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Tongariro is twist on the atypical subdivision home designed for a growing family around an offset twin gable form. Living wing on one side, flanked by the bedroom and utility wing on the other. A spine wall slices through the central hall and entry spaces creating both a physical and perceived separation between private and public family life.

A large overhanging roof section covers the rear courtyard space to shelter from the summer high western sun, but is deep enough to allow winter sunshine to penetrate into the living space.

Recycled bricks from the Duncan’s building in High St line the spine wall along the length of the house from the exterior, through the interior. Charred Larch cladding adorns one gable form and the recycled bricks the other, creating interesting light and texture from these raw natural, no maintenance materials.

Words by: Aaron Jones of Urbanfunction

Photography: Sarah Rowlands

Urban Function Architecture
Canterbury
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
Photography: Sarah Rowlands
Photography: Sarah Rowlands

About the
Professional

Urbanfunction is a design collaborative based in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand that draws on a range of skill and experience to deliver a diverse range of residential and commercial architectural projects both at home in beautiful Aotearoa and internationally.

Design director Aaron Jones formed both zerobag and urbanfunction on his return from years of working abroad in Melbourne and London.

With 20 years experience in the industry, Aaron draws on a range of global experience. From technical detailing and construction in stadium building to design, detailing and marketing of high end residential and commercial projects for both client and developer. 

The importance of Architecture and design within society, we believe is everything. As space, light and visual context affect mood and function within ourselves and those around us, it is critical we live within well considered environments. Considered not only for the purpose of which a building or product is to function but also to it's own environment and surroundings. This forms part of the core philosophy as to how we approach design.