Grandiose Identities: Canterbury Architecture
Like great homes, great cities too are works in progress; their forms nurtured over time, built upon by generations like layers of geological strata, which has resulted in an urban environment that is rich in character. It is after all, what made the post-Victorian city of Christchurch such a striking one. As the rebuilding city […]
Apartments, Christchurch’s inner-city secret: Harcourts Redwood
Back before cell phones, social media, email, fax machines and talking over the fence to neighbours, the history of multi-level attached living within the inner city was the hip way of living without gardens and lawns, minimal maintenance and a strong sense of community belonging. Today’s apartments are designed to meet stringent building codes around […]
Apartment collaboration: M2 Developments is in the business of giving homeowners back their homes
A multi-unit project in Edgeware came together seamlessly – thanks to thorough communication between the three insurance companies, PMO, the four homeowners and the main contractor. M2 Developments Limited won the competitive tender to rebuild 160 Geraldine Street, from the remedial groundwork to completion. “We provided a comprehensive breakdown of costs with no hidden surprises,” […]
An awesome enterprise: Q&A with the Ministry of Awesome’s Chief Awesome Officer Marian Johnson
A social enterprise established in the dark days post-quake to encourage positivity, collaboration, activation and support for a city that was struggling to survive, the Ministry of Awesome is a creative crew making some pretty cool moves. We talk to the organisation’s Chief Awesome Officer, Marian Johnson about the awesome work of this clever collaboration. […]
A new approach to an old problem: architect Craig South explores innovative thinking about living in the CBD
Architect Craig South explores an alternative to the norm when it comes to central city living. Architecture is typically viewed as a whole – the exterior lines, the internal layout and the fit-out. And while it is all of that, if we were to strip it back to a considered shell, we have what is […]
City’s ‘living laboratory’: Christchurch is leading the way post-quake towards a cleaner and greener tomorrow
A green spine extending from the city to sea is poised to set Christchurch apart as a place that is prepared to explore new ways of living with nature – from adaptive housing to sustainable urban agriculture. Walkways and biking tracks, wetland developments and a variety of other public and private land uses are included […]
Container mall’s new northern home: Re:START makes it’s way up the coast to quake stricken Kaikoura
Right from square one, the Re:START mall was an out of the box response to the urgent post-quake need for retail space in the city’s heart. And, although only ever intended as a temporary solution, the ‘container mall’ concept’s 2011 opening struck a local chord. The brightly coloured containers quickly became an internationally-recognisable symbol of […]
Firm foundations: Affordable Concrete and Paving
Affordable Concrete and Paving is going from strength to strength. Since inception more than 30 years ago, the company has cemented its reputation as a leader in the landscaping industry, rebuilding Christchurch one pour of cement at a time. From a residential driveway repair, right up to civil or commercial ventures, including car parks, concrete […]
It’s time to think big: Cymon Allfrey on the big thinking we need to embrace in the rebuild
Having missed out on hosting yet another big name, architect Cymon Allfrey highlights the importance of moving forward with our plans for a stadium. It is without doubt that we are a city capable of hosting events, with the World Busker’s Festival, the Under 19 Cricket World Cup and the recent Black Caps/England Cricket test, […]
An arty restoration: Photographer Johannes van Kan captures The Arts Centre coming back to life
Home to one of the most significant collections of heritage buildings in New Zealand, The Arts Centre is a must visit for fans of beautiful architecture – particularly those with an interest in the distinctive Gothic Revival style. Photographer Johannes van Kan had front row seats to the buildings’ extensive restoration after they suffered extensive […]
