Home & Leisure Show: July 01, 2019

2019 

complimentary 

LOCAL 

NEW 

BUILDS 

5tips from the owners 

+ Kitchens 

+ Bathrooms 

+ Interiors 

+ Heating 

+ Landscaping 

+ Food 

+ Motoring 

MAGAZINE

Be inspired 

With thousands of ideas 

Friday Saturday Sunday 

JUNE 28 - JUNE 30 | 10AM - 5PM | HORNCASTLE ARENA 

$53,000 

TO BE WON IN PRIZES 

Including an EV Car Worth $40,000!

25 

Resene Wallpaper collection 

13 

FRoM tHe eDItoR 

There are few things sadder than drab white walls, I reckon, and 

yet New Zealanders have long surrounded ourselves with them. So 

when a painter started splashing some plucky pigment around Star 

Media’s open plan office, I paid close attention to reactions. As a 

cosy mustard yellow spread over the entire far wall, the brightening 

of mood was palpable. People commented on how happy the colour 

made them feel, how much warmer the atmosphere was, how the 

sunny tone somehow lightened the load of constant deadlines. 

It was great to see more confidence using colour, pattern and 

texture in the newly completed private homes we feature in this 

magazine too. Where not so long ago we might have felt neutral 

shades of brown or grey were somewhat audacious, today’s newly 

built homes pop with vibrant blues ( Jay and Rebekah’s place, page 

6) and copper hues (Ryan and Jen’s, page 30). Matt and Celia (page 

18) champion a monochromatic colour scheme inside and out, 

while Sridhar and Susanna (page 63) chose dramatic black iron 

contrasting with smooth golden cedar to colour their new world. 

It was also evident that more homeowners and building industry 

professionals are getting behind the movement to build better 

homes for the Christchurch climate. Warmer, healthier and cheaper 

to run is the brief from owners seeking builders with the know-how 

to construct their home from smarter building materials and designs 

that keep the cold out and the dust and electricity bills down. 

I really hope this magazine, and its associated Home & Living 

Show ( June 28-30), leave you brimming with the knowledge and 

inspiration to smarten up your home too. 

Gaynor 

Home & Living magazine will be given to all those 

who visit the star Media Home & Living show 

(June 28-30, Horncastle Arena) and delivered to 

christchurch Po Box and selected businesses 

around the city. Packed with high-quality editorial 

showcasing the latest home innovations – inside and 

out – this publication delivers its messages with the 

same flair desired by home owners for their havens. 

A perfect partner for a highly attended annual event. 

PUBLISHER 

star Media 

EDITOR 

Gaynor stanley 

gaynor.stanley@starmedia.kiwi 

DESIGNER 

Hilary-Rose Macintosh 

ADVERTISING 

Juliet Dickson 

03 364 7409 / 021 688 159 

juliet.dickson@starmedia.kiwi 

Lisa Lynch 

021 800 809 

lisa.lynch@starmedia.kiwi 

Star Media, a division of Allied Press Ltd, is not responsible for any actions taken on the information in these articles. The information and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the opinion of Allied Press Ltd or its editorial 

contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information within this magazine. However, Allied Press Ltd can accept no liability for the accuracy of the information.

home & living | 5 

contents 

13 WALLPAPER Get wise to its 

transformative power 

17 LIGHTING Luxe luminaires to 

brighten your interiors 

25 INTERIORS trends that won’t date 

37 BATHROOMS High tech moves in to 

the smallest room in the house 

48 KITCHENS Stylish solutions for 

challenging layouts 

56 HEATING 7 secrets to warmth that 

won’t cost the earth 

68 LANDSCAPING We love our outdoor 

living, yet often forget to plan for it 

73 FOOD Allyson Gofton’s Feijoa & 

coconut cake recipe 

77 MOTORING Keep up with the 

electric Vehicle conversation 

63 

30 

OPEN TO VIEW: 

See inside five newly built Chch homes 

6 Renovate? Move? The answer for 

the McLeods was to build new in 

Prestons. 

18 Needing room for their growing 

family, the Clarks upsize in Rolleston. 

30 Energy efficient and healthy: 

paramount concerns for the Bensley 

family’s Richmond build. 

42 Before and after: a heritage 

weatherboard in cashmere gets a 

pre- and post-earthquake makeover. 

63 High on the hill and high 

performance topped the priorities 

for the Krishnamurtis. 

6 18 

42 

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home & leisure | 

with the 

Words gaynor Stanley 

Photos Charlie Rose Creative

home & leisure | ?? 

Many of us have weighed up 

whether it’s better to renovate 

or to move. A third option – to 

build – proved an unexpected 

solution for this young family.


