By Chaplin Crooks Architects
McCormacks Bay House
A steep site overlooking the estuary and McCormacks Bay is the scene for this new home. The original house was demolished due to damage in the Christchurch earthquakes, and the owners wanted a new design for their replacement home.
The house was restricted to a similar floor plan as the original, but the form and materials were enhanced to give a modern and striking appearance. The black clay brick and brightly oiled cedar cladding provide the rich exterior colour scheme. The highly insulated ‘warm roof’ and positioning of windows for passive solar gain contribute to a warm and comfortable home to live in. The highly engineered structure allows for cantilevered decks and roof off the living area, hovering above the garden below. Retractable louvres provide shade and shelter on the northwest deck.
Inside a stunning Timaru Bluestone fireplace is the centrepiece of the living area. Oak stairs with a steel balustrade in the centre of the house provide access to all three levels. Two luxurious bathrooms have granite and oak vanities and tiles that bring the exterior colour scheme inside.
Chaplin Crooks Architects is a medium-sized practice based in Ferrymead, Christchurch. Director John Chaplin started his own business in 1976, specialising in residential hillside homes and alterations. Stephen Crooks and John Chaplin then formed the practice of Chaplin Crooks Architects Ltd in 2003, and long-term employee Greg Miller joined them as a partner in 2015.
We are Christchurch architects with over 40 years’ experience working on new builds, difficult sites, complex alterations and earthquake repairs we’re the residential architecture specialists to guide you through your project’s many challenges.
We have a collaborative approach to design. Most projects will be completed by a team consisting of a project architect and a Technician, and we openly discuss projects within the office to make the most of our wide-ranging experience and skill sets.
We believe that the design and building of your new home should be wonderful and memorable experience. When you invest in good design you will get the benefit of our creativity and experience in the form of a wonderful home that you will enjoy living in for years to come.