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A café fitout in Riccarton, Ōtautahi that responds to its leafy surroundings.

Park Ranger: the name is perfect for this hut-like, plant-filled, native timber-built café, but it was arrived at by the owners after the design and fitout was completed. Context is key; with Pūtaringamotu Deans Bush just a block away, this haven of a café is on the corner of busy Riccarton Road and Rimu St, with Kauri and Rata Streets within stones throw. The design pays respect to this forest, which is home to Christchurch’s last original stand of swamp dwelling kahikatea, comprising primarily native, sustainably grown timber. 

There is a light touch to this space, as practical and unfussy as a DOC hut. Meals are eaten with second hand cutlery, good books on gardens and cabin architecture sit next to jars and bottles of supplies for the kitchen. This light touch extended to the design of the furniture, too. The custom tables, stools and wall shelving system,  conceived by lead designer Tom Davies, can be disassembled and rearranged to create new structures and spaces, or to be completely moved to a new location without waste. 

But for now, this haven remains offering a tranquil space for its customers – it’s almost like being in the forest. 

Clients: Park Ranger
Core Field Studio team: Tom Davies, Andrew Just, Amiria Kiddle
Joinery: Jeremy Smith, JMS Contracting
Photography: Hazel Redmond

Field Studio of Architecture + Urbanism
Christchurch Central, Canterbury
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About the
Professional

Field Studio of Architecture and Urbanism is an architectural practice based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Along with residential builds and major commercial projects, we contribute to projects and organisations that have a positive impact on the community. Drawing on our 10 years experience of community development following the Canterbury earthquakes, Field has developed significant experience working on projects that have social, cultural, ecological and values-based purposes.

Our team is diverse, highly skilled, and above all, collaborative. We foster strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, consultants and contractors to enable us to respond effectively to the needs of each project, ultimately achieving high quality architectural outcomes.

Our design process starts with listening to the people involved to better understand the needs of the project. We then integrate and balance these needs and aspirations through different design mediums, ensuring collective understanding and involvement in decision making.

From small-scale residential to major commercial builds, our professional skills and experience means we are able to ensure high quality architecture that is fit for purpose, efficiently and creatively achieved.