Left: with indooroutdoor 

flow top of 

mind, the McLeods 

flipped the proposed 

lounge and kitchen 

floorplan to move the 

kitchen to the heart 

of the home where it 

opens directly to the 

6m wide deck via fully 

retractable doors. 

Below: Having chosen 

their design, the 

McLeods then worked 

with their project 

manager to find the 

ideal north-facing 

section and found one 

adjacent to a walkway. 

Contemplating how much to sink into 

planned renovations, Jay and Rebekah 

McLeod asked a realtor to value the 

St Albans home they’d bought after the 

earthquakes with the intention of doing up. 

“She said ‘would you give me a day? I just want to show you what 

you could get for the amount of money you’re willing to put in to 

this house',” recalls Rebekah. 

At the same time, a builder friend was cautioning that, even after 

renovating, parts of their 1970s home would still be the boxy, cold 

old house they weren’t happy with. 

So they took the agent’s advice to view several houses in Waimari, 

a favoured location for Jay’s love of surfing, and ended up putting an 

offer on one. With reservations the "beige" 10-year-old house would 

still need quite a bit of work, they weren’t too disappointed when it 

fell through. It was then the agent asked if they had ever thought of 

nearby Prestons to achieve the beach proximity they desired.


“We had a bit of an aversion to sub divisions. 

In our heads, it seemed too much like suburbia. 

But we went to Prestons and hung out there for 

a day with the kids and we were like, actually, 

this would be really cool for the children,” says 

Rebekah. 

“Of the sub divisions we’d seen, it was probably 

the best one,” adds Jay, explaining they were attracted 

by established amenities like cafes, playgrounds for 

Lucas, now 8, and Millie, 4, and the opportunity to 

build new in second phase Prestons Park. 

Their proactive agent shortlisted building 

companies that reflected the couples’ style. “We 

really liked Benchmark’s designs and before we 

knew it we were building,” says Rebekah. Another 

big plus was their trusted builder friend was 

contracted for the build. 

They first selected a U-shaped design that 

delivered the light, openness and storage they were 

looking for, with main lounge, kitchen and master 

bedroom opening to a spacious central deck. They 

changed the open plan living to centrally position the 

kitchen and pantry, removed a hallway on the south 

side to increase the spare bedroom space, and opted 

for ducted heating, having read about its benefits and 

loving the idea of no heat pumps on walls. 

“Ultimately, it was the indoor-outdoor flow that 

really attracted us,” says Jay. 

Then they worked with the project manager 

to secure a north-facing section to best suit the 

design. It turned out to be one adjacent to a 

walkway linking two streets, which was “a 

bit of a thinker” admits Rebekah, who 

first sought reassurance from others 

in similar locations that it wouldn’t 

feel too open to the neighbours. 

A griselinia hedge is quickly 

screening the low perimeter fence 

and the McLeods look to the 

southside of the homes across the 

walkway so privacy hasn’t proved 

an issue. 

Colour feature walls characterise each bedroom. Deep blue 

Dulux Ohaupo complements copper bedside lamps and 

a linen bedhead in the master. The kids chose their own 

colours: Dulux Havelock Half lilac tones in Millie's bedroom 

and Dulux Oxford in Lucas' room. 

RecoveR youR loved fuRnituRe 

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home & leisure | | ?? 

Rebekah admits to being “parquetry 

obsessed” but with young children and 

budget constraints for now they’ve opted for 

practical, and scooter friendly, vinyl planking. 

With clear ideas on the style she wanted 

Rebekah found it easy to select bathroom and 

splashback tiles, vinyl flooring and carpets with 

interiors consultants McKenzie & Willis, to 

complement the matt black materials of the 

exterior bricks and cladding. The inspiration for 

their kitchen was actually the one that featured 

on the cover of last year’s Home & Living 

Show magazine, so the couple turned to Trends 

Kitchens for their own design, upspec’ing “quite 

significantly”. Long and sleek, the kitchen 

features matt black cabinetry in AGT Black Soft 

Touch with metal handles, a white subway tile 

splashback, generous Tristone island bench with 

waterfall ends, and a gas cooktop. 

The young couple enjoyed the learning 

curve of the building experience and found 

Benchmark’s progress tracking app “awesome”. 

Particularly fun was buying new furniture 

specially to suit their contemporary home, 

bringing virtually nothing from their previous 

homes. “Building was definitely the best move 

for us,” says Rebekah. 

“Since we’ve been here the kids have made 

friends around the block so there’s always kids 

over and they’re always over at their houses and 

it just kind of feels like that 1980’s childhood 

that we enjoyed.” 

JAY & REBEKAH'S TIPS 

• Try to put in any changes before signing 

the contract. 

