Stairways to heaven
Contemporary home and office design is often multi-level, necessitating a need for one or more stairways. Current trends are towards curved and organic designs, such as the one pictured here, replacing traditional straight lines with fluidity and movement. They’re often works of art. Using helical, spiral, and free-form designs, curved stairs add a […]
Dogs on duty
Not just in police stations, canines are becoming more common in workplaces across New Zealand. It’s true, dog-friendly offices are growing in popularity. Workplace habits have evolved, as offices have welcomed things such as morning or afternoon walks, standard practice for many during the pandemic. We can’t expect dogs to send emails or […]
Go local
Diverse, resilient, and incredibly innovative. Canterbury is filled with thousands of bright thinkers bringing solutions to the way we live and work. The good news is you can find many of them at the Canterbury Home Show, offering their insight and experience for products and services soon to become lifesavers in your day-to-day. […]
The golden touch: Golden Homes
Current building costs could have you resigned to compromises. You might be thinking the beautiful kitchen and bathroom you dreamed of are destined to remain a dream. Happily, the Golden Homes team has solutions. “We have huge capability under our brand,” says local branch co-owner Dean McGuigan. “We have the advantage of suppliers […]
Stay sustainably: The St James
Hanmer Springs is known for its breathtaking landscapes, natural hot pools, and various activities. A delightful trip in any season—it’s just 90 minutes from Christchurch. Arrive, take in the mountain surroundings, and breathe in the fresh alpine air. The picturesque St James Hotel is centrally located and is a Qualmark 5-star Gold Level […]
Add harmony to your home
Turning your home into a happy, healthy environment may be as easy as adopting the principles of the ancient Chinese form of feng shui. The name (pronounced fung schway) literally means wind-water and is believed by many to use energy forces to harmonise individuals with their surrounding environment. Practitioners arrange objects in their […]
Why women must take charge: phwealth
For women in New Zealand, retirement planning involves more than checking KiwiSaver balances or relying on superannuation. It’s about ensuring there’s enough saved and invested to not just get by, but thrive during retirement. This also means having money set aside for emergencies, says financial advisor Shiree Hembrow, of phwealth. For many women, […]
Editor’s note: Repurposing our treasured old buildings
Watching the evolving Christchurch cityscape is a joy, thanks to the ongoing repurposing of its numerous classic heritage buildings. With its English, Irish, and Scottish heritage, it is no wonder that many Christchurch homes, churches, and office buildings reflect the Victorian and Edwardian grandeur of those countries. Many gracious old architectural builds are […]
Talking grand designs with Tom Webster
Tom Webster’s fascination with architecture started at a young age, and now he shares it with millions of others, fronting TVNZ’s Grand Designs New Zealand series. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to see what captures his imagination. Home is where the heart is, so they say, and Tom’s heart is […]
This Kiwi can fly: Hamish Kerr
It’s the night before the Paris Olympics men’s high jump final. Christchurch-based Hamish Kerr is about to become an Olympic champion, bringing home New Zealand’s first ever Olympic medal in the event. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker discovers how he did it. Hamish watched Maddi Wesche win silver in shot put, before clocking […]
