When thinking of an urban retreat, images of luxury, relaxation and calm spring to mind. It is precisely that sense of peace that Geoff Tune Architecture set out to achieve in this delightful family home in Fendalton.

Words Kathy Catton Photography supplied

Christchurch residents are no strangers to building new and building consciously. As more of us think about our re-builds post-earthquakes, we are becoming increasingly aware that buildings can affect our mood and our wellbeing. Geoff Tune of Geoff Tune Architecture is thoroughly attuned to this idea, and so designed a considered dwelling when appointed to provide a concept for a contemporary home in a beautiful, but busy, area of Christchurch. The brief was to provide a private oasis and include plenty of light and space, combined with excellent street appeal and private outdoor spaces.

TMT Construction built the home and provided costing input throughout the design process. The Registered Master Builders Association judges were quick to heap praise on this building company as featured in Abode magazine following a category win at House of the Year awards.

With the home situated on a long, narrow site with an extensive street frontage, Geoff had to carefully consider the placement on the site, as well as the street façade, so that it didn’t appear too long.

“We made sure there was some careful integration of claddings, together with selective window placements to enhance the street appeal,” explains Geoff. The result is an imposing entry that makes a statement from the street while drawing you into a spacious living zone. “I think the high cedar porch and generous entrance is welcoming. It invites people to enter and explore the living areas beyond,” says Geoff.

The high raked ceiling of the entry connects to the generous light-filled living area. The design optimises sun throughout the day and fills the internal spaces with natural warmth while maintaining privacy. The smart spatial layout provides for that quiet and seclusion that the client wanted, away from the ‘social stress’ of the city.

A veiled U-shaped courtyard sheltered with broad overhanging eaves provides a shaded central outdoor living area, accessible from both the living and dining areas. Also, a separate formal lounge, centred around the fireplace, provides a quiet and cosy retreat from the main living space. This area also enjoys a private patio. Situated to make the most of the north sun, the master bedroom provides an escape from the living area. A hidden private oasis patio and garden setting are found through sliding doors, undisturbed by activity in the main outdoor area.

Even the exterior elevations add to that sense of calm, achieving a harmonised effect by using rendered plaster cladding and natural cedar to provide a sophisticated and elegant look.

“The render was neutral on purpose so that the timber could stand out,” says Geoff. It certainly provides a timeless look with a touch of class. This contrast of neutral render and shining cedar is also evident in the custom-made fencing, which was designed by the homeowner and constructed by TMT. “We sourced custom engineered panels to create the fencing structure.” says Tim.

The windows and doors in this property have been cleverly recessed into the main exterior framing, bringing them into the thermal envelope of the building to maximise thermal gain.

TMT Construction shone through for the homeowners, with outstanding detail and craftsmanship. And well-deservedly, TMT Construction won a Master Builder 2018 Gold Award for the property.

“We worked with the homeowners and architectural designer in a collaborative effort to achieve the look the homeowners were after,” says Tim Moriarty, managing director at TMT Construction. “We love working with homeowners early on in the design process - this gives everyone a chance to discuss their concepts, experiences and talk through overall image and aims of the house. Communication is key in building and ensuring expectations are met.”

Specialising in architectural new builds and renovations, TMT Construction is not new at winning awards either. Just this year, the company won the Regional and National Category at the 2019 Master Builder House of the Year awards for renovations under $500,000.

In addition to the urban retreat theme, the homeowners wanted to build a home that was accessible for older residents. This approach meant building wider doors, hallways and level entrances to the house where possible. TMT Construction was able to build in unique custom order grates, to allow for rain protection. The sliders also lead straight out onto the deck.

To complement the calm nature and feel of this home, the bathroom, ensuite, WC and laundry all feature tiling by Toucan Tiling. “The key to giving these bathrooms the wow factor was the time we spent setting out the grout lines with Tim and his plumber before the wall linings were installed,” says Geoffrey Mitchell of Toucan Tiling. “In this way, the plumbing fixtures, soap recesses and foot stall all lined up.”

Overall, the considered design and complimentary aesthetics of this beautiful Geoff Tune Architecture home, have delivered the clients their urban retreat. Maybe in this case, at least, it’s not so much about how our buildings can shape us, as Churchill said, but about making people feel relaxed, calm and at ease in their environment. Something that Geoff Tune and Cantabrians, alike, can relate to.