• Ducted heating has been well worth the 

additional cost. 

• Learn how much the kitchen you want costs 

and be prepared to go beyond the standard 

contract allowance. 

• If you go for a black kitchen, upgrade to one of 

the new finishes that don't show fingerprints. 

• Consider the intensity of the Christchurch sun 

as well as privacy when deciding on window 

glass and drapes. 

Are you 

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Left: The couple love the mid-century 

aesthetic; dining table and chairs from 

Global Living and statement pendant 

from Lighting Plus. 

Right: the ensuite features concrete-like 

Manhattan Grey floor and wall tiles in 

contrasting shapes and the shower wall 

is tiled in Venus Black 300mm x 600mm. 

SITE BOARD 

Builder: 

Benchmark homes 

Favourite feature: 

Indoor/outdoor flow from kitchen to deck. 

Land size: 

637sqm 

Home size: 

228sqm 

Hardest decision: 

Configuration of kitchen/dining area. 

Consent/build time: 

June–november 2017 

Wish they had: 

Added UV-protected glass in some areas. 

The team at Benchmark are 

looking forward to meeting you 

on stands 91 and 92 

www.benchmarkhomes.co.nz 

Gold 

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Bring out the very best in your next project! 

Choose from Resene’s huge range of designer wallpaper 

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easons to get 

wallpaper 

wise 

When people think about 

giving their home a new 

look, their first idea tends 

to be to repaint it. But 

before you reach for the 

paint chart, consider the 

transformative power of a 

roll or two of wallpaper. 

Resene’s Vanity Fair 

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Wallpaper is an easy and affordable way 

to inject colour or pattern – and definitely 

personality – to your home. 

With wallpaper, you can introduce something unique to your living areas and 

complement it with your favourite paint colours to create a look that you can 

just about guarantee you'll never see in anyone else's home. 

It can also add unique texture to your walls. A good option for texture 

is a flock or seagrass wallpaper or, if you want to be more subtle, paint your 

favourite colour on Resene anglypta wallpaper on one or two walls of a room. 

While Resene loves paint, it also offers an extensive wallpaper range and we 

asked their experts to share their top reasons to consider wallpaper. 

Far left: a rich design from the 

Vanity Fair Collection. left: 

pom pom fun from the smiles 

Collection. both collections 

from Resene. 

a big Change at a 

small pRiCe 

The overall effect of a wallpaper can be a huge 

one. Wallpapers can add character, make a 

room feel homely, offer the appearance of more 

space, or bedazzle with a bold statement in a 

strategic position (such as in an entranceway). 

Usually, you might have to invest in 

furnishings or major renovations to create the 

same effect as you could for much less through 

wallpaper. 

Ask us how to buy 

a brand new investment property 

for just $50 per week! 

LOOKING FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION? 

LOOKING FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION 

Visit one of our three stunning showhomes to gather ideas for your dream home 

Visit one of our three stunning show homes to gather ideas for your dream home 

97 Ledbury Drive, Faringdon 37 Prestons Park Drive, Marshland 

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You don't haVe to 

wallpapeR eVeRYthing 

A new trend in wallpaper is to use just a small amount. 

Instead of papering an entire wall, you can create borders 

with the design, leaving paint covering the main wall, but 

wallpaper around the outside for a creative effect. 

below: let kids' walls do the 

talking with a design from 

the Resene wallpaper small 

Talk Collection. 

above: try a metropolis 

Collection wallpaper 

for creative effect. 

left: the Jack ’n Rose 

Collection has novel 

children's designs. 

both collections from 

Resene. 

it's not as haRd 

as You think 

Applying wallpaper is barely harder than 

attaching a sticky note to the wall. If you're 

dealing with a paste-the-wall wallpaper, all 

you need to do is coat the wall in glue using 

a paint roller, then attach the wallpaper. Any 

bubbles can be eased out with a smoother. 

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ideal FoR 

small rooms 

Bathrooms, laundries and other small 

rooms are often too small to dress up 

with decorations, which is why a fun 

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trick is not to go for anything too busy 

so as not to overwhelm the room, and to 

avoid darker shades that could make the 

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Right: designer impact 

from the Vanity Fair 

Collection. below: a rich 

toned paper from the 

atelier Collection. Both 

collections from Resene. 

built FoR 

longeVitY 

Wallpapers are designed to 

last. They're highly resistant 

to chips and scratches, as well 

as moisture damage. Some are 

also washable. 

CoVeR 

impeRFeCt 

Walls 

Let's say you have an unsightly 

imperfection on the wall that 

you'd like to pretend isn't there. 

