| 69 T T Rosa Watson Telling stories through architecture An example of the firm’s creative approach is a home built in Sumner, Christchurch that was inspired by a piece of charred driftwood like you would find on a beach walk. Photo: Jamie Armstrong Photography South Architects ARCHITECTURE Finding the unique story behind the project has seen Christchurch-based South Architects produce some of the most creative architectural designs in the country. “It’s all about getting to know our clients and enjoying the process,” explains the firm’s director Craig South. “We enjoy creating architecture that inspires, and creating a space that sparks joy.” The ability to find each project’s unique story is a point of difference for the firm, and has taken them around the country, from Auckland down to Queenstown. Projects include a winery in Central Otago, a multi-unit development in Hamilton and renovations to a holiday home in Whangamata. “If people appreciate what we do ... any project’s a cool project,” Craig says. An example of the firm’s creative approach is a home built in Sumner, Christchurch that was inspired by a piece of charred driftwood like you would find on a beach walk. “That was simply because the clients loved walking their dog on the beach. We weaved that story into the architecture.” It used darkened cedar to the underside with lighter cedar and metal cladding wrapping the rest of the home, drawing reference in colour and form to the driftwood. Another project currently under construction utilises a tree planted by the owners 35 years ago at the centre of the home. “They’ve cut down the tree and used it as part of the structure in the middle of the home.” The trunk, with a 600mm circumference, has been fixed to the floor and holds all the ridge and valley beams at the apex. “Like a tree, the house radiates out of the centre.” The rest of the home is constructed using LMA reclaimed and sustainable timber, and is completely off-grid and self-sufficient – something the clients are passionate about. Given the intricacy of the structure, the build will take two years to complete, with many hours involved in the carpentry. It’s designs like these that the firm thrives on, Craig says. “We enjoy the opportunity we get to tell this inspiring story through architecture.” The firm seeks to find the unique story in each home that it designs, he says. “We’ll never design two homes the same. The site and client bring a uniqueness that allows us to create something from.” These creative designs often came with complexity that impressed judging panels, and led to the firm collecting a number of industry awards. Craig says the industry is starting to show signs of growth coming out of a quiet couple of years, which was encouraging for anyone wanting to build a home. “There is no better time to build than now.” South Architects was created in 2020 during the Covid pandemic when Craig and his wife Anna, who is the office manager at the firm, decided to go out on their own. Craig was able to carry through his portfolio from the previous practice into the new venture, and has grown the team to include a qualified architect, three architectural graduates and an interior designer. “We enjoy the small scale of our practice because the whole team get to know our clients and enjoy the new-home journey together.” Grayling Builders for new homes, alterations, additions and commercial construction projects. Member of the Master Builders Association and a Licensed Building Practitioner Mobile 0274 744 200 Email office@graylingbuilders.co.nz Website www.graylingbuilders.co.nz Grayling Builders - Our Products, Systems, Methods And Services EcoTUFF suppliers since 2004’ Proudly supporting South Architects Ltd Head Office Christchurch: 5/18 Taurus Place, Bromley 8062 Auckland: 2/55 Ash Rd, Wiri 2104 P: (03) 366 9495 (0508) SEALCO E: jeff@sealco.co.nz W: www.sealco.co.nz Every aspect of our business is dedicated to waterproofing 021 946 110 matt@lmatimber.co.nz www.lmatimber.co.nz Cladding | Decking | Flooring | Structural Beams & Posts | Joinery VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM AT: 50 Anderson Road, Wanaka Australian Hardwood by:
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=