68 | Redefining inner city living With more than 410sqm of indoor floor area, and extensive balcony and rooftop spaces, the project sets out to deliver central city living on a scale usually associated with suburban homes rather than apartments. T T from page 66 Home Trends Builders DEVELOPMENT A concrete mid-floor carries the in-slab heating system and adds further structural complexity, yet provides thermal stability and acoustic performance suited to inner-city living. Peter says Christchurch’s extreme temperature variations and growing concerns around moisture in modern roofs guided the team towards a fully engineered warm-roof system. Multiple layers of dense polystyrene, vapour-control membranes, and ceiling-level insulation remove dew-point risks and help future-proof the homes as building performance standards continue to rise. Attention to overheating issues has driven the use of vertical aluminium louvres for shading and privacy, alongside mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Peter says the homes carry features closer to commercial-grade performance than typical residential standards. “When I walk around the city and see how light some commercial foundations are compared to what we’re doing here, it really shows how far we’ve pushed it. This is absolutely the most highly engineered building we’ve ever done, and I think it’s the way of the future.” Alongside the technical performance, the development introduces architectural materials new to Christchurch, including handmade iridescent glazed bricks sourced from Italy, lightweight concrete cladding systems, extensive cedar detailing, French flooring products, mechanical shuttering, and steel-framed internal glass doors. Peter says the brickwork, in particular, sets the tone for the project. “We visited the factory in Venice and it was absolutely beautiful. It’s something new for Christchurch, where things have always been a bit conservative, but I think the city is ready for it.” The homes are sited next door to the long-established Park Bridge Apartments, and Peter sees the contrast between the older redbrick building and the Dublin St development as a reflection of how Christchurch architecture is evolving. “That building has been there more than 25 years. This is the next step. It shows where residential architecture is heading.” The location offers walkability to the city’s cultural and hospitality precincts, while maintaining the privacy and calm of a side street. With four-car garages, lifts, fire-sprinkler systems installed ahead of future regulatory requirements, and multiple indoor-outdoor living options, Peter says the homes suit buyers wanting spacious, lock-and-leave living without compromising convenience or design. Construction began in May 2025 and is tracking towards completion in August 2026, with one home already sold. Peter says the project has been shaped by decades of accumulated learning, including insights picked up at international housing expos and continual refinements across previous builds. “Every project teaches you something, and this one brings together everything we’ve learned about modern materials and performance.” After nearly 40 years in Canterbury, Home Trends Builders continues to operate with a hands-on approach, locally based subcontractors and fixed-price contracts. Peter attributes the company’s long-term success to staying closely involved in every build. “We’ve built hundreds of homes, and learned something from every single one. This project is the result of all that experience. We are very excited to bring something completely new to Christchurch.” Contact Kevin Kearney today! Phone: 021 512 510 Email: watertightlogistics@gmail.com Membrane Roofing Specialists Proud to work with Home Trends Builders 03 335 0462 info@tarc.co.nz tarc.co.nz 027 503 4407 B E S P O K E F L O O R I N G TIMBER TILES AND LAMINATE info@bespokeflooring.co.nz www.bespokeflooring.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=