Wallpaper can come to the rescue 

by creating smooth and fresh wall 

spaces that appear to be virtually 

flawless. If the wall is dented 

or out of shape in some way, a 

patterned design may further help 

to hide what you don't want to see. 

CReate a CeRtain stYle 

It's fashionable to create a specific style within a home. For 

example, owners of older homes may wish to keep the house 

looking authentic, with dark wooden furniture and antique 

lamps. Choosing wallpaper with a design to suit the era and 

style of your home can help to reinforce the theme. 

Check out some of the latest wallpapers at the 

home & living show and the full Resene wallpaper 

Collection at your local Resene Colorshop. 

CONSULT | DESIGN | CREATE | LIVE | MAINTAIN 

DOES YOUR GARDEN MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE? 

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amp up 

the 

Ceiling pendants with a mid-century modern 

vibe, such as the one hung over the mcleods’ 

dining table (page 6), are one of the hottest 

lighting trends. they look equally swell in entry 

ways, stairwells or master bedrooms. here are 

our choices for various pocket depths. 

Steal 

Catch the eye not a bruise with this quirky little 

number designed with lower ceilings in mind. Divine 

in aged brass, Sputnik is also available in chrome or 

black. 245mm high x 440mm wide. $149 

lighingplus.co.nz 

SenSIble 

Its angular beauty and black and metallic features 

make the aerial Grande Ceiling pendant a work of art, 

lights on or off. A guaranteed conversation starter. 

540mm high x 1050mm wide x 1200mm deep. $299 

freedomfurniture.co.nz 

Savvy 

here’s one spider you will want dangling from 

the ceiling. Daddy Long Legs’ five globes sit on 

moveable arm joints of black or old gold. It comes 

with both a 300mm or 500mm rod which can be 

hung individually or combined into an 800mm drop x 

820mm span. $399 mrralph.co.nz 

SplurGe 

Go bold and go home with Clooney in smoky 

glass. the 15-bulb design can plunge from on high 

(1800mm suspension) or hang close to the ceiling 

(150mm rod). For subtler drama, opt for clear glass 

or a six-bulb version. Spans 275mm deep x 1246mm 

wide. $990 lightingdirect.co.nz


grow 

room to 

Words Karen Pasco 

Photos Charlie rose Creative

A catalyst for creating this new 

home in rolleston was to provide 

more space for the whole family so 

that time could be enjoyed by all – 

both indoors and out. 

home & living | 19


Most of us have the realisation 

that as your children grow, there is 

a sudden need for everyone to have 

a little bit more space. 

the outdoor area, home to bike riding, 

entertaining and Nerf battles, has been designed 

so that a spa pool can be installed at a later date. 

The writing was on the wall for Matt and Celia Clark 

as they and their children Paige, 9, and Olly, 6, were 

growing out of their previous Rolleston home 

“We needed to upsize. The last place was a stepping 

stone on the property ladder and we didn’t have much 

of a backyard at all….it was pretty tiny so we really 

just wanted to spread our wings a bit,” says Matt. 

So it was they found the 730sqm property that fit 

the bill, in Rolleston’s Faringdon subdivision. 

“For me, finding the site was the most important 

thing. Making sure we could put the rooms where we 

wanted them. That the outdoor area would get the 

right sun at the right time of the day and that our 

living areas would be filled with light,” says Matt. 

His job as operations manager for GJ Gardner, 

means he gets to scan every plan that goes through 

his office for consent. This meant he had a good 

understanding of what would best suit his family. So, 

the plans were drawn up and ready to be submitted, 

however he decided to have one last look at it. 

“There was a house in Lincoln that we really liked, 

that I knew we could put on this site. I made this 

second concept even though I was 100% happy with 

that first one. This was better. It was a good lesson for 

me that even though you’re happy with something 

keep exploring.”


the children's favourite colours 

personalise their rooms. 

What Celia and Matt have now is a beautiful four-bedroom 

property which boasts a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area 

with a separate lounge. Doors between the two spaces mean the 

whole area can be opened up for entertaining or closed off when 

wanting to separate groups. The sitting area of the living room is 

only steps away from the outdoors. Here, the gabled roofline of 

this living space has been extended into the roofline of the outdoor 

area so that there is a beautiful place to sit back and relax under the 

shelter when the searing Canterbury sun arrives. 

Celia put full trust in Matt both in the house design and the 

decoration. In fact she really only had a few requests – a larger 

walk-in wardrobe and a walk-in pantry to conceal the everyday 

workings in the kitchen, “I just wanted to be able to shut the doors 

and hide it away if people came to visit”. 

