Chaney & Norman Architects

About

At Chaney & Norman Architects,  great design and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. By creating homes that are energy efficient with a high level of thermal performance, we deliver warm, healthy and comfortable homes that our clients love to live in.

Every client is unique, so good communication and well thought-out processes,  alongside high quality design, ensure that we create a home that best suits you and your lifestyle.  Each home is shaped in response to the local environment and to maximise the potential of the site and design brief.

We believe the journey through every project should be collaborative and fun. As a small but mighty practice, we are friendly and approachable, and we aim to make the creation of your home as enjoyable for you as it is for us.

We provide complete concept design, documentation, contract and site observation services for your project.

Our approach is nimble and flexible, responding to the individual needs of each client and project. We search for creative solutions to challenges by blending tried-and-tested methods with new technologies to achieve the best possible results for our clients and the environment.

Beth Chaney and Chris Norman formed a creative partnership in 2018, binging together a wealth of design experience and a mutual passion for sustainable, high performing homes.

The team works collaboratively, drawing on their collective experience to inform their designs. Previously known as Chris Norman Architecture, Chaney & Norman Architects has been helping clients realise their dream homes since 2009.

 

Andrew Urquhart
Andrew Urquhart
Beth Chaney
Beth Chaney
Chris Norman
Chris Norman
Chaney & Norman Architects

“We’re often asked what we love about our home.

Put most simply, it feels good to be in every room. We love the flow, how spaces are defined and linked, and the natural light in our home.

The house was designed specifically for our site. We enjoy total privacy from the road and protection from the southern aspect.  As soon as we walk in the front door the house opens up to allow unimpeded views from floor to ceiling of the lake and mountains to the north. Views of more than 180 degrees from edge to edge are delivered to every living area and to the master bedroom.
The small open courtyard around which our house is built is a much-loved feature. It is open to the sky and fully glazed with sliders, so it offers passage through to every side of the house as well as introducing light into every space. Because of the interior courtyard there isn’t a single corridor in our home.  And it’s is a nice sheltered spot for a first coffee.

The den is hunkered down on the southern side of the house so you might expect it to be colder and darker.  Instead it’s a room for all seasons. We have spectacular views to the north directly through the interior courtyard and the other living areas. The winter sun streams into the den via this courtyard.

We appreciate the flexibility to re-purpose the den, made possible by the courtyard.  Whilst there is usually both a visual & physical connection through the fully glazed courtyard into the den, it can be closed down to give privacy to anyone wanting “time out” or a separate work space.

Adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, facing north to the lake, is an outdoor room we have called our Dropzone. It is nestled a few steps down against the house for wind protection, and to allow for uninterrupted views from the kitchen out to the lake. With the roof continued over and with a glass balustrade, we can enjoy our Dropzone even in mid-winter on a sunny day. Another part of our home we love!

We knew we were building a home with energy and thermal efficiency but we have tended to take it for granted until we’ve visited some other homes in winter! It’s one of the behind-the-scene things we appreciate about our house.

We love our elegantly simple home with clean lines.  Our architect thought outside the square to deliver what lies within the exterior walls.”
Lake Wanaka Courtyard House clients
“We cannot speak too highly of the results that we received.

From the brief that we provided, Chris and Beth came up with a design that fitted perfectly with the site and our requirements.
Virtually no changes were needed to the original plan and the build was carried out without any of the stress that often accompanies such a major project. We would have no hesitation in recommending their professional and quality service.”
Wanaka gable house clients