Standing tall on its central Christchurch site is this slick executive home with a crowning glory – a roof deck. From up here, residents are afforded 360-degree views, including across Hagley Park and as far afield as the Southern Alps. As well as this deck, there are three floors, stacks of light, designer features and a raft of sustainable and environmental measures. In stifling Canterbury summers, for instance, the roof deck shades the building and promotes airflow; in winter, it protects from frost. The brief was to create a high-quality, high-performing residence on a compact urban site, and this 270sqm, four-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment-style home delivers.

Inside, a welcoming vibe has been expertly infused into an industrial, minimalist aesthetic. Take the main-bedroom suite that encompasses the entire second floor: New York loft-style windows reinforce the raw ambience, while welcoming in natural light. You’ll find a patio or balcony for every weather, including a kitchen Bring deck off the main living area on the first floor. A private courtyard offers a sunny retreat for guests staying in the ground-floor bedrooms. Passive design principles are also to the fore: architectural louvres allow winter sun to penetrate deep into the home, while lending shade in summer. On a 235sqm site, this project demonstrates land efficiency and a whole lot of raw-edged elegance. This is responsible, stylish urban living at its best.