A monochromatic design styles both inside and outside the 

house. Outside white brickwork is highlight with black window 

joinery and a black front door. The black wall in the master bedroom 

is contrasted with bright colours in the soft furnishings. Black taps 

adorn the bathrooms and kitchen and the black penny tile used 

for the kitchen splashback creates a stunning backdrop. Beside 

the bed hang two Edison bulbs on long black cords to serve as 

bedside lighting. Greys and the oak-like flooring, as well as pattern 

introduced in upholstery and accessories, soften the look. Because 

their previous house was styled in a similar fashion, it meant when 

they were situated in the new house, the look was seamless. 

There are two spaces however where colour does strike you – in 

the children’s bedrooms where 

their toys and accessories create 

colourful interest. What will 

happen as they grow out of these 

things is the neutral backdrop 

will mean a change of bed cover, 

curtains or cushions can transform 

the room without adding too 

much cost. 

Matt describes the couple’s 

design style as soft industrial. 

“I hate symmetry and I hate 

everything being matchy, matchy,” he says. You can see this in 

the quirky objects, including the black and white salt and pepper 

grinders, the elephant in the bathroom and the textiles and different 

patterns used in the lounge. 

There is still more to add, the landscaping will come after the 

winter and a spa pool will eventually go in. With more wall space, 

there is a pressing need for more art to adorn the blank spaces. “It’s 

a work in progress still.” 

What they have already taken advantage of is the extra space. 

The house-warming party was a success with room for 60 friends 

and family and the highly competitive Nerf battles, which have 

already been held on the new larger back lawn, are testament to the 

fact the extra space this family now has is already worth its weight 

in gold. 

829 Colombo Street | Phone 379 0600 | www.accentlighting.co.nz


mAtt & CElIA'S tIPS 

• Find a site that gives you what you want 

– sun or view or shelter. 

• Stop for a minute before you settle for 

something. You might just get a more 

incredible home design if you take a little 

time to contemplate. 

• Prioritise what is most important to you. 

You may get to the end of the build and 

run out of budget so ensure you know 

what is most important to you and what 

you can do at a later time. 

the striking black 

and white bathroom 

is softened by the 

flooring and foliage. 

3 issues $20 

6 issues $44.50 

10 issues $65 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

FREEPHONE 

0800 77 77 10 

rugbynews.co.nz


Above: monochromatic styling 

in the lounge is developed 

further with pattern and texture. 

top right: Black was used 

as a backdrop in the master 

bedroom to create depth. 

SItE BoArD 

Builder: 

GJ Gardner 

Land size: 

733sqm 


230sqm 


october to march 


the larger back lawn – great for 

entertaining and Nerf fights. 


Prioritising what we could do now with 

the budget we had, versus what we 

could save to do later. 


more money for the outdoor lighting and 

a spa pool (but they will come later).


Trends 

with staying power 

Cavalier Bremworth’s Samurai 100% 

wool chunky loop pile in the colour 

Pyua sets the foundation for the 

tactile warmth this bedroom oozes. 

Photo: Cavalier Bremworth

home & lliving | 26 

Above: Ruben 

Sofa in Spiced 

Honey Gold velvet. 

Photo: Rume 

Right: La Cafetiere 

Set of 4 

Espresso Mugs. 

Photo: Creative 

Tops 

COLOUR BLOCKING 

Colour blocking is the trend that keeps on giving. This means placing 

together homeware pieces that contrast with each other in colour, achieving 

a decor that's striking in appearance. This is often done by incorporating 

colours that are on opposite ends of the colour wheel, creating a statement 

look. A common way to colour block is by featuring furniture that contrasts 

with the wall paint. But colour blocking can also be done effectively on a 

smaller scale - for example, by placing opposing shades of crockery next to 

each other. 

A subtler form of colour blocking involves using different shades of the 

same colour simultaneously, accentuating each shade in one unifying colour 

scheme. This is a great option for those who prefer a more demure interior. 

Whichever your prefered method - opposites attract or shady sisters - you'll 

soon be colour blocking like a pro. 

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BEFORE 

AFTER 

LIGHT UP 

YOUR LIFE 

THIS WINTER 

Do you have areas in your home 

that are always dark and gloomy? 

Natural light from a Solatube ® skylight 

is naturally better - for your home 

and your health! Solatubes bring the 

goodness of outside in, transforming 

dull, dark areas into beautiful spaces 

filled with pure, clean, healthy daylight 

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Contact Marty & Sean, 

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Show, stand 135. 

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0800 466 383

TACTILE WARMTH 

Right now it’s all about complementing 

those comforting colour tones with textiles 

you’ll want to stroke like a favourite pet. 

Think luxurious wool carpets, intricately 

textured rugs, or sheepskin cushions and 

soft throws and blankets in some seriously 

gorgeous shades. Add one, two or as 

many as you like of these elements to a 

living area or bedroom to instantly inject 

a fantastic dose of welcoming, relaxing 

cosiness to your home. 

