The smooth collaboration of Saunders Building, Design Workshop Architecture and Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture has led to the creation of this delightful family home in Ōtautahi.

WORDS Kathy Young PHOTOGRAPHY Visual Spaces Photography

When a skilled builder creates a home for his own family, the result is bound to be a blend of practicality, quality and thoughtful design.

This home, by Mark Saunders of Saunders Building for his wife Tori and three young children, is the perfect embodiment of that vision. Every detail, from the site selection to the materials used, reflects a balance of personal taste and expert craftsmanship.

The journey began with the search for the ideal plot of land. Mark and Tori had always wanted to settle in the Redmond Spur area, just outside Halswell in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The area is known for its scenic views, walking tracks and family-friendly atmosphere. When a new subdivision opened up, they found a section that seemed perfect for the family.

It wasn’t without challenges, though. The section, measuring 1776sqm, was located on a sloping site, with a significant amount of rock that would need to be broken out. But despite the complexities of the site, it offered the key features the family desired: a large enough area for their children to play, a safe cul-de-sac location and breathtaking views.

“People said I was crazy to buy and build on the section,” says Mark. “Others had passed on the section because of its rocky terrain, but I saw potential.”

The soft, pale colour of the walls painted by Swanston Painting & Decorating, has brought a calm, relaxed vibe to the home.

Both the exterior and the interior feature work was completed by Quiksand Exterior Plasterers. Throughout the entrance and wrapped into the kitchen is a contemporary beige-toned plaster finish on the walls called Rockcote Otsumigaki Japanese Clay/Lime Finish. The exterior uses the Resene Integra lightweight concrete facade system. Paint colour was Double Sea Fog.

Mark worked with Deva Barlow-Smith of Design Workshop Architecture to develop a design. The builder and designer had worked together on numerous previous projects, so it was an obvious choice.

“Mark invited me to visit the section as soon as he bought it,” says Deva. “I worked out floor levels the same day I first viewed the land with Mark. Tori had sketched out the floorplan and I used that as my starting point for the design.”

With careful planning, Mark, Tori and Deva were able to envision and shape the site into a flat, usable space while incorporating the natural landscape into the design. “After visiting the site we thought that a kitchen
and living area – which allowed for seamless flow to a large flat outdoor area – would be rather unique in the setting,” says Deva. This became a priority in the design, as well as the large skylight in the stairway.

“What’s resulted is a 332sqm house that is quite approachable and understated on the outside. It’s only once you enter the four-bedroom-plus-office home do you experience the high level of finish and the engaging layout really shines.”

In addition, the garage, which had to be cut into the hillside, is cleverly tucked away, making the most
of the land’s elevation while maintaining a clean, open view from the rest of the property. The rock, initially seen as a challenge, was repurposed into a feature, enhancing the landscaping and creating a striking boundary around the garden. “Every rock we excavated has remained on the property,” says Mark. “It’s made for fantastic landscaping.”

As both builder and homeowner, Mark was hands-on throughout the project, choosing materials that were durable and easy to maintain. The exterior of the home features a combination of James Hardie Stria cladding and a Resene Construction Systems Integra cladding system.

Internally, one standout feature is the textured plaster wall surrounding the staircase, which was custom-created by the plasterer who also worked on the exterior. “Jase and Brad from Quiksand Plasterers were great to work with and were happy to work with us on the Rockcote Marrakesh lime plaster finish that Tori and I found for the entry wall.”

This wall then wraps around into the kitchen, adding depth and warmth to the living space. The finish is subtle yet striking, with a colour mixed directly into the plaster, making it an eye-catching yet understated design element.

“We wanted to focus on creating a simple yet stylish aesthetic, with joinery that resonates with a wide range of tastes. The neutral colour palette ensures the home feels inviting and timeless,” says Mark.

Throughout the build, Mark worked closely with interior designer Michelle Lamb, whose input was invaluable. Michelle’s expertise helped refine the design, offering suggestions and adjustments that enhanced the overall flow and finish of the home. For example, Michelle provided colour palettes and helped finalise details such as the exterior finish, which ultimately gives the home a cohesive, polished look.

“Because Tori and Mark knew what they liked, my role was to be a sounding board and to help bring it all together,” says Michelle. “I also designed all the joinery in the kitchen, living room, laundry and dressing room.”

Working together for a second time, following the success of another home designed by Deva and built by Mark, Michelle knew Mark wanted to use hard-wearing, practical materials without compromising on the aesthetic or quality.

“I think collectively we tried things in this project that we have since done again because we liked them so much. For instance, using plaster as an interior wall finish, and incorporating high ceilings into the living space,” says Michelle. “We’ve created a modern but cosy and inviting home, due to the lovely warm tones and textures that flow throughout the interior spaces.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the build for the family was that the site, once considered challenging, was transformed into a beautiful family home. What many had written off as too difficult was made into something special through smart design and problem- solving. “I’m proud of how we turned the site around, and it was a gratifying moment to complete a project that others had doubted,” says Mark.

“It’s also been great to work with the same group of people and strengthen our networks. This certainly makes for a smoother build process and therefore a better result.”

In the end, this home is a perfect reflection of Mark and Tori’s personal style, expertise and commitment
to creating a comfortable, functional space for their family. It’s a home that marries quality construction with thoughtful design, all while keeping the needs of a young family at its heart.