Located near Christchurch central city, the Urban Village Townhouses are designed for medium-density urban living. The brief was to provide 6 triple floored free-standing townhouses that would capture thesun and provide private indoor-outdoor living away from the street edge. The design concept focused on creating a ‘village-like’ atmosphere with pathways between units, upper floor living with access to views, and a shared courtyard at ground level. A strong connection to the neighbouring reserve was important, this was achieved by providing a shared pedestrian access that links directly into the central courtyard area.

Arranged around this communal space, each unit features variation and opportunities for activity on all three levels by implementing double height voids, Juliette balconies, andplayful facades - arranged to create variation and interest with contrasting yet complimentary forms such as sculptural roof forms and skeletal frames. Private balconies at first and second floor levels add to the village-like atmosphere, allowing outdoor activities to take place at various, stimulating a sense of community and security.

The playful arrangement of space continues into the building interiors, where tall atrium style entrance halls and lofty timber feature stairs showcase the full height of the Units. The internal spaces are equipped for modern living, with well-appointed kitchens, open plan living areas, and generous mezzanines. The building elements combine to create a connection with the local surroundings while also ensuring a sense of seclusion within, the fully glazed voids in the living areas open the out to the views but are oriented carefully to provide privacy.

The townhouse’s roof forms were incorporated into the design from the outset to make the most of the building heights; an opening skylight is located at the top of each to provide natural stack ventilation. Additional environmental considerations were crucial to the development; each unit’s orientation, plan and position on site were designed to maximise the northerly aspect and provide comfortable spaces for outdoor living. Solar heat gain was maximised in the living area through the use of northerly double or triple height glazing for each unit. Additional natural ventilation is achieved through this design feature as the void, and open mezzanine allow cool breezes to filter through the house using a combination of stack effect and cross-ventilation. Window openings and external screens have been considered based on room type and orientation, each designed to allow the correct amount of shading in summer and sun penetration in winter. The units also feature building materials that have been selected for their sustainability, generally erring towards natural products like timber or durable materials such as aerated concrete panels and profiled metal.

Photography: Sarah Rowland Photography

Awards:

- 2020 TIDA New Zealand Homes - Highly Commended Award