Your paradise patio: Kolorful Kanvas

Spring is only weeks away and the thought of longer daylight hours and accessing our outdoor spaces once again is a delightful prospect. Gazing out the window, tidied garden beds and clipped hedges make for a pleasing view; however, the one jarring note is the patio furniture. The deck chairs are sagging, faded and worn, […]

On vacation every day: Lockwood Homes

Owning a Kiwi bach is an ongoing dream for many, although thousands have already taken the plunge, spending weekends relaxing in their own, or a hired, home away from home. Concurrent with recent changes in building regulations and a deeper focus on sustainability, have come several noticeable, quite substantial shifts in buyer wishlists.  Amongst these […]

ChristchurchNZ CEO Alison Adams: Screen CanterburyNZ telling our stories

One of my favourite New Zealand films is Sir Peter Jackson’s 1994 classic Heavenly Creatures. Dark subject matter aside, it did a wonderful job of capturing a 1950s Christchurch look and feel, and rightfully gained international accolades. It also paved the way for the careers of Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey and put Sir Peter […]

Sealed with confidence: Sealco

For 20 years now, one amazing watertight product has been safeguarding New Zealand homes. That product is EcoTUFF TPO, a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane, pioneered in New Zealand by Christchurch-based company Sealco Waterproofing. Suitable for almost any area that needs waterproofing, the EcoTUFF TPO system includes heat welded accessories to ensure water-tightness in all roof areas. […]

Swivelling wood burner: Envirosolve

With winter in full swing, wood, pellet, and gas fires come into their own. If you’re looking for something a bit different, how about a wood fire that swivels so you can enjoy its warmth from anywhere in a room. Envirosolve has exactly that in the form of the Bionic Wood Fire (pictured), by Rais. […]

A happy city: Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct Chair Peter Townsend

It is reassuring to see Christchurch City recently identified as the happiest city in New Zealand, by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life. The index used in making the assessment focuses on cities that prioritise happiness and wellbeing.While I struggle a little with a city being “happy”, I can certainly relate to the concept […]

Shutter style for your home: Canterbury Window Coverings

There’s more to shutters than meets the eye. They’re the only statement piece with the ability to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of your house, while elegantly improving your privacy. They can enhance even the top high-performance and passive house. Interior and exterior shutters are an elegant solution to make your home more energy […]

Live in warmth: Team Green Architects

Passive houses are becoming more popular, and for good reason. They are low-energy builds that require little power for heating or cooling. Living in a passive house is healthier and more efficient, especially as we battle these cold winter months. Siân Taylor, co-owner and architect at Team Green Architects, explains that the temperature in these […]

Creative Airport Terminal upgrade

Christchurch Airport’s unveiled plans for a revamp of its terminal offering with the new facilities expected to be ready for a busy summer of international visitors. The project will deliver 12 new eateries, new retail spaces, upgraded bathrooms, a new parent’s room, a remodelled food court, and a large children’s play area. Airport chief executive […]

Go with the flow: Enviroflo

If they are doing what they are designed to, they shouldn’t take up any of our headspace at all. Low key and unassuming, they are the introverts of the construction world. But like human introverts, we couldn’t function without their quiet and dedicated commitment to their job. We are talking about drains here. That critical […]