Sheppard and Rout were approached by the clients to design their new home on a generous North facing site bordering the Wairarapa Stream in Fendalton, Christchurch. Located on a rear section, the site provided an opportunity to create a private retreat away from the busy street environment. The site is bordered by the stream to the North, with existing residential properties to the South, East and West.

An expansive single level design split into 3 separate building wings with a substantial attached garage developed out of the desire to maximise site constraints whilst complying with planning restrictions. The result is sleek, low-lying building form which disguises the substantial 550m² footprint. Full height glazing throughout bathes internal spaces in natural light whilst large overhangs are employed to provide shelter and reduce solar gain. The protruding Eastern wing forms a sun-drenched central courtyard which is fully protected from the prevailing Easterly winds.

At each end of the building form the use of sharp angular elements clad in dark vertical natural zinc enable hidden light shafts for additional privacy and also provide a selection of purposeful framed views. The long building forms are successfully broken up through the use of vertical cedar clad protrusions and recesses along with fully glazed links which provide continual lines of sight through the house. Large sliding cedar clad external shutters add depth whilst providing additional privacy on demand.

The central form features striking exposed Tonka timber rafters set on exposed steel frames. Meranti plywood soffits at 3.9m continue internally, providing a warmth to the formal living and dining areas. The timber rafters and soffit also feature in the generous light filled gallery space which greets arrivals upon entry.