Below: Coherency is the key to 

success. Photo: Abstract House. 

GALLERY WALLS 

Gallery walls are an original way to personalise your space. What’s so great 

about them? They offer infinite possibilities and can be adapted to pretty much 

any style and any budget. To get it right, simply respect a few fundamentals: 

Unity. It can be either the theme or the frame but you need to get a bit of 

consistency around your project: choose a dominant colour, a style of picture 

and prints… Without coherence, your wall gallery can easily become heavy. 

Coordination is key! 

Organisation. The configuration of your gallery is really important, test your 

pattern on the floor first or use masking tape on the wall to plan how you will 

display your prints and pictures. Consider the spacing between pieces and the 

alignment of the frames. You can easily find some gallery wall layouts on the 

web if you need inspiration. And if aligning lots of picture hooks freaks you out, 

placing pictures alongside each other on a wall shelf is equally effective.


DARK TONES 

Dark tones are in. Whether in the form of 

jewel-toned pieces or jet-black items, opting for 

darker tones can add a sense of decadence to your 

interior. This trend sees an abundance of emeralds, 

burgundies and blacks being incorporated into 

homes, often by use of deep velvet furniture, dark 

accessories and accents, and dusky wall paint. 

This sophisticated yet comforting interior 

trend is perfect for the cosy winter months. 

But it's also set to continue as a trend as we go 

into spring and summer, adding an element of 

sumptuousness to the brighter half of the year. 

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home & living | ?? 

Custom metal spinner 

Profilex Ltd made 

the splashback and 

copper lampshades.


Smart 

HOME 

Words Gaynor Stanley 

Photos Charlie Rose Creative 

Energy efficiency and healthconscious 

design were the 

building blocks of this new 

home for a young family.


Walking in to the living room of this family 

home in Richmond, the eye travels first to 

a handsome grand piano in the far corner 

adjacent to a wall of sliding doors to the garden. 

Above: The original plan was for a raked ceiling in the living 

room with a gabled window above the sliders to bring sun 

even further in to the house for greater passive solar benefit, 

but the design was pared back because of budget constraints. 

Below: Jen and Ryan play with Emily. The grand piano behind 

them was given to Jen on her 10th birthday and before that it 

belonged to her father’s lecturer at Aberdeen University. “Both 

my parents have passed away since and I don’t think I could 

ever part with it, even though it’s on its last legs,” she says. 

Echoing the piano’s golden lustre across this deceptively large living room 

are a gleaming copper splashback and trio of lampshades above the island 

bench. There’s an oversize L-shaped couch and dining table in between 

and still plenty of open polished concrete floor. 

These generous, obstacle-free proportions were a priority in the floor 

plan devised by owner Jen Bensley, who has an eye condition with no 

peripheral vision that will only get worse. “I designed the house for 

minimal bruising with clean lines and where nothing sticks out,” says Jen, 

who lives in plenty of space with husband Ryan, son Harry, 4, and his 

four-month-old sister Emily, two dogs and two cats. 

Another priority, in their upgrade from a 1950s brick house, was a 

home that was healthy and energy efficient. “We wanted to build smart,” 

says Jen. The couple contracted Whitehouse Builders for their experience 

in Passive House standards. These focus on five principles of maximum 

energy efficiency: thermal insulation, windows, air tightness, adequate 

ventilation and thermal bridging. 

Essentially, this is a home to harness the free heat from the sun and 

stop it escaping. Large, argon-gas and UV coated windows bring in 

the sun to warm the concrete floor throughout the entire house. The 

windows are plastic framed to avoid condensation and prevent the cold 

air pull-through of aluminium. The eaved home faces north for optimal 

sun exposure, is constructed of plastered Hebel panels for their excellent 

thermal properties, is wrapped both externally and internally of the 

framing and every cavity is insulated to a high R-value. The foundation 

edge too is insulated. 

We’re the business 

behind Doors 

Christchurch 

20 Dakota Cres 

03 384 1113 

Timaru 

4 Edward St 

03 688 0544 

Central Otago 

8 Harvest Rd 

03 445 4087 

www.iddoors.co.nz

home & & living | 33 | 33 

Left: Left: The The house sits sits well well back on on 

the the 1000sqm section because the the 

land land at at the the front was was too too soft soft to to 

build on. on. Richmond's large sections 

represent great value for for money. 

Below: While the the house was was being 

built, Jen, Jen, Ryan and and Harry, along 

with with their two two dogs and and two two 

cats, lived onsite in in a a converted 

shipping container, complete with with 

temporary power and and plumbing. 

