An Integrated family of homes
Offering a glimpse into the past, alongside the efficiencies and luxuries of modern living, these six executive homes, to be built by Milne Construction, are set to take centre stage on an iconic heritage site in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
WORDS Kathy Catton PROJECT RENDERS Pattersons Associates Architects
When local builder, James Milne, bought a home in Fendalton on the original grounds of the heritage-listed Daresbury House, he formed a dream. That dream was to incorporate the modern with the old into a masterfully constructed enclave of architectural excellence. In a series of fortunate events, James was also able to purchase the old home, and so the dream started to become a reality.
“My goal was to form a set of homes that would match the calibre of the land and the existing homestead,” says James. “This pocket of Fendalton is just delightful, and I wanted to create a genuine community with a country-estate feel.”
And that’s precisely what he’s done. The scene is set for the juxtaposition of old and new architecture in a location of historical significance in the heart of Christchurch.
Architect Samuel Seagar originally designed Daresbury House for a wine and spirits merchant, and the 50-room home was built between 1897 and 1901. It is said to be one of Seagar’s best grand houses and showcases his large Arts and Crafts style of designing, for which he was well renowned. Over the years, Daresbury has been home to Governor-Generals and welcomed King George VI among its guests.
Seagar was said to be one of the earliest New Zealand architects to move away from historical styles and seek design with a New Zealand character. This is fitting indeed, given that this home will now sit alongside six legacy homes that respect the craft of the past while epitomising a modern design.
Pattersons Associates Architects have been chosen to fulfill the brief of designing the six new homes. Pattersons is a leading New Zealand architectural studio known for designing residential, commercial and civic projects that create a sense of belonging and beauty.
SPARKLING JOB Christchurch Electrical will be doing the complete electrical, data, audio and heat pump installations for this project, as well as the electrical design.
Pattersons look at the entirety of a project to create a seamless experience from outside to inside. Contemporary forms, rooted in strong consideration for building usage, are underpinned by sustainable building principles and finished with elegant and robust detailing.
Pattersons’ work includes public icons such as the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and New Plymouth’s Len Lye Centre, as well as numerous award-winning homes throughout Christchurch and New Zealand.
What the team has created here is nothing short of world-class. The pitched roofs of the executive homes create a sense of place and style while quality workmanship and thoughtful detailing will ensure each home is surrounded with soul and atmosphere.
Open spaces, intuitive flow, high stud ceilings and natural light invite life in; positioning and aspect transform each section into its own private oasis. There is a definite nod to the past while also factoring in modern style and functionality. For example, the large glass windowpanes – at 2.4 x 2.4 metres – have no opening sashes, but instead have pivoting cladding to allow ventilation and uninterrupted views.
“The four-, five- and six-bedroom homes will be bespoke builds that prioritise quality, durability, sustainability, health and comfort,” says James. “Within these prerequisite standards, there is room for the homeowners to personalise the home with a unique signature palette of textures and colours, as well as modify the size and layout of the home."
PLANNING SUCCESS The award-winning planning consultancy Planz Consultants had the knowledge, experience and contacts to get this project across the line.
With Quoin Structural Consultants on board with the project, this build is set to make these architectural designs work structurally. “We explore structural concepts and use of materials to ensure the functionality and aesthetics are all achieved,” says Brett Gilmore, Director at Quoin. With a reputation for excellence in structural design-engineering, the team at Quoin are well versed at achieving any architectural vision, no matter what the scale of project.
Section sizes range from 620 square metres to 1399 square metres. All the properties will promote privacy and luxury, thanks to secure fencing and the provision for tiled swimming pools, outdoor fireplaces and entertaining areas. There is also a full-length totara hedge to the east of the sections, maintaining the feel of a private country estate.
As well as the buildings, the setting and location have also been considered and respected with the utmost attention. Christchurch landscape architects, Rough Milne Mitchell (RMM), have designed a calm, leafy enclave that connects people with the outdoors.
Over its 25-year history, RMM has developed a reputation for innovation and excellence in all aspects of landscape architecture, including the protection, preservation, and enhancement of natural landscapes, both private and public.
RMM’s approach is to prioritise the integrity of the environment, balancing human needs with natural processes. Highly collaborative, the team prides itself on working together with each other and with clients to create innovative and sustainable designs.
“The suite of six sections have been organised around the natural features,” explains James. “For example, significant streambank restoration has been completed, and heritage trees are very much a feature of the site. We relocated 15 trees through the consent process.”
The subdivision process has tastefully considered not only these natural details, but also factored in the heritage-listed home. As a pioneer in town planning, we can only assume that Seagar would have indeed been proud, particularly given his interest in the “garden city” concept.
EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING There is always more than one solution, and the team at Quoin Structural Consultants are tasked to arrive at the right one.
There’s also a fairytale feel to this site, which neighbours Mona Vale – another historic landmark of O¯tautahi. The picturesque feature bridge over the stream leads from the new sections to Daresbury House itself, and the cobbled road running through the site adds to that sense of past times. Even the name, ‘Daresbury Lane’, has an enchanted village-like feel to it.
Knowing that the historic homestead will be renovated and refurbished helps to keep the inspiration and the namesake of this property alive. While currently unoccupied due to earthquake damage, James’ vision is to return Daresbury House to its former state of grace and elegance.
“I had to do the site justice,” says James. “I felt the responsibility to honour the history of Daresbury. I’ve always had a passion for history. Alongside my 20-plus years of construction experience building architecturally designed homes and heritage renovations, it was a great match.”
The team of architect, engineer, builder and landscape architect prides itself on being very collaborative and working together with clients to create innovative, sustainable designs that connect people with this place they will call home.
“There will also be a second stage release at some point in the future," says James. “We also want to keep this history alive and make this breathtaking building a home once again.”
For anyone looking for a piece of the country in the city, and who wants to be part of a small community group of homeowners, Daresbury is certainly worth some attention. Past and present, country and city, expression and belonging – all come together in perfect balance at Daresbury.
LUSH LANDSCAPE A calm and leafy landscape plan has been designed by Rough Milne Mitchell, connecting people with the outdoors.
Involved in this project
BUILDER
Milne Construction Ltd
021 423 423
daresbury.nz
ARCHITECT
Pattersons Associates Architects
09 303 4004
pattersons.com
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Quoin Structural Consultants
03 968 4925
quoin.co.nz
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Rough Milne Mitchell
03 366 3268
rmmla.co.nz
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Adam Heazlewood
027 327 7298
bayleys.co.nz
ELECTRICIAN
Christchurch Electrical
03 366 1718
christchurchelectrical.co.nz
PLANNING CONSULTANTS
Planz Consultants Limited
03 377 9829
planzconsultants.co.nz
