DESKTOP
MOBILE
Designed by: Marcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects
Photography by: Anthony Turnham
This home is a thoughtful response to its site and the owners’ lifestyle, designed for open family living while integrating their beloved Clydesdale horses and Snow, the goat, who can engage with the family to their liking.
Positioned on a small lifestyle block, the design balances privacy and connection, drawing inspiration from an existing majestic Golden Elm tree.
Facade brings sculptural interest
A curved façade with timber slats and perforated metal rain screens provides sculptural interest, structural support, and climatic control.
All bedrooms are located on the first floor, with private balconies and a lift for future accessibility.
The son’s separate sleepout, connected via an external boardwalk, overlooks the pool and shelters the horse stables below, allowing seamless interaction with the animals.
The heart of the home is an open-plan living space, where voids and varied ceiling heights create a dynamic interplay of light and volume.
Instead of a television, the living area is oriented toward the paddocks and tennis court, reinforcing a lifestyle immersed in nature.
Intimate retreats within an expansive layout
Built-in daybeds and nooks provide intimate retreats within the expansive layout.
Situated on Christchurch’s rural-urban fringe, the site was once home to commercial greenhouses and retains mature trees and a tennis court.
The design embraces these existing elements while respecting its suburban context.
Strategically framed openings provide privacy while maximising backyard views, fostering a sense of living among the canopy.
This home seamlessly blends rural charm with urban convenience, celebrating nature, family, and community within a modern architectural framework.
Design features, creative solutions
The home is a site-sensitive response to both environmental and planning constraints.
Historically used for commercial horticulture, the land required remediation, restricting the new build to the original house footprint.
All excess soil remained on-site as part of the remediation strategy.
Planning constraints, including a 15m road boundary setback and 10m side setbacks, were addressed through discussions with neighbours, ensuring a well-integrated design.
Existing site features, the tennis court, sewer treatment plant, and a significant existing Golden Elm tree further shaped the layout, with careful measures taken to preserve the tree’s canopy and root system.
The material palette is simple yet refined, combining brick, glass, steel, concrete, and timber for a rich, tactile experience,” says Marcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects.
A robust brick veneer anchors the home, complemented by vertical Abodo timber slats that soften its scale.
The perforated metal screens define the entry while mitigating sun glare.
Inside, natural textures including wool carpets, birch ply, and neutral tile create a warm, organic atmosphere.
Sustainability
Designed for sustainability, the home features a timber primary structure with secondary steel elements, shallow concrete footings, and locally sourced materials.
Brick seconds are repurposed with a grit-infused paint finish, while double glazing reduces heat loss.
Passive design strategies, including thermal mass, shading, cross-ventilation, and large openable sliders minimise artificial heating and cooling.
A high-efficiency ducted air conditioning system is used only in extreme conditions.
In conclusion
This home achieves a refined balance of durability, sustainability, and modern living, enhancing occupant well-being while preserving green space on site.
See the kitchen story
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
Credit List
ArchitectMarcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects | BuilderCJC Builders |
Kitchen designerStufkens+Chambers Architects | Kitchen manufacturerBates Joinery |
Interior designerStufkens+Chambers Architects | LandscapeOBD Design |
PoolLagoon Pools | CladdingAbodo Vulcan Screening |
RoofMetalcraft Kahu | Window/door joineryNebulite 52mm Pacific Thermal Suite |
Main flooringJacobsons TimberTop – Banff | Bedroom flooringBremworth Galet |
RugsWeave Mitre Floor Rug | Bathroom tilesWinckelmans and Overcome tiles, from Metro Floors |
Wall coveringsPlytech prefinished Birch Elite and venetian plaster – Resene Otsumigaki | PaintResene – Tea 1/4 (exterior) Double and Triple Truffle |
FireplaceWoodsman low emission fireplace – Coleridge | Control systemsSonos with B&W recessed ceiling speakers |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Runner Up |
This home is a thoughtful response to its site and the owners’ lifestyle, designed for open family living while integrating their beloved Clydesdale horses and Snow, the goat, who can engage with the family to their liking.
Positioned on a small lifestyle block, the design balances privacy and connection, drawing inspiration from an existing majestic Golden Elm tree.
Facade brings sculptural interest
A curved façade with timber slats and perforated metal rain screens provides sculptural interest, structural support, and climatic control.
All bedrooms are located on the first floor, with private balconies and a lift for future accessibility.
The son’s separate sleepout, connected via an external boardwalk, overlooks the pool and shelters the horse stables below, allowing seamless interaction with the animals.
The heart of the home is an open-plan living space, where voids and varied ceiling heights create a dynamic interplay of light and volume.
Instead of a television, the living area is oriented toward the paddocks and tennis court, reinforcing a lifestyle immersed in nature.
Intimate retreats within an expansive layout
Built-in daybeds and nooks provide intimate retreats within the expansive layout.
Situated on Christchurch’s rural-urban fringe, the site was once home to commercial greenhouses and retains mature trees and a tennis court.
The design embraces these existing elements while respecting its suburban context.
Strategically framed openings provide privacy while maximising backyard views, fostering a sense of living among the canopy.
This home seamlessly blends rural charm with urban convenience, celebrating nature, family, and community within a modern architectural framework.
Design features, creative solutions
The home is a site-sensitive response to both environmental and planning constraints.
Historically used for commercial horticulture, the land required remediation, restricting the new build to the original house footprint.
All excess soil remained on-site as part of the remediation strategy.