Even the the lighting is is part part of of the the holistic approach of of insulating as as 

well well as as possible. Even though downlights are are all all LED now, they’re 

not not ideal, says says Jen, Jen, because of of the the gap gap in in the the insulation that that must 

be be left left over over most of of them. “Our builder, Robert, was was not not a fan a fan of of 

downlights and and neither were we. we. We We agreed uplighting would be be 

the the way way to to go go to to minimise breaking through the the ceiling cavity and and 

avoid the the glare shining directly down on on you.” Just Just a a small hole hole for for 

a wire a wire is is cut cut for for each light instead. “And every single hole hole is is fully 

taped,” adds Ryan. 

The The other big big energy efficient component is is the the underfloor 

heating, which pipes hot hot water to to every room of of the the house, 

powered by by a a beefy outside air air conditioning unit unit feeding to to the the hot hot 

water cylinder which augments the the underfloor heating system. 

“The house is is always warm and and every room is is the the same 

temperature. When we we first first moved in in we’d we’d brace ourselves to to go go 

in in the the spare room but but then go go ‘oh ‘oh it’s it’s the the same temperature as as 

everywhere else’,” recalls Jen. Jen. 

The The constant comfort level they they enjoy generates winter power 

bills bills of of a a maximum $250 for for the the 223sqm house. Such is is the the home’s 

thermal efficiency the the bills bills would undoubtedly be be less less but but for for a a 

time-poor working mum and and dad’s reliance on on thirsty electrical 

appliances like like the the tumble dryer. 

In In their previous home, the the couple had had installed a heat a heat transfer 

system to to distribute heat heat from a a massive wood fire. fire. “We didn’t want 

a a wood fire fire again because of of the the dust dust and and dirt. dirt. I I wanted to to keep 

this this house as as clean and and minimal as as possible – – especially as as Harry 

and and Ryan both get get excema,” says says Jen. Jen. Its Its low low allergen factor was was 

another reason for for the the choice of of concrete flooring. To To avoid a dust a dust 

trap trap atop kitchen wall wall cabinets the the Whitehouse designer angled the the 

bulkhead to to 

minimise their 

depth yet yet still still 

allow for for recessed 

lighting accentuating 

the the kitchen’s sleek, handleless 

cabinetry. 

The The island bench houses a a black double granite sink sink and and drainer 

from Heritage fitted with a a a pullout Parisi mixer and and Schwan 

Instant Hot Hot Water Tap. “That was was a a must have. Non negotiable. 

Ryan is is one one of of seven so so when we we have family gatherings there are are a a 

lot lot of of cups of of tea tea to to make!” 

On On the the opposite bench a a 90cm Blanco induction hob hob is is placed 

beneath a a wide low low window overlooking the the vege garden. “We’re 

finding induction great to to use use and and so so much easier to to keep clean,” 

says says Jen. Jen. 

The The kitchen window is is off off centre by by accident. The The Bensley’s 

kitchen designer had had wrongly assumed the the window size size was was 

smaller than ordered – – fortunately the the error was was caught in in time to to 

rejig the the cabinetry and and move the the pantry to to the the scullery to to avoid it it 

otherwise overlapping the the window. 

The The striking copper splashback framing the the window is is what 

draws the the eye eye anyway, adding metallic glam to to the the sleek-lined 

white kitchen. “We wanted something a bit a bit different to to glass or or 

bright red red and and didn’t want tiles tiles with dirt-attracting grout and and came 

up up with the the copper,” says says Jen. Jen. 

The The kitchen clock, paintings and and a a tripod lamp pick pick up up on on the the 

copper theme too, too, reinforcing the the feel-good warmth of of what is is a a 

carefully planned and and stylishly executed family home.

$7.90 incl. GST 


Above: A tripod lamp from Global Living and Ono Italian 

Leather Chaise from Simply Furniture tempt in a living 

room corner. 

Top right: A reading corner in Harry’s light-filled bedroom. 

RYAN & JEN'S TIPS 

• Think about how many sockets you’ll 

need and then double it. The electrician 

laughed but they use them all. 

• Pay attention to details on plans – like 

which way the shower doors swing – 

and check contractors are installing 

accordingly. 

• Check the reputation of polished 

concreters. Their desired smoother 

salt’n’pepper finish became a heavy 

grind to remedy a sub-standard initial 

pour that caused stones to come out. 

• Ask about underfloor heating new to 

the residential market that can reverse 

cycle and cool floors over summer. 

• Think about an instant hot water tap if 

you boil water a lot. 

• Go for tilt sliders so you don’t have to 

crack the door to ventilate. 

• Listen to your builder’s advice on 

where money can be saved. 

