It would be very hard not to alight anywhere in the open-plan living spaces of this Christchurch home and gaze out through the timber framing to the trees beyond. Petrie Architects designed the floorplan to sit lightly on the land; Angus Chisholm Builders brought their soulful vision to life. The idea was to utilise New Zealand materials such as macrocarpa, along with concrete, the latter used on floors as well as both precast and in situ thermal walls. The concrete theme has even been continued in the study and powder room, both of which have polished-concrete benchtops.

The macrocarpa is used in cladding, the entry with ‘hidden’ doors, a dramatic stairwell and the mezzanine landing. Sustainable living was achieved by investing in passive concepts. The house is wrapped in an airtight envelope using the Pro Clima Intello system; mechanical ventilation was required to enable it to breathe. The Stiebel ‘lungs’ of the house filter and circulate the air, while ducted heat pumps keep it cool. Underfloor heat pump hydronic heating regulates the ground floor slab and a log burner adds to the home’s earthy ambience. Solar panels power the electrics and rainwater is collected in underground tanks. The result is an earthy, grounded home that feels very easy and comfortable to be in.