project embodies a broader mission to address housing affordability without compromising quality. Field Studio Architecture & Radius Building T T Karen Phelps ARCHITECTURE On a site just seven metres wide, in Edgeware Road, Christchurch, Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism is currently demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform challenging spaces into high-quality homes. The project is seeing the 360sqm site subdivided and two standalone houses built, and according to company director Andrew Just, exemplifies the practice’s distinctive approach to architecture. “We like to work with small spaces and make them work really hard to achieve good outcomes and quality of life,” he says. The front 70sqm unit features two bedrooms, and has an innovative mezzanine space complete with ladder and net hammock to maximise space. The rear 120sqm property has three bedrooms. Andrew says the site’s constraints demanded creative solutions. Built to the boundary on each side, the homes rely on skylights and carefully planned front areas to bring in natural light and outdoor living. The southern house has been strategically pulled to one side, creating a two-metre buffer that allows afternoon sun to flood the interior. The development includes practical features, such as a covered outdoor area extending from the kitchen and dining room, suitable for both entertaining and practical needs like hanging laundry, plus carports with associated sheds that provide functionality and create privacy layers from the street. Andrew says the project embodies a broader mission to address housing affordability without compromising quality. The clients, first-time developers, who discovered the property and saw its potential, shared the vision. Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism also worked closely with Radius Building during the design process. “Profit isn’t the primary motivator here,” says Andrew. “The clients are wanting to work with architecture and building to try and improve things or address common housing stock problems.” Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism’s unique perspective stems directly from its origins in post-earthquake Christchurch. Founded in 2014, the practice emerged from a desire to contribute to the rebuild with projects delivering broader positive outcomes. This experience proved formative, leading to expertise in community-focused architecture that now distinguishes the firm nationally and internationally. Andrew was one of the co-founders of Gap Filler Trust, a charitable initiative that activated vacant sites around Christchurch with temporary creative projects for public benefit. He says this community development experience has become integral to Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism’s methodology. “We aim to bring the benefits of professional discipline and practice into charitable, purpose-based projects and bring the positive outcomes of charitable projects into commercial projects,” he says. This philosophy manifests across Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism’s diverse portfolio. Current projects include a mosque in Auckland, a luxury hotel in Marlborough, and the Kiribati Youth Learning Centre – a collaboration with ChildFund NZ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Andrew says the Kiribati project exemplifies the practice’s community-centred approach, incorporating feedback from local youth workshops and celebrating traditional Kiribati building through contemporary interpretation. The firm has also partnered with organisations like Te Ora Hou Ōtautahi, supporting alternative education through both practical space arrangement and purpose-built facilities. It also worked on The Youth Hub Christchurch, a pioneering project to support and empower rangatahi. Unusually for architectural practices, Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism can offer funding support and application assistance if necessary. “From small-scale residential to major commercial builds, our professional skills and experience means we are able to ensure high-quality architecture that is fit for purpose, efficiently and creatively achieved,” says Andrew. “We partner with our clients closely to make projects happen and get good outcomes. It’s not just about building a building.” LTD 03 349 9149 7 Avenger Crescent, Wigram office@solidbearing.co.nz Proudly supporting Field Studio Architecture Project: Radius Building Concrete Construction Specialists From excavation to completion, various types of foundation and floor slab options are available, we’ll help you with the best solution for your build. In the ever changing building industry, Solid Bearing gets the job done right, from the start.
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