Understated grandeur

By integrating thoughtful planning, refined materials and sustainable design, this grand 333 square-metre residence embodies a sophisticated, functional family home.

“The clients are long-time admirers of Art Deco architecture who wanted a home that reflected their love of design, travel and creative living,” says Architect Barry Connor of Barry Connor Design. “Their lifestyle called for generous, lightfilled spaces that could host friends and family while feeling elegant and deeply personal.”

This project was a true team effort between Barry Connor Design, Frost Architectural Builders, and interior designer Michelle Lamb. “Every detail, from curvature alignment to surface finish, was resolved through on-site discussion and digital modelling,” says Barry. “A few finishes evolved during the build as opportunities arose to refine textures and metallic tones.”

Having worked on several homes together, Mitch Frost of Frost Architectural Builders was recommended by Barry Connor. “We were engaged early on in the design and consulted throughout the design around different detail and construction methodology.”

“The brief was every designer’s dream,” says Michelle Lamb, “The clients wanted an Art Deco home and wanted to go all in. I was very guided by what Barry had created through his architecture. He had given us a wonderful canvas for our interiors.”

Initially intended to be a renovation of an earthquake-damaged weatherboard home, the project evolved into a complete rebuild. The home’s exterior balances crisp white Integra Rockcote plaster with the bold contrast of zinc tray-profile cladding from the Architectural Roofing Company. The striking black curved line on the front of the upper-level reinforces the Art Deco aesthetic.

At the heart of the home is an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen space, flanked by sheltered courtyards. The lower level accommodates a private artist’s studio, a concealed powder room and a combined living space with views of the landscaped gardens and courtyard spaces.

A large double garage, gym space, laundry and scullery areas, provide every day functionality. The master suite, with en-suite and walk-through wardrobe is positioned opposite a second living space. Upstairs are two double en-suited bedrooms and a home office.

Builder Mitch recalls the challenges around the spherical stairwell ceiling and the radiused stairs. “It was a rewarding thing to achieve. The work that was involved in getting the radiuses perfect was really gratifying,” says Mitch. “The curved stairwell and spherical roof were significant technical achievements, demanding close collaboration between designer, builder, and joiner,” says Barry. “I love way the curve allows the stair to widen at the base and the De Castelli Ares brass wall lights double as beautiful art,” says Michelle.

Builder Mitch crafted the curved concealed door to the downstairs powder room and notes the exquisitely detailed joinery and custom elements in the build. “The joinery is complemented by custom furniture including the dining table, made from the timber saved from the demolition of the old house.”

The curved entry features a warm, neutral tiled floor from Brymac Tiles and is clad in walnut toned rotary cut timber veneer. The same veneer appears on the kitchen island and on the doors
in the media room and studio spaces featuring brass inlays. The curved wall in the kitchen mirrors the form of the entry. The hand-finished liquid metal splashback with an aged-bronze finish and the Whispair cylindrical rangehoods from Kouzina bring a bold beauty to the kitchen.

“Our client was very passionate about not only the project, but the arts in general, so she had a very strong influence in the way this panned out,” says Michelle who was engaged to design all custom joinery, lighting design, material and finishes selection, colours and
soft furnishings. “Metallics played a large roll and we weren’t afraid to mix metals. We used brass, both polished and lacquered, shiny chrome, brushed nickel.”

Michelle collaborated with Canterbury carpet designer, Carpets and Rugs of New Zealand (CRONZ) for the bespoke burgundy and gold geometric patterned carpets. Custom pieces by Christchurch furniture designer David Shaw and locally handcrafted Petrine Wall Sconce and Duomo Picocolo wall lights from Nightworks Studio were also selected for their nod to Art Deco style.

Jewel tones were utilised for that glamour element in the drapery, velvet upholstery and the deep burgundy carpets. “We really wanted a layered and eclectic feel,” says Michelle. There are 10 different paint colours in the home from black through to muted shades of blue, green, cream and white which were expertly applied by Chamlang Plasterers and Painters.

“The media room just exudes luxury – I love it all but De Castelli sideboard in an ombre brass finish is one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture we have ever sourced,” says Michelle.

It’s no surprise that this unique, Art Deco inspired treasure won a Regional Gold Award and was the Regional Category Winner for Resene New Home $2 Million – $4 Million at the Master Builders House of the Year awards.

“The original design to achieve the client’s vision wasn’t all necessarily on paper. We worked as a team to bring it to fruition. There were five working parts to it really with the clients, Barry the architect, Michelle and ourselves,” says Mitch.

“It was such a rewarding experience,” says Michelle. “Working with clients who love design and were bold enough to trust a team to pull off such a creative brief. It was a joy.” “The project has been a highlight for all involved — a home that celebrates bold design and collaboration and reaffirms that architectural storytelling still has a place in post-earthquake Christchurch,” says Barry.

Contact details:

Barry Connor Design
021 203 5992
barry@bcdstudio.co.nz
www.barryconnordesign.co.nz