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This new home in Southshore, Christchurch had a primary focus on energy efficiency and thermal performance and has achieved an airtight envelope standard.   

Attention to the buildings location has orientated the large triple glazed, timber framed windows and doors out towards the sun while taking full advantage of the gorgeous beach front scenery.

With the use of more than double the required insulation to the buildings envelope, paired with a fully insulated concrete slab and efficient cross ventilation design, this home is an energy efficient wonderland. The exposed and polished concrete floor draws heat into the home and, by fully insulating the concrete slab, takes full advantage of the thermal mass properties of concrete as a material. Combing these energy efficient design methods with the tested airtight structure has created a beautiful and homely internal micro-climate for the new owners.

Photography by Baptiste Marconnet

MC Architecture Studio
Canterbury
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About the
Professional

MC Architecture Studio (MCAS) works from an uncompromising commitment to innovative, distinctive design and outstanding client service. Each project is unique and is tailored to the specific challenges of the physical site and the precise functionality required by the client. Sensitivity to the wider potential of design is key to the studio process, incorporating awareness of innovative materials and practices as well as aligning with all sustainable features and methods possible within the context of each project. MCAS works closely and consistently in partnership with clients and consultants, responding to needs and maintaining a global outlook that nurtures industry leadership.

Max was exposed to the foundations of design from an early age and worked at his father’s practice in his native Rome. He completed a Masters in architecture and later established his own practice also in Rome. In 2007 he moved to New Zealand and worked with Athfield Architects before establishing MC Architecture Studio ltd.

Collaboration is a consistent feature of the studio and Max is committed to developing local and international networks to cross-pollinate ideas and maintain his connection and currency with best practice and new conceptual thinking. He strongly believes that interaction develops professionalism and human potential.

Although strongly influenced by European standards, processes and aesthetics, Max takes inspiration from many sources. He has travelled extensively and completed his master’s thesis in India where he explored low cost housing. Inspiration comes also from sports and the natural environment - the ocean and the mountains particularly – as well as music and arts.

Max is passionate about built environments that attract and inspire- whether as a public civic building, a retail space or that most personal of buildings – one’s own home.