82 | Barry Connor Design: Frost Builders T T Bernadette Cooney Creative renovation wins regional award The company’s award-winning project was a re-envisioned 230sqm, urban brick bungalow, originally architecturally designed in the 1980s. Christchurch-based design firm, Barry Connor Design, has garnered acclaim for its creative approach to the renovation of a Merivale property, which won a 2024 ADNZ Regional Award for Residential Alterations and Additions. The company’s award-winning Hip Two Gable project is a re-envisioned 230sqm, urban brick bungalow, originally architecturally designed in the 1980s. The home’s traditional two-bedroom layout, while emblematic of its time, lacked a modern flow and connection to its established garden setting. Barry’s re-design transformed it into a cohesive, contemporary home for a semi-retired couple looking to create a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. “Our clients wanted a layout that embraced their love of gardening and natural light,” says Barry. To undertake this creative renovation, Barry Connor Design partnered with Frost Architectural Builders. The design showcases two gable forms that engage with the street elevation, creating a striking symmetrical aesthetic. One gable extends over the garage, encompassing a guest suite at the rear that doubles as secondary living room, while the second gable houses the main living spaces, offering connection to the front and rear courtyards. The vaulted living area includes a dedicated, acoustically enhanced space for a baby grand piano. Sustainability was also at the core of the renovation. “We focused on leveraging existing spaces, reducing waste, and using low-maintenance materials,” says Barry. “The project includes strategic roof overhangs that help manage solar gain in summer, reducing cooling costs and improving energy efficiency.” The ADNZ judges described the project as “a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design, imbuing the home with a newfound gravitas that commands attention among its peers on the street”. The project is another milestone in a long line of acclaimed works stretching back to 2017. Founded by Barry Connor in 2010, and now comprising a talented design team of four, the studio designs bespoke new homes, renovations, townhouse developments and interiors. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN “We’re a design practice that can turn our hand to anything really, and we enjoy the quirky, different and difficult design challenge,” says Barry, indicating his commitment to blending artistry and functionality in architectural designs across Canterbury and beyond. Barry brings a depth of expertise to his practice and holds a BA (Hons) in Architecture from Kingston University in London and membership in both the Architectural Designers of New Zealand (ADNZ) and the New Zealand Green Building Council. LBP and qualified Homestar Assessor, Barry’s path to architecture was an unconventional one, having completed his qualifications early, before falling into a 15-year hospitality and catering career. I’d worked my way up to being head chef in a couple of London restaurants before moving to Christchurch with my wife who is from here and set about returning to my first passion for architecture,” Barry says. Having established his own design practice 14 years ago, Barry notes the similarities between the two disciplines. “Cookery is putting ingredients together to make something that tastes good and functions well, not dissimilar to putting building elements together in a way that is eye-catching, functional and pleasing.” The Genuine Custom Made Garage Door Professionals 276 Larcombs Road, Rolleston, Christchurch Unit 2/1 48 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka Southern Lakes Proudly supporting Barry Connor Design made GARAGE DOORS CUSTOM 0800 661 366 www.custommade.co.nz DVANCED BRICK AND BLOCK LTD Specialising in all your brick and block work Brick work | Block laying | All commercial & architectural work Registered Master Masons 027 228 7021 WILLIAM: E: advancedbrickandblock@yahoo.com Canterbury-based concrete specialists Groundwork will create your new driveway, patio or pathway. Decorative Concrete | Functional Concrete | Commercial Concrete 0800 URDRIVE (87 37483) rick@groundwork.net.nz www.groundwork.net.nz
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