68 | Elegant design with the future in mind The client brief focused on three distinct areas: structural resilience following the Canterbury earthquakes, liveability, and preparation for climate change. T T Karen Phelps SWB Design: Surge Building ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN A current project in Fendalton, Christchurch by SWB Design shows how a truly collaborative client-designer relationship can result in great outcomes. “The clients came to me with a well fleshedout brief. They really knew what they wanted,” explains Steve Butterworth, owner of SWB Design. “It’s been a very client-led project and that has made the priorities different. We worked very collaboratively with them and understood what they wanted quite early on, so our initial concept didn’t see a lot of dramatic change through the process. It was a very clear-cut project and shows how we listen to client needs and can deliver what they are looking for to suit their budget.” The client brief focused on three distinct areas: structural resilience following the Canterbury earthquakes, liveability, and preparation for climate change. Steve says the structural approach reflects hard-learned lessons from Christchurch’s seismic experiences. LVL stud framing, significantly stronger than typical timber construction, forms the building’s backbone, and a plywood ridge air barrier provides additional structural integrity. Located in a council identified flood-prone area, the house, at the clients’ instruction, was raised further to exceed the required elevation levels. Future-proofing features acknowledge the clients’ life stage. “They are approaching or in their 70s and building a two-storey home, so they wanted to be living there for as long as they can,” says Steve. “So the design incorporates over-width doors, wide hallways, a lift, and level exit and entries throughout.” The energy-efficiency features include oversized stud framing accommodating high-performance insulation batts, recessed UPVC joinery positioned in line with the insulated elements of the exterior walls for optimal thermal performance, and a hydronic floor-heating system to ensure even heat distribution throughout the home. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by a large solar panel array positioned for maximum performance, offsetting energy consumption. “When I did the energy evaluation on the house we achieved just under 190% of the requirements for H1 of the Building Code,” explains Steve. “That’s the highest energy-efficient house I’ve designed so far. The Gib wall-framing system alone removed over 1000 metres of timber from the build, reducing material costs and increasing energy efficiency.” Traditional gable forms and clean, simple roof lines grace the exterior giving a timeless elegance to the home. Nestled within its surroundings, the traditional dwelling has a neo-colonial architectural aesthetic. On the ground floor of the 410sqm home is a guest bedroom with ensuite and walkin wardrobe, generous 30sqm entry space, open-plan kitchen/dining/living areas with scullery, separate formal lounge and oversized double garage. The upper level houses three bedrooms, including a master suite with balcony access. As one of the clients is an artist and teacher, there is also a dedicated 30sqm art room with sink facilities and space for weaving equipment. Currently under construction, yhe home is being built by Surge Building. Steve says the project exemplifies SWB Design Ltd’s collaborative approach to residential architecture, established when Steve founded the company in 2008. Operating across New Zealand’s diverse markets, it specialises in residential design ranging from alternative solution construction to group housing, and infill housing to highend projects. EXTERIOR PLASTERING PROFESSIONALS We will give you the best finish New Builds | Reclads | EQC Repairs Bespoke interior finishes | Landscaping | Fences Repairs and repaints | All major plaster systems Contact Us - Office: 03 348 7583 | Mobile: 021 345 122 | 9/33 Nga Mahi Road, Sockburn, Christchurch 8042 proudfootplastering.co.nz • FOUNDATIONS • DRIVEWAYS • CAR PARKS • SITE CLEARING • TREE REMOVAL • DEMOLITION • HILL WORK • CARTAGE • RETAINING WALLS rustybrothers@hotmail.com CONTACT US 022 171 5876
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