Universal design
Why aren’t we building for all? Experts from NKBA unpack the 2% problem in New Zealand housing. Universal design for everyone sounds like a simple concept, but only 2% of new homes built in Aotearoa comply with Lifemark standards – an independent standard for universal design in New Zealand. About 24% of our […]
Building boom
Ten of the city’s newest greenfield residential subdivisions. 1. Harakeke Halswell A 16 hectare development delivering 252 homes across five stages. Located between Halswell, Aidanfield, Addington and Cashmere, with Halswell Quarry and the Halswell commercial area nearby, developer Fletcher Living describes it as a 21-hectare “thoughtfully masterplanned” community in Halswell. The first off-plan […]
Beginners guide to subdividing
Wondering if you could subdivide? Factors to consider: Anyone who lives in Christchurch with eyes in their head can see that the city is undergoing massive change. New residential subdivisions are sprouting up all over the city and in older suburbs, standalone family homes built in the 1960s and 70s are being bowled […]
Looking to subdivide? By Survus
For Canterbury landowners, subdividing can open up exciting possibilities, but a successful subdivision starts with the right advice. Could you subdivide your property? It’s a question many Cantabrians wonder, but that’s often where it ends. Subdividing could be the key to unlocking the value of unused land or making better use of a […]
Architecture excellence
For the house-lovers, a look at some of the Canterbury homes awarded for architectural excellence. More than 20 Canterbury architectural designers were recognised for outstanding design at the recent 2026 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) awards. For the full list of all local winners, see page 79, meanwhile here’s a look at some […]
Queens of the stone age
One of the noticeable trends in recent award-winning Canterbury homes is the beautiful use of stonework. From solid stone walls giving strength to the heart of a home to extending exterior schist into indoor living spaces or turning a river-worn boulder into an interior feature, contemporary use of stonework in architecture is shaping […]
Grand designs: Warren and Mahoney
Multi-award-winning architect Tobin Smith of Warren and Mahoney had two of the Christchurch homes he designed honoured in the recent NZ Institute of Architecture awards: Chapter Street and Frankie’s House. This project reimagines a 1920s villa for contemporary family life, retaining its street presence while transforming the interior. A new garden room sits […]
On the move: Alison Adams
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city that will always feel like home. Twenty-five years ago, I left the UK expecting to be away for a short time. Instead, Ōtautahi Christchurch became home. That’s one reason why deciding to leave has been so difficult. The opportunity to join the University of Nottingham as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global […]
Christchurch’s housing future: TAO Homes
Ten to 20 years from now, what will housing look like in Christchurch? Christchurch is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most promising real estate markets, and according to Tao Homes Director, Tao Meng, the future demand for housing is defined by buyers demanding more than affordability. “Christchurch continues to evolve into one […]
..and the winners are
There’s no shortage of architectural design talent in Canterbury. Here is the full list of the Canterbury houses and architects recognised for outstanding design at the recent 2026 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) awards. Hamilton Avenue, Mansfield Avenue, Flat 7 and Woodford Grace by Cymon Allfrey, Cymon Allfrey Architect Limited (Christchurch) Balmoral Ōtautahi […]