Planning constraints, including a 15m road boundary setback and 10m side setbacks, were addressed through discussions with neighbours, ensuring a well-integrated design.
Existing site features, the tennis court, sewer treatment plant, and a significant existing Golden Elm tree further shaped the layout, with careful measures taken to preserve the tree’s canopy and root system.
The material palette is simple yet refined, combining brick, glass, steel, concrete, and timber for a rich, tactile experience,” says Marcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects.
A robust brick veneer anchors the home, complemented by vertical Abodo timber slats that soften its scale.
The perforated metal screens define the entry while mitigating sun glare.
Inside, natural textures including wool carpets, birch ply, and neutral tile create a warm, organic atmosphere.
Sustainability
Designed for sustainability, the home features a timber primary structure with secondary steel elements, shallow concrete footings, and locally sourced materials.
Brick seconds are repurposed with a grit-infused paint finish, while double glazing reduces heat loss.
Passive design strategies, including thermal mass, shading, cross-ventilation, and large openable sliders minimise artificial heating and cooling.
A high-efficiency ducted air conditioning system is used only in extreme conditions.
In conclusion
This home achieves a refined balance of durability, sustainability, and modern living, enhancing occupant well-being while preserving green space on site.
See the kitchen story
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
[clean_tags]
Credit List
ArchitectMarcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects | BuilderCJC Builders |
Kitchen designerStufkens+Chambers Architects | Kitchen manufacturerBates Joinery |
Interior designerStufkens+Chambers Architects | LandscapeOBD Design |
PoolLagoon Pools | CladdingAbodo Vulcan Screening |
RoofMetalcraft Kahu | Window/door joineryNebulite 52mm Pacific Thermal Suite |
Main flooringJacobsons TimberTop – Banff | Bedroom flooringBremworth Galet |
RugsWeave Mitre Floor Rug | Bathroom tilesWinckelmans and Overcome tiles, from Metro Floors |
Wall coveringsPlytech prefinished Birch Elite and venetian plaster – Resene Otsumigaki | PaintResene – Tea 1/4 (exterior) Double and Triple Truffle |
FireplaceWoodsman low emission fireplace – Coleridge | Control systemsSonos with B&W recessed ceiling speakers |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Runner Up |
Related Articles
Soaking under the stars
Whether sharing a wine with friends, playing with your kids, or twiddling your toes, relaxing in a hot spa is a simple life luxury – here are some creative ways you can introduce a backyard oasis to your property
Lived warmth
This high-performance, comfortable home boasts a bold, tactile material palette – expansive interiors offer versatility while the four storey design presents more like two storeys from the street
Keep Moisture Under Control
Practical ways to reduce damp and improve airflow in your laundry
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box Studio isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.
Frontier Pools
We specialise in bespoke concrete swimming pool design and construction.
From infinity-edge showpieces to compact plunge pools in tight city spaces, we create concrete pools in any shape, size, or finish. The possibilities are endless and the quality is uncompromising.
With an expert in-house team, we manage every step, from concept to completion, delivering high-quality pools tailored to your space, style, and lifestyle.
Altus Window Systems
Altus is a leading New Zealand manufacturer and exporter of innovative designs in aluminium extrusions and extrusion-based building systems.
Altus is an award winning leader of the Aluminium extrusion and rolled product market. We specialise in design, manufacture, import and export of extrusion and rolled product, and distribute to both local and International markets.
We’re experts in creating solutions to integrate and partner with our customers across a wide range of sectors; marine, transport, architectural systems, window and door fabrication, mechanical engineering and agricultural industries.
Luxaflex®
Luxaflex® has been adding style and sophistication to New Zealand windows since the 1950s. Our design heritage is founded on innovation for today and tomorrow while taking care to celebrate the beauty in the details. To us, form and function are synonymous. Consistently pushing the boundaries, we are proud to be the market-leaders in daylight regulation and solar heat control solutions.
We combine unique design and practical features to create outstanding products – the essential ingredients for creating any discerning home.
Plantation Bamboo
Building or renovating your home? You want materials that are durable, sustainable and beautiful enough to enjoy every day.
Plantation Bamboo makes it easier to discover the possibilities of bamboo for your home. From warm, natural flooring and durable decking to exterior cladding, joinery and interior panels, bamboo can bring strength, character and a considered finish to a wide range of spaces.
As New Zealand bamboo specialists, we offer carefully selected products for homeowners looking for materials that combine natural beauty with long-lasting performance.
Explore bamboo for your next project with Plantation Bamboo.
Registered Master Landscapers
With a commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and integrity, Registered Master Landscapers members represent some of New Zealand’s leading landscape design, build, and maintenance specialists.
Since 1985, the association has promoted quality trade practices and recognised excellence across the landscaping industry, with members assessed on the standard of their work and business practices.
From beautifully designed outdoor living spaces to large-scale landscape transformations, this portfolio showcases projects that reflect creativity, technical expertise, environmental awareness, and a dedication to delivering exceptional results for New Zealand homeowners and communities.
Hot Springs Spas
Kiwis are naturally drawn to the water. After all, we are completely surrounded by the ocean on all sides. There is something about the relaxing lull and healing properties of water immersion that we can't seem to get enough of. It is why spa pools have become such a backyard staple for many Kiwis over the last 40 years.
Spa pools are not only a place to soak away the stresses of the day but also a way to connect with nature, family and friends and to spend quality time far away from modern day distractions.
Kiwis by nature have a desire for high quality product which is why Hot Spring® spas are relenting in delivering those quality spa pool products to New Zealand and beyond.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Box™
Box Studio isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.