Unlocking the Kiwi dream: VVV Real Estate

A new real estate firm has just been launched in Christchurch. Looking at real estate with a fresh perspective is the driving force behind the new people-led company, VVV Real Estate. “We want to open the door for people to own their dream home,” explains VVV Real Estate’s founder Stephanie Robertson. “Whether it’s buying a […]

Quake protection

Canterbury engineers are moving forward with plans to manufacture a new base isolation system that will make Kiwi houses safer in an earthquake. Aprototype of the system was tested last year by a University of Canterbury team, led by Civil and Natural Resources Engineering Professor Tim Sullivan and postdoctoral fellow Tom Francis. The project team […]

Distinction in detail: John Garlick Builders

An abode of clever artistic angles, and the talent to execute them, shone at the Registered Master Builder House of the Year 2022 awards. The amazing Avonside build achieved Overall Winner and Gold, in the Canterbury Regional category for the $2mil to $4mil new homes. The director of John Garlick Builders, Kade Atkinson, project-managed alongside […]

Master Builder Dream Designs

Canterbury Masters Builders took home accolades for almost 50 projects in the 2022 Registered Master Builders House of the Year regional awards. The Supreme House of the Year award for the region went to Metzger Builders Ltd for a home in Fendalton. The same home also won the New Home Over $4 million category, Kitchen […]

Sublime renovation

High on a hill looking down on Christchurch is an award-winning home, freshly renovated after suffering severe damage in the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Thanks to Christchurch architectural builders Williams Elvidge, the home in Redcliffs has a new lease on life, and a string of awards to acknowledge its stylish rebirth. The home won the Supreme Renovation […]

Timeless heritage lives on

One of Christchurch’s increasingly rare heritage gems is looking stunning once more, having been rebuilt and restored to its original standards. 158 High Street proudly bears its name C.F. Cotter & Co in gold lettering above its key architectural feature: three sets of tall radius or arch windows. The craftsmen responsible for these beautiful windows […]

Passion for plumbing: Peter Diver Plumbing

The firm’s story begins 40 years ago with Peter Diver, an apprentice, and an old Morris Commercial van named Gertie. Still in family ownership, Peter Diver Plumbing has “grown to become one of the largest and most reputable plumbing firms, employing more than 70 people,” says Peter’s daughter Jane. “We are thrilled to be celebrating […]

Mixed use architecture

Lyttelton’s façade is about to change again with a new mixed-use building planned for London St, on the site of the former Harbour Light Theatre, demolished after the 2010-2011 earthquakes. The new building will feature a double-level commercial space on the ground floor and 10 one-bedroom apartments across the upper two levels. The building is […]

Four top awards

Designer Sam Connell of Figure & Ground won four awards at the 2022 Regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards. A Merivale development, Aikmans Road, by Connell received a Highly Commended in the Residential Multi-Unit Dwelling category. These six distinctive townhouses showcase a contemporary aesthetic and desirable street appeal. Clad in a combination of textured plaster and cedar, […]

Incredible home in concrete

Canterbury designer Greg Young, of Young Architects won two top honours at the 2022 Regional ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, celebrating the greatest architectural designs the region has to offer. Described as “an incredible concrete family home”, Scarborough Béton Brut, perched on the on the hills overlooking Scarborough, won the Regional Award for Residential Interiors, and was […]