This three-gabled beauty built by Shore Construction and designed by Chilton + Mayne Architecture combines farmhouse charm with easy functionality.

WORDS Kathy Young PHOTOGRAPHY Lightforge Photography

When the homeowner of this Timaru residence decided she wanted a larger lawn for her grandchildren to enjoy as well as more parking for her caravan, she realised the time was right to build another home.

After purchasing the 2000sqm section in 2021, she immediately started working with Shore Construction to find the right design for her new home.

“This is the second house I’ve built for myself, so I know what I like and don’t like,” she says. “What I do like is the way Shore Construction manages the whole design and build process. They act as the go-between between me and the architectural designer, so I’m only ever dealing with one person – the general manager at Shore Construction – to move the project forwards.”

It’s a model that works exceptionally well for the long-established building company.

“The majority of our clients come to us with an idea, and we take them to the architectural designer we believe will produce the best result for them based on their style, their needs and their budget,” explains Shore Construction’s general manager Nick Shore. “It means we can work with our clients from the very start on the design practicalities and the costings, too.”

In this case, the homeowner wanted a functional way to live. In her words: “A Central Otago lodge-style home in a South Canterbury location.”

Garry Mayne from Chilton + Mayne Architecture immediately understood the brief. Shore Construction has worked with Chilton + Mayne for more than half a decade.

“The concept revolved around a modern interpretation of a traditional stone-gabled farmhouse, with a warm and calming interior that feels timeless,” says Garry. “Incorporating energy-efficient features was also a key component of the brief.”

The design layout is essentially three open-plan areas, with independent wings connected by gallery linkways. The centrally located pavilion with its raised ceilings accommodates the main open-plan living space, dining and kitchen areas and is perfectly positioned to view the Mount Dobson ranges. Large windows on the north and west-facing sides bring in natural light and foster a seamless connection with the outdoor spaces. Sliding doors on both sides of the living space ensure optimal airflow during the hotter months.

The west pavilion houses guest rooms and a separate lounge for when the homeowner is seeking a peaceful retreat from the everyday areas. The opposite pavilion holds the main suite with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and the garage and laundry.

“The three-gabled concept connected by lower- profile linkages allows for separation between different areas while maintaining cohesion and views towards the rolling hillside,” says Garry. “This pavilion approach pays homage to the traditional farm buildings that once stood in the area, helping to break down the home’s mass into forms reminiscent of the local rural landscape.”

The Rhino Evercore laminate flooring in this home is from Dore's Carpet Court Timaru.

The intricate joinery in this kitchen was created by Barrett Joinery Ltd and complements the 'country' look and feel of this home perfectly. The benchtop is Silestone Yukon and the doors on the front of the island are made to look like drawers with the feature knob detail.

Outside, a covered outdoor living area is one of the homeowner’s favourite parts of the home. “I’ve got a large glass roof window covering the space, with an exterior blind to keep the wind out. With the gas fire, it makes for an enjoyable space for the vast majority of the year,” she says. “It gives a really interconnected feeling between the living area and the outdoors, and I love the scenic rural views.”

Nick says the choice of materials for the home blend with the natural surroundings. “The house is finished in Central Otago schist and dark board-and-batten cladding, giving it an aesthetic that is contemporary with a country heritage feel. The board-and-batten provides a sharp detailing and is cost-affordable, too.”

Inside, the warm farmhouse aesthetic is achieved with timber-lined walls and laminate wood-effect flooring. “The homeowner has a passion for interiors and brought in a lot of her own furniture selections, which complement the simple material palette of the home.”

To address the energy needs of the homeowner, Garry says the design prioritised energy efficiency from the outset. It incorporates 140mm-thick walls and a high level of thermal insulation throughout. “The passive solar design optimally harnesses and manages the sun’s energy to prevent overheating, with roof overhangs and sun angles carefully calculated for efficiency,” says Garry. “We also thought carefully about glazing placement, to balance natural light and temperature control.”

This approach provides a comfortable living environment while keeping energy consumption in check.

There were minimal challenges with this build, thanks to Shore Construction overseeing all aspects of the project. “It was tricky to get the house to fit on the section, due to the nature of the size and shape of the section,” says Nick. “We had to account for the views in the distance and the pointy nature of the land at the northern end of the section.”

But now it’s finished and happily inhabited, Nick is proud of the entire build process. “It’s a stunning architectural home that was generally affordable to build,” says Nick. “We and Chilton + Mayne are always mindful of clients’ budgets and we make it work. Building a home shouldn’t be a daunting undertaking. We like to think all our clients view it as a great experience.”