Builders Blocks

Materiality in Solid Form.

Nestled in the heart of Christchurch, Builders Blocks is a refined response to urban densification, balancing privacy, function, and design. Originally intended as a single dwelling, the project evolved into a dual-home development, providing a lock-and-leave lifestyle with space for extended family.

The primary residence is primarily a single-level home designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, with carefully positioned openings ensuring privacy from the secondary dwelling. Positioned against a neighbouring church, the design maximises the site’s potential, while subtly challenging traditional setback constraints. The home is visually engaging from every angle, with no designated ‘back,’ reinforcing a dynamic architectural expression. As the builder’s own residence, the project reflects meticulous craftsmanship, with a considered approach to detailing and materiality.

Internally, the home balances warmth and refinement through carefully selected materials. VidaSpace engineered timber flooring extends throughout, creating cohesion and enhancing the home’s natural flow. The VidaSpace EcoSystem was integral in ensuring consistent timber tones and finishes across all surfaces, seamlessly linking floors, wall and ceiling lining, and cabinetry elements. Beyond aesthetics, the natural warmth of the VidaSpace finishes enhances the tactile experience, bringing a sense of comfort and harmony to the interiors. This uniformity enhances the home's sense of continuity, reinforcing its carefully curated materiality.

The open-plan living areas are defined by a play of light and shadow, with clerestory windows inviting natural light deep into the space. The kitchen and cabinetry embrace dark, natural tones, offsetting the warmth of the timber with a refined contrast. Throughout the process, the expertise and coordination from the VidaSpace team were invaluable, ensuring precise detailing and execution that elevated the overall design quality. This meticulous attention to detail ensures a refined and enduring living environment, setting a benchmark for contemporary urban dwellings in Christchurch.

– Mike Callaghan, Johnstone Callaghan Architects

Location

Christchurch

Professionals Involved: Johnstone Callaghan Architects, Clive Barrington,

Photographer: Samuel Hartnett

Awards: 2025 NZIA Local Award (Canterbury) — Residential, Winner

Custom Product Used: Allegro Timber Veneer has been stained with VidaColour Haze