Brought to life with the considered craftsmanship of Wayne Murray Builders, this Ōtautahi home is luxurious and incredibly liveable.

WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Marty Anderson / Sarah Rowlands

The plaster under the roofing is a combination of Rockcote Plaster Systems Integra and Masonry render systems. All were installed by Properly Plastered using Resene Construction Systems.

Tucked away behind plentiful and established trees on the outskirts of Ōtautahi Christchurch sits a captivating new home. On arrival, the calming birdsong and sweeping landscaping sees you entering a peaceful oasis – it truly is a magical spot.

The creation of this home is testament to the successful collaboration between all parties involved. Wayne Murray Builders worked alongside O’Neil + Architecture and the structural team from Powell Fenwick.

“The clients approached me to build their home, and I suggested a couple of architects to check out,” says Wayne Murray, director at Wayne Murray Builders. “Darren O’Neil hit the brief first go. The drawings were then developed to a point where the engineers could start their design process.”

From the very start, the project relied upon the whole team working together to make the dream a reality. Wayne met with the parties at various stages to discuss possible construction options and the specific costs associated with each option. Once the documents and drawings were completed, consent was applied for, and pricing was completed. “From that stage on, we managed the job, employing subcontractors who would not only complete the project but would do so always with an attitude of wanting to exceed the clients’ expectations.”

At 475sqm, the home has a bold yet elegant architectural style that blends clean lines with natural textures. The exterior boasts a striking cedar-clad facade, complemented by powder-coated aluminium panels, which together create a sense of strength and warmth. This choice of materials, Wayne says, was crucial to achieving the modern yet timeless aesthetic the homeowners wanted. “Cedar was a big part of the vision,” he explains. “Luckily, we knew the lead times for sourcing it could be long, so we ordered it early and stored it. This was very fortunate, given the impact Covid had on supply and price.”

As for the structure itself, the house features raking rooflines pushed in different directions. Large sheltering eaves appear to float above angled clerestory windows, which welcome natural light and offer sweeping vistas across the treetops. “Each upper window was different, and the challenge was making sure they all fitted seamlessly into the design,” says Wayne. It’s these kinds of intricate details that show the level of precision that was required.

The prime grade engineered European Oak timber flooring throughout the entry, laundry, mudroom passage, kitchen and dining areas is supplied and installed by Swinard Wooden Floors. The 220mm-wide planks were installed using a direct-fix method, then sanded and coated with a German hardwax oil.

The benchtop is the Super White Calacatta stone, expertly installed by Shane Boyd Granite Benchtops.

Key to the collaboration were the homeowners. “They were very involved, which made my job easier,” Wayne says. “They were amazing to work with. They had a clear vision and would send us sketches and photos
of what they envisioned. But they were also open to suggestions.”

With all the moving parts – contractors, carpenters, interior designers and suppliers – everyone came together to make it work. The homeowners used the phrase “freestyling” as an expression of applying adaptations whenever new ideas were flowing. It is safe to say that this method of collaborating and the end result both showcase what an interconnected build process can achieve.

Inside, the home continues with its clean palette, functional design and attention to detail. One standout feature is the relaxed and adaptable living space with innovative touches, such as the stained oak boarding on the walls surrounding the fireplace.

Another ingenious element of the home is the air conditioning system, cleverly hidden within the architecture. “We wanted to make sure all the air conditioning units’ supply and return grills were completely out of sight,” says Wayne. “So, we integrated everything into the ceiling, using single slot grills that blend in with the design. They are incredibly discreet but effective.”

This attention to detail highlights the seamless integration of comfort and style.

The home’s ceilings hide another feature – concealed blinds. With the roofline following an exacting pitch, the challenge was to create a way to install blinds that would be fully concealed when not in use but still effective when pulled down. Wayne says, “It was about making sure the blinds were hidden within the ceiling and came down perfectly level, no matter what angle the ceilings were at. We created precise pockets within the ceiling to house the blinds.”

Such attention to the smallest of details is what makes this home exceptional. Every decision – from the placement of windows to the design of the finishings – was carefully considered to ensure both beauty and functionality.

The build was not without its challenges, especially with regard to the Covid-19 lockdowns, material delays and unpredictable weather. But Wayne and his team managed to keep things moving forward. “We started in August 2019, and we were really working hard to get it done in time for the clients to move in by Christmas of 2020,” Wayne recalls. “It was tight, but we made it happen.”

An impressive aspect of the home is how it blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The large plot of land, which includes a swimming pool and a separate pool house, offers plenty of outdoor space for the owners to enjoy. The driveway alone is an architectural feature, winding its way around the home with a U-shaped design that provides access from both sides.

When asked what he’s most proud of, Wayne doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the whole thing. From the design to the build, it’s a real showcase of what happens when great designers, builders and subcontractors come together. The clients were amazing to work for, and the final product is something everyone can be proud of. It’s a house that not only looks beautiful but works beautifully, too. And that’s what we set out to achieve.”