Architectural excellence
World-class architecture is alive and well here in Canterbury, as evidenced by these stunning residential spaces designed by the multi-award-winning Johnstone Callaghan Architects, all winners in the 2025 NZIA awards.
An award-winning architecture and interiors studio, Johnstone Callaghan Architects is a design-led practice formed in 2019 by Prue Johnstone and Mike Callaghan.
Sharing a vision of bespoke, considered and enduring architecture, the small team of like-minded architects and designers based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, took home a swathe of gongs at the recent 2025 NZIA Canterbury Architecture Awards, including the properties pictured here: Builders Blocks, Low Slung, and Lighthouse.
Having a visionary architect, though, is only half the story. The best design in the world doesn’t mean much without a skilled construction team. In Canterbury, among the best is Clive Barrington Construction (CBC). Also known as ‘the architect’s builder’ and one of New Zealand’s most-awarded building companies, CBC partners with the best architects, specialising in high-end architectural homes and commercial fit-outs – projects that stretch the boundaries of traditional design.
“Together we create luxury architectural homes in and around Canterbury,” Clive says.
“Old school values are in our DNA: working to the task, not the clock. Valuing a hard day’s work, and that our uncompromising approach to quality should never cost clients the earth.”
Builders Blocks
A distinctive, bold and thought-provoking design eschewing the typical inner-city development within a very traditional Christchurch suburb.
Builder: Clive Barrington Construction
Lighting: Mark Herring Lighting
Joiner: Bates Joinery
Flooring/ panelling: Vidaspace
Bricks: Canterbury Clay
Structural Engineer: Quoin
Photography by Sam Hartnett
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Lighthouse
Residential | 255m2 | 2023
In a private perch overlooking the Akaroa harbour, the Lighthouse is a contemporary take on the traditional bach, informed by Californian Modernism. Arranged over two floors, a sculptural spiral staircase through the home’s core connects the living and sleeping zones.
Builder: Clive Barrington Construction
Cladding: Abodo
Kitchen joinery: Cutting Edge
Photography by Sam Hartnett
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Low Slung
Residential | 250m2| 2024
A four-bedroom home influenced by the client’s passion for mid-century architecture, the brief was to rebuild an earthquake-damaged house into a sustainable, high-quality home.
Builder: DRH Building Ltd
Lighting: ECC
Flooring: VidaSpace
Joiner: Advanced Joinery
Landscape: Inside Out
Structural Engineer: Quoin
Photography by Sam Hartnett.
