| 71 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Wayne Fleming PROUD TO SUPPORTWAYNE FLEMING & MEHRTENS CONSTRUCTION Designed with the future in mind The three-bedroom home combines comfort, functionality, and connection to its rural surroundings. T T Kelly Deeks A thoughtfully designed rural retirement home taking shape on Woodstock Road in Oxford is showcasing the value of collaboration, practical design, and decades of architectural experience. Designed by Christchurch-based architectural designer, Wayne Fleming, the 325sqm home has been created for a Canterbury farming couple preparing for the next stage of life on their newly subdivided 100-acre property. Currently under construction, the three-bedroom home combines comfort, functionality, and connection to its rural surroundings, while reflecting the owners’ desire for a relaxed lifestyle in retirement. The project began as a collaboration with veteran designer, Philip Kennedy, who developed the initial concept before Wayne took over the design and consent process. Wayne says the partnership was a natural fit, having worked alongside Philip on various projects since the 1980s. The home has evolved significantly throughout the planning process, with extensive consultation ensuring the final design aligned with the owners’ needs and future lifestyle. “Like many projects, the clients started with a wish list and then refined it as we worked through the design,” Wayne says. “At one stage the kitchen was much larger than it needed to be, and I reduced it, taking 65sqm out of the total house to create a more practical home for two people.” The resulting layout comprises a large, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space that captures views towards the Canterbury mountains. Separate bedroom wings provide flexibility for visiting family, while allowing areas of the home to be closed off when not in use. A library sits alongside the guest accommodation wing, while the owners’ suite occupies a private wing with its own bathroom facilities. Energy efficiency and comfort have been key considerations throughout the design. A ducted heating system will allow the owners to heat only the areas they are using, reducing running costs while maintaining year-round comfort. Wayne says the home’s architectural features add interest without being excessive. One of the standout elements is the interaction between the raking ceilings, which converge above the kitchen before opening into the larger living area. The exterior will feature white brick veneer and standing seam roofing, creating a timeless appearance that complements the surrounding landscape. Outdoor living has also been carefully considered, with three separate outdoor areas included in the design. One features a covered space beneath a high gable roof, while a pergola will provide opportunities for climbing plants and additional shelter. The generous site and rural setting have contributed to a straightforward construction process. “There are no close neighbours and plenty of space around the house,” says Wayne. “It is a flat section with excellent views, which makes for a very relaxed project.” Construction is being undertaken by Oxford-based Mehrtens Concrete and Construction, a builder trusted by the owners through previous projects. The established relationship has helped create a smooth building process, with regular communication between the clients, builder, and design team as the project progresses. For Wayne, the project reflects the type of work he has enjoyed throughout a career spanning more than five decades. After a life-changing car accident at age 18 left him using a wheelchair, the naturally competitive Wayne redirected his passion for building into architectural design. “I wanted a career where I could compete on equal terms with someone standing up, and design gave me that opportunity.” Today, he continues to balance a busy design practice with an active lifestyle, bringing the same determination and creativity to his projects as he has at Woodstock Road.
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