92 | Summit Construction BUILDING 03 349 7049 www.paulrenwickjoinery.co.nz 9 Paragon Place, Sockburn Celebrating our 50th year in Business. We have a team of skilled Designers & Trades people who will make your vision become reality. Top awards for renovation specialist T T Kelly Deeks Three very different Christchurch homes have earned Summit Construction its strongest showing yet at the Canterbury Master Builders House of the Year awards, with the renovation specialist taking home a regional gold and two silvers. Project Manager Sam Irvine says Summit Construction is particularly proud of the results after entering the awards for the first time last year and picking up two silvers. “We are pretty stoked with our awards,” he says. “A big part of entering House of the Year is being able to recognise the hard work and quality of our crew. They put a huge amount of effort into these projects, so it’s great to see that work recognised.” The three 2026 entries showcase the range of work Summit undertakes, from detailed renovations of existing homes to an architectural new build. The gold-winning Sumner renovation presented one of the team’s biggest challenges, with features within the existing stone-clad house far from plumb or true. “So, getting that floor-to-ceiling joinery fitted was definitely a challenge,” Sam says. This custom joinery was central to the home’s transformation, including concealed doors designed to blend into the cabinetry and provide separation for the master bedroom, which sits directly off the main living space. The kitchen now features a topographical map of Christchurch Peninsula as its splashback, reflecting the owners’ strong connection with their area and the outdoors, while the enclosed louvre roof has created a sheltered outdoor living/entertaining area. “There were plenty of things we had to work through along the way, but that’s the type of problem-solving we really enjoy. Seeing it all come together in the end was particularly satisfying.” Summit’s second renovation entry, in Cashmere, involved extending an existing family home by 64sqm when its owners couldn’t find another suitable property in the neighbourhood they loved. The extension created a new master suite and second living space, while pocket doors allow the two living areas to operate as one large space or be separated when required. Summit reclad the entire house as part of the work, removing the old Summerhill stone and creating a very cohesive relationship between the original building and extension. “We’re really proud of that because it doesn’t feel like the extension has been tacked on. One of the biggest challenges was creating a seamless flow between the old and new parts of the house, so they feel like they were always meant to be together. It’s a completely different house now, but the transition between the original home and the new spaces feels really natural.” The third entry, the builder’s own home in Westmorland, was a new build designed to make the most of its elevated site and expansive views. An H-shaped layout creates a central courtyard and additional outdoor areas, giving the family sheltered spaces in an exposed hilltop location. Inside, an architectural spiral staircase links the two levels, while natural finishes and an open-plan upper floor keep the design clean and modern. The new build brought a different set of challenges, particularly the extensive retaining and groundwork required to establish the house on its sloping site. While Summit specialises in renovations and extensions, the company enjoys the variety that comes with working across both new and existing homes. “We really enjoy both sides of the business. New builds give us the opportunity to create something from the ground up, while renovations and extensions bring their own challenges and allow us to transform and improve existing homes which is particularly satisfying.” “A big part of entering House of the Year is being able to recognise the hard work and quality of our crew.” The three 2026 entries showcase the range of work Summit undertakes, from detailed renovations of existing homes to an architectural new build. Where Fire meets design As a Canterbury-based family business with over 100 successful projects, we specialise in shou sugi ban, the ancient Japanese art of charred timber. Our expertly charred wood not only enhances aesthetics but also offers low maintenance and improved fire resistance, perfect for exterior cladding and feature walls. chartek.co.nz 027 274 6103 sales@chartek.co.nz GET IN TOUCH
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