Redcliffs Renovation
By Linetype Architectural
Edge of the Red Zone
The only ones at the auction for this house, just after the Canterbury earthquakes, we were able to buy our first home at a good price. Even if it was within echoing distance of the red cliff of Redcliffs, it was cleverly designed by one of Christchurch’s great modernist architects, Don Cowey. Not bad at all.
When it came time to carry out the earthquake repairs, after the usual saga of EQC and insurance settlement, it was important for us to make the most of the process. We sensed a duty, with the loss of so many exemplars of Cowey’s work post-quake, to sensitively restore this quaint unit and stay in style with its littermates along the length of this quiet cul-de-sac hunkered under the cliff. We desired the function of a modern house, and I wanted an onsite office to be enable me to work from home, so we made a few minor but crucial tweaks.
The garage became a studio with new internal access. The laundry moved to allow the expansion of the bathroom, without the need to modify the footprint or external form. We also added a frameless glass screen, normally reserved for commercial builds, to create a front porch without imposing upon the beautiful forms the architect had given to the entry.
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Redcliffs Renovation
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Linetype Architectural
About the
Professional
Ben Brady heads Linetype Architectural, an enthusiastic architectural studio based in Redcliffs, Christchurch. The practice specialises in bespoke residential new homes and alterations.
‘We enjoy matching the passion our clients have for their projects,’ he compares his love of domestic architecture with experience of commercial industry.
‘And, when it comes to the finished project we are always just as excited as our clients to experience the building in real life. It’s a joy for us to see the result of everyone’s hard work as well as experiencing the spaces we’ve envisioned and seeing the play of light across forms.’
The small team at Linetype Architectural use a careful eye for detail and proportion, paired with practical ‘buildability,’ to deliver exciting architecture that clients love and builders take pride in.
Following graduation, Ben enjoyed a good grounding working under highly respected New Zealand architect, Cymon Allfrey, where he was a key team member of three award winning projects.
A background in Fine Arts, working on commission to produce paintings and sculptures, and earlier years spent as a sheetmetal worker, serves Brady well in delivering creative design responses tempered with the down-to-earth practicality a building contractor can relate to.
Recent completions of two beautiful homes with the Waipara Hills and Hanmer Forest as backdrops offer a glimpse of the talented portfolio to come.
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