Grounded in the environment

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this sustainable design was crafted for a young couple, their two small children and two dogs. The architecture realises their vision for a calm, low-maintenance and functional home to support the daily rhythm of family life.

Hailey Sinke, senior architectural designer at Performance Architecture, drew inspiration from the local Marshlands landscape. The home is named Te Kōrari as a reference to the flower stalk of the harakeke or flax, which is an abundant natural feature of the area.

Harakeke is a traditional symbol of community, unity and close connections between generations. The connection to the environment along with the symbolism of the harakeke, grounds this family home as a place of togetherness and growth.

“Our approach was guided by the idea that good design should balance performance, proportion and place,” says Dan McCormick director of Performance Architecture. “We focused on the site layout and orientation to maximise solar performance and a clear separation between public and private zones.”

The site’s east/west orientation and exposure to prevailing winds shaped the overall layout. The house and detached garage are positioned in an L-shape toward the southern boundary to create shelter to the deck and lawn area for outdoor living.

The home is oriented for natural light and warmth with sheltered outdoor spaces positioned to embrace the sun. A central spine runs through the building, leading from the entry canopy through to distinct living zones. The communal living spaces feature pitched ceilings and generous glazing to create light filled areas of connection that open directly to the north-facing courtyard. Upstairs, the bedrooms offer spaces for quiet retreat.

Energy efficiency, natural light and durability are key aspects of the design. A downstairs office and a separate but generous detached garage connect to the home via a covered path backed with vertical cedar battens. Soft landscaping balances privacy with a sense of connection to the neighbourhood.

“While built using traditional methods, the project demonstrates innovation through the integration of high-performance detailing within a conventional construction system. The slab-edge insulation hidden behind the brick cladding and recessed joinery detailing both improve performance and refine the aesthetic,” says Dan.

Structural steel supports the timber framed home, with a rigid air barrier and an insulated slab-edge concrete floor for improved thermal performance.

“Every junction was detailed with intent and expertly crafted by Jono Taylor and his team from Clive Barrington Construction,” says Dan. “The custom flashings, brick returns at openings and the timber fins that tie the exterior and interior together.”

Clive Barrington was introduced to the homeowners by family who recommended the builder and his team for their work that goes beyond the standard subdivision build.

“They knew if they came to us the house would be nicely built with attention to detail in every aspect,” says Clive, who favours the communal areas in the home.

“The main open plan living area is large, light and airy,” says Clive. “The vaulted ceiling is a feature that gives a real feeling of space. The Indoor/outdoor flow works very well with decks both to the east and a large expansive deck to the west spilling to a large lawn giving plenty of room for the young children to play.”

The roofing and first floor are clad in Colorsteel Espan 340 tray cladding in Lichen from Metalcraft. “The light colour was certainly a breath of fresh air,” says Clive. The Hermpac HP55 Cedar Vertical Shiplap cladding complements the Colorsteel.

Both the exterior and interior palette were selected by interior designer Jane Swinard, including the steel tray Colorsteel Espan cladding in Lichen, the Hermpac cedar weatherboards and custom brick. The slimline Roman style Canterbury Clay Brick cladding was made to order from the bespoke Create Range.

Jane Swinard Design created a cohesive, natural aesthetic throughout the home. The palette is calm and natural, with oak timber flooring, wool carpet and décor in soft neutrals and muted greens.

“The project was a very collaborative process between Performance Architecture and the clients, with key design decisions developed together from the outset,” says Dan. Interior designer Ingrid Geldof joined during the concept phase to refine the kitchen, bathrooms and service areas.”

The kitchen by Ingrid Geldof Design, features a Caesarstone benchtop, olive Vixel mosaic-tile splashback and oak shelving that adds warmth and texture. The adjoining scullery and laundry connect to a back porch for practical family use. Ingrid’s ensuite design features a skylight to maximise light, while the children’s bathroom houses a cleverly concealed shower to ensure privacy.

A highly efficient ducted heat pump system, integrated with a Mitsubishi Lossnay mechanical heat recovery ventilation system and Daikin VRV air conditioning system, ensure constant fresh air and stable internal temperatures throughout the year. The design relies on passive solar gain and cross flow ventilation to reduce mechanical demand.

The family enjoy living in the year-round comfort of their warm, healthy, well-ventilated home. The insulated envelope, thermally broken joinery and upgraded glazing ensure energy-efficiency and comfort well beyond current code requirements.

This refined, energy-efficient home was recognised at the 2025 Canterbury ADNZ Awards, where it received a Highly Commended award for New Home between 150m² and 300m². This award highlights the home’s thoughtful balance of energy efficiency, family-friendly design and architectural clarity.

These considered design aspects were standout features among the entries for regional residential designs.

“We focused on getting the basics right,” says Dan. “A good building form, orientation and insulation, efficient glazing and materials that will last. The result is a house that performs well without needing constant attention, staying comfortable and efficient through simple, well executed design.”

“The house works very well for the owners. Good houses take time and these clients understood that and were a pleasure to work with. It’s a house that’s not trying too hard and will stand the test of time,” says Clive.

Contact details:

Performance Architecture
027 339 5924
dan@parch.co.nz
www.performancearchitecture.co.nz