Staying put
A large existing oak tree was an integral part of the design of this modern homestead in Christchurch, expertly built by David Reid Homes Canterbury.
WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY David Young
Perfection Plasterers used Resene Construction Systems to create the perfect exterior of this home. The years of combined experience from the team, and the commitment to high-quality plastering, truly delivers a high-end result.
Gravitas was the obvious choice for architectural design services on this exquisite property. Gravitas has been practising architecture throughout Aotearoa for over 25 years, in both residential and commercial spaces.
“Builders don’t often have much regard for trees when building a new home,” says Carl Fordyce, director of construction at David Reid Homes Canterbury. “But in this case, our top priority was to celebrate the beautiful oak tree by centring the design around it.”
This early consideration led to the creation of a three-pavilion home in the leafy suburb of Fendalton. Each pavilion holds a distinct theme and offers views of the tree and its surroundings on either side.
“Our clients had lived in the original home for many years,” explains Carl. “They recognised the old homestead’s value, but it was earthquake damaged.” The couple decided to relocate the old homestead to a site in Waimate and build their new homestead in its place, with the aid of Carl and his team at David Reid Homes Canterbury. “It was our established brand and our focus on high-quality building that drew the homeowners to our company. They’d done an extensive search before deciding on us.”
David Reid Homes specialises in creating bespoke architecturally designed homes that reflect the unique visions and personalities of individual homeowners. “We’re really proud of our team’s collaborative work with the client to design plans and specifications that meet their individual needs,” says Carl. “We remain actively involved from start to finish, incorporating feedback and making adjustments in real time.”
The old home was split into two before being transported – no small feat on its own, but one that David Reid Homes Canterbury handled smoothly. “We managed the entire project, from design and consent to the removal and relocation of the old home, and through to the final build and handover, including all aspects of project management.”
What now stands in its place is a stunning 317sqm five-bedroom home, with a focus firmly on the future, and a healthy honouring of the majestic old oak tree still growing strong in the garden.
“We made sure in our design that the footings were not going to disturb the roots,” says Carl. “The concrete slab foundation, on a raft, was designed well away from the parameters of the tree root system.”
The aesthetic appeal of this home lies in the timeless design of the two 40-degree pitched perpendicular pavilions, which offer good views of the towering tree while also providing privacy from the street. Each of these pavilions has a unique appearance: one is entirely clad in black, including the roof, while the other is all white: “To really make it pop.”
The double garage and scullery are softened by Abodo timber cladding. Resene Rockcote plaster is also used. “Each pavilion has a unique texture, colour and feel, thanks to this combination of cladding – it’s spectacular,” says Carl.
The ObliqueTM Weatherboard by James Hardie allowed the homeowners to develop their own style for the home’s exterior, using one of the most space-efficient and durable building materials available.
These thermally broken windows by First Windows & Doors Christchurch are designed and built with the harsh New Zealand climate in mind, while also ensuring they suit the home’s aesthetics.
The Symphony 8 x 3.9m swimming pool by Narellan Pools was the first thing to be dug out on this site, even before the foundations. It fuses style and sophistication with contemporary clean lines and functionality, for the ultimate pool option.
The two main pavilions cleverly separate the living and sleeping quarters, with the main northeast living area serving as the centrepiece, seamlessly connecting to the rest of the homestead.
The third pavilion, behind the garage, provides a second living area and a fifth bedroom. This pavilion is two-storey, and adds depth and adaptability to the home while still connecting it to the main dwelling via an extensive deck.
“We work with several architects, and we select the one best suited for the job based on the brief,” says Carl. “For example, with this home, we needed an architect who was sensitive to both the requirements of the tree and the family’s need for abundant natural light and wall space for their extensive art collection.”
Full-height cavity sliders, lofty ceilings and ample skylights enhance the sense of openness and link these spaces beautifully to the landscaped gardens and swimming pool to the north of the 898sqm section. The natural light in the dining and living areas creates an ideal space for displaying artwork and provides the perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing.
“We’re just as thrilled as the clients with the end result,” says Carl. “The stunning design of the pavilions, along with the thoughtful use of space, has created a home that’s not only functional but also beautifully blends indoor and outdoor living, celebrates light and space, and, most importantly, is a home that our client loves to live in.”
Aptly described by Carl as a “smart home”, everything can be controlled via the smart home hub. There’s surround sound speaker wiring, an EV-charging station and the ability to regulate heating and cooling electronically. “These systems can be continually upgraded as the technology changes, and they have the ability to be really efficient in how they run the home,” says Carl.
Thanks to numerous energy-efficient features – thermally broken windows, high level insulation and ducted heating – this is one warm and cosy home.
By prioritising the preservation of the oak tree, the team here has not only honoured the legacy of the old homestead but has also used thoughtful design and outstanding craftsmanship to create a peaceful and functional sanctuary for its inhabitants.
The icing on the cake, or perhaps the blossom on the tree, was the announcement last month that this home picked up a silver award at the 2024 Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards (Carters New Home $1 million – $1.5 million category). This award also goes alongside David Reid Homes Canterbury’s gold award at the same event for a Halswell home in the Bunnings New Home $500,000 – $750,000 category.
Involved in this project
BUILDER
David Reid Homes Canterbury
021 0272 8839
davidreidhomes.co.nz
ARCHITECTUREm& DESIGN MANAGEMENT
Gravitas Consulting Ltd
03 428 6773
gravitas.nz
SWIMMING POOL
Narellan Pools Canterbury
021 190 9912
narellanpools.co.nz
EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING
Resene Construction Systems
Perfection Plasterers
021 047 5287
perfectionplasterers.co.nz
WINDOWS & DOORS
First Windows & Doors Christchurch
03 375 0700
firstchch.co.nz
CLADDING
James Hardie New Zealand
0800 808 868
jameshardie.co.nz
