Chiaroscuro
A Renaissance art technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, chiaroscuro, has been used to stunning effect in this Fendalton home, a regional winner in the recent
2026 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards.
Designed by Dean Cowell of Three Sixty Architecture, Fendalton property Chiaroscuro, meaning ‘the use of contrasts between light and dark,’ took home the Regional Award for New Home over 300m2 at the recent ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards.
Drawing on the Christchurch bungalow tradition, judges commended the design for responding thoughtfully to the neighbourhood context and a significant protected tree that anchors the site. The design pairs contemporary cedar and aluminium detailing with warm, timber-rich interiors and a fluid indoor-outdoor connection.
The project demonstrates that increased urban density can be achieved without compromising on character, liveability, or neighbourhood scale.
“The client, a design and build company, engaged us to translate their development expertise into a high-end specification for a discerning buyer,” says Dean.
“Our challenge was to explore ways to increase density while ensuring the homes remained appropriate in scale and character for their neighbourhood.”
A significant protected tree graced the site and became a central organising feature of the design. Both dwellings were carefully positioned as close to the boundary as possible, allowing the tree the space it deserved and maximising the building envelope within recession plane constraints.
The jury also recognised the project’s balanced handling of individuality, cohesion, and contextual integration, resulting in an outcome that enriches both the site and its wider setting.
Designed by Dean Cowell of Three Sixty Architecture, this Fendalton home called Chiaroscuro took home the Regional Award for New Home over 300m2 at the recent ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards. Photography by Sarah Rowlands.
