88 | Stamping their own mark Chaplin Crooks Architects is well-known for striking hillside architecture. ARCHITECTURE Chaplin Crooks Architects T T Richard Loader Tracing the roots of Chaplin Crooks Architects back almost 50 years, director Stephen Crooks says architecture has the ability to influence people almost every minute of every day, and so it is worth putting the effort and time into getting it right. “A building will be there for 50 to 100 years or more, so to spend six months designing it and designing it well, just seems to be a no-brainer to me,” Stephen says. “My passion, particularly, is high-performance housing, so we have well-designed homes that perform well thermally, and don’t use undue amounts of energy. As an occupant you feel comfortable all year round, and don’t end up with problems like mould growth and dampness in your walls and roofs.” Given its location in the Christchurch suburb of Ferrymead, Chaplin Crooks Architects has developed a strong presence in the Sumner, Redcliffs, Cashmere area, becoming well-known for striking hillside architecture. “It is wonderful seeing the various homes we’ve designed, and you get people commenting as well. We designed a hillside house in 2008 and it has just been sold for the first time. The new owner came to see me out of the blue, and it was really nice to hear someone’s view on the house and why they had bought it.” The majority of the practice’s projects are across the wider Canterbury region; however, work is also undertaken throughout the South Island . “Although we do the occasional non-residential project, we very much have a specialist residential focus,” says Stephen. “A lot of the work we do is alterations, renovations, and improving people’s homes, but it’s the new builds that we really love doing. You can stamp your own mark, and it offers more opportunity. They can also be slightly easier than renovation work, where you may or may not know what lies behind a wall or under the floor.” While the design of a new build requires a site-specific/client-specific solution, Stephen says that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be high-end. “Everyone has a budget that varies considerably. The one consistent thing is that everyone’s budget is never enough for what they want, and you’re always trying to get the best value for money for each project. “The joy of a build doesn’t come from using the most expensive materials; it comes from designing the most creative solution for whatever the requirements are. We love doing tight-budget small projects, just as much as the really high-end work.” Developing a step-by-step design framework and ensuring there is clear client communication ensures the customer enjoys the design process throughout the journey. “Most homeowners have never done something like this before, and so our role is partly education, partly bringing them along on the journey, while also making it easy and non- stressful. “We take our role on as leader and collaborator. We lead the process, but we also get all the other participants involved at the right time with the right inputs, and the result should be seamless and straightforward, with no unwelcome surprises and unexpected delays. A common thread in feedback we receive from our clients is that the process was good and the design solution, knowledge and competency of the people involved was excellent.” 03 348 6285 bdconstruction.co.nz Steve Brown Builders Ltd is proud to support Chaplin Crooks Architects NZ Award Winning Architectural Builder
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