Grounded Visionaries: How the thoughtful, attuned work of C+M Architecture is quietly reshaping the built landscape of South Canterbury.
The Gleniti Farmhouse.
With its wide skies, rugged coastlines, rolling farmland and a light with a drama all of its own, architecture in South Canterbury demands a grounded, contextual response. It needs to mean something. These are the words of David Chilton and Garry Mayne, co-founders and directors of Ashburton-based Chilton + Mayne Architecture.
C+M Architecture co-founders, (above) Garry Mayne and (below) David Chilton.
Their compact, collaborative practice is cleverly carving out a reputation for highly tailored, deeply contextual design. “We treat every project as if it were our own,” says David. “We listen closely, push creatively and always design with a long view. We want our buildings to live well and last.” C+M’s early years were shaped by a fascination with form and visual impact — strong lines, sculptural shapes, compelling contrasts. But over time, the studio’s philosophy has matured. “We now place as much value on how a space feels to live in as how it looks,” says Garry. “That means considering everything: light, seasons, material performance, how a building will age... We design for longevity, not just the moment.” This emphasis on durability and liveability is deeply tied to the region they call home.
The South Canterbury landscape demands a specific kind of architectural intelligence. “We’re constantly responding to the local conditions,” says David. “That might mean orienting a home to catch low winter sun, designing for wind shelter from the nor’wester or choosing claddings that will weather gracefully over time.” Their aesthetic — at once robust and refined — takes its cues from the region, too. You’ll find echoes of rural sheds in their gable forms, references to local craft in their material choices. “We believe traditional and contemporary can absolutely co-exist,” Garry explains. “It’s not about mimicry — it’s about understanding scale, texture and language. A building can be modern, but it should feel like it belongs.” That sense of belonging is strengthened through a commitment to local materials. “Wherever we can, we specify New Zealand-made,” says David. “South Island timbers, Oamaru Stone, Timaru Bluestone, locally produced cladding and joinery. Using what’s around us makes sense environmentally and aesthetically. It strengthens the connection between the architecture and its place.” It’s also a matter of practicality. Life in South Canterbury is active and outdoor-focussed, so the studio designs homes that flow effortlessly between interior and exterior spaces. “Our clients are not just motivated by aesthetics — they live busy lives,” says Garry. “So we think about layout, resilience, storage, durability. These homes have to be as functional as they are beautiful.” The studio has noticed a shift in who those clients are. Increasingly, they’re working with people moving to the region from cities or overseas — individuals and families seeking more space, more connection, more meaning in how they live. “There’s a real openness to architectural ideas,” adds David. “People want their homes to reflect who they are and what they care about — not just how many bedrooms they need.”
Wanaka Retreat.
That’s where C+M’s collaborative process comes into its own. They pride themselves on close relationships with both clients and builders. “We welcome bold ideas, but they have to be grounded in logic,” says David. “We’re big believers in involving the builder early. When everyone is on the same page from the start, the results are so much better.” As for trends, the team isn’t swayed by fleeting fashions — but they’re attuned to the shifts in how people want to live. “Sustainability is a given now,” says Garry. “We’re incorporating more passive design, better thermal performance, low-impact materials. Aesthetically, it’s about calm, clarity, warmth — there’s a real move towards softness and texture, but always with purpose.” With such clarity of vision and an unwavering commitment to place. C+M Architecture’s work may not shout, but it does speak volumes.
