Historic buildings’ revolutionary twist
Two of Christchurch’s oldest, cherished buildings are set to take on a revolutionary twist; home to New Zealand’s first cannabis social enterprise. Whakamana, the New Zealand Institute of Cannabis Education, Research and Development, will be based in the enchanting Shands Emporium – the city’s oldest commercial wooden building – and also the historic […]
Salvaging a local landmark: The Pump House
The restoration of the historic Pump House on Tuam Street is complete, after an extensive two-year repair and earthquake strengthening project – salvaging a unique link to our city’s heritage. Originally built more than 100 years ago in the 1880s, the Pump House is a collection of five buildings that once served as […]
Affordability and the culture trap: Linetype Architectural
When it comes to houses, there are certain ergonomic features that make a space function, but it’s hard to argue for a need when spaces get larger than necessity dictates. However, strip a design back to necessity and we might be disappointed with what we are presented. Therefore, it’s important to recognise we […]
Now is the time to get involved
It’s shaping up to be an exciting local body election in Christchurch. There are a number of contenders for the mayoralty race, which is producing some lively debate. We hope that this will also translate to more people having their say at the polling booths. In 2016, just 38 percent of people eligible […]
Making a sustainable statement
When Christchurch artist Joel Hart created the mural for a new café in Rangiora three years ago, a name for the café literally emerged from the artwork. So, ‘Fools of Desire’ was born, as was the next chapter of the fantastic hospitality journey – 12 years and counting – Elisa Leach and partner, and also […]
A Sustainable Hempire
“Hemp seeds are safe to eat, nutritious, and do not have a psychoactive effect,” said Food Safety Minister, the Honourable Damien O’Connor, in a Beehive press release in November 2018, regarding changes made to the regulations controlling the production and sale of hemp seed food products. This was no surprise to those who […]
Aiming High
Nestled high on a steep hillside section, a home designed to connect the openness of Sumner beach with the forested slope of Scarborough Hill was recognised at the local NZIA Awards this month, winning both the Canterbury Architecture Award and Resene Colour Award. Designed by Borrmeister Architects, the brief for the ‘Red Rock […]
Is Affordable Architecture an Oxymoron?
Look at the cookie cutter houses in some of the new subdivisions and you may not have found architectural inspiration, but there is reason behind some of the repetition of form. A particular roof pitch and a 600mm eave mean that there will be no cladding above the windows. A certain floor plan […]
The Christchurch Housing Market – Time to Sell or Buy?: Mark O’Loughlin
As a real estate specialist, I am aware every day of fluctuations in house prices and how this affects vendors and purchasers of real estate. Following the earthquakes and subsequent demand for new properties, Christchurch was something of an anomaly in the market, not following the trends of the country’s other large cities. […]
Salted Butterscotch and Jazz Apple Crumble Recipe
I’ve partnered with the team at JAZZ Apples to create an incredibly simple oaty butterscotch and apple crumble. New season JAZZ Apples are grown in sun-drenched Nelson and Hawkes Bay orchards creating a tangy-sweet flavour that cuts through the caramel for a not-too-sweet (but rich) dessert. I’ve cheated and used store bought caramel […]