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Above: Copper accents 

pop up throughout. 

Top right:Jasper and 

Ember like to frolic at 

the ‘Tilt & Turn’ inwards 

opening window in the 

large walk-in wardrobe 

between the master and 

ensuite. These windows 

tilt partially open or swing 

right open as shown. 

SITE BOARD 

Builder: 

Whitehouse Builders 

Land size: 

1000sqm 


223sqm 


August 2016 – June 2017 


Piped underfloor heating 


Where to stop. It always comes down 

to the budget doesn’t it! 


Ryan: 4 car garage. 

Jen: Gas hot water on an overflow 

system to increase the cylinder’s 

capacity for showers.. 

Architectural homes? Hill builds? 

Energy Efficient home? Affordable homes? 

We build them all, but with 

us they all start with our in 

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Open 12pm-4pm Wed to Sun 

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p

Bathrooms 

flush with new 

technology 


Photo: Seura 

Once perhaps regarded 

as toys, smart home 

devices are ever more in 

demand by consumers – 

and increasingly taking up 

residence in the smallest 

room of the house.

By 2030, the number of sensors and 

devices connected worldwide to the 

Internet of Things is predicted to 

increase from just over 20 billion to 

about 125 billion. Whether saving 

time or saving water, expect to see 

a plethora of smart bathroom tech 

heading downunder soon.

IntellIGent toIletS 

We’re moving on from singing in the shower, folks, to 

talking to the toilet. Kohler launched its most advanced 

loo ever in January with Numi 2.0. It comes with builtin 

digital assistant Amazon Alexa for easy voice control 

of features like the seat warmer, colour changeable night 

lights or wireless music syncing to powerful speakers. You 

can command Alexa to check the weather, traffic, or news 

and multi-task as you get your day moving or catch up 

on what’s happened in your absence. And Numi is totally 

touch-free as it’s fitted with proximity sensors to auto open, 

auto close and auto flush. 

left: leading Danish brand 

vola’s Hve basin mixer range 

features an on-off sensor for 

‘hands free’ operation. the 

mixer comes with or without 

the peg to select hot or cold. 

above: already available in new 

Zealand is the roca In-Wash Inspira 

Smart toilet, which has a remote 

control to warm the seat, or warm 

yours with cleansing water at your 

desired temperature and pressure, 

plus drying and self-cleaning 

functions. not forgetting a night light. 

Water SavInG 

The element of water has become the new focus of 

innovation. Former mere hardware manufacturer Grohe 

has, in recent years, become a driving force of digital 

transformation in the bathroom. Its smart water control 

Grohe Sense Guard has already arrived in the world of 

the smart home to intelligently manage water use and 

avoid water damage by sensing leaks. A future groundbreaking 

innovation will allow home water consumption 

to be precisely tracked by customers who input water and 

energy prices to receive a precise statement of their costs 

to make more conscious water use decisions. 

SHOW HOME 

NOW OPEN -- Come see us today! 

Show Home Address: 

17 Durells Crescent, Kaiapoi 7630 

Rameez Jones 

03 399 3151 021 262 2705 

rameez@cambridgehomes.co.nz 

Tara Zhang 021 556 500 

tara.zhang@cambridgehomes.co.nz 

‘Cambridge Homes Canterbury’ 

www.cambridgehomes.co.nz


US consumers are 

already enjoying voice 

activated lighting, 

music and more in 

this amazon alexaenabled 

verdera Smart 

mirror from Kohler. 

mIrror mIrror 

No longer simply a reflective glass to scrutinise your 

complexion, today’s bathroom mirrors are ever more 

technology-packed with ingenious functions like 

touchscreens with integrated speakers, LED clocks 

and lighting. One of the newest innovations is the 

progression of voice-activated digital assistants from 

phones and portable speakers to the bathroom. Now you 

can ask the Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror from Kohler 

to turn on its embedded lights and adjust them to 

optimal brightness for shaving or makeup application. 

Direct the mirror to play your favourite tunes while you 

bask in the bath or ask for weather or news updates or 

traffic information as you get ready to face the world. 

Capstone goes one step further with its smart mirror 

featuring a touchscreen display where you can watch 

YouTube or even compose emails at your bathroom sink. 

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the latest showerheads, 

like methven’s turoa vJet, 

are designed to quickly 

change the water flow to 

just the way you like it. 

InnovatIve SHoWerHeaDS 

New Zealand’s own market leader Methven has launched its latest 

technology showerhead, VJet, in the new Tūroa collection, which 

also includes tapware and matching accessories. Its distinguishing 

feature is the smooth handset slider at the base of the showerhead 

that allows the showerer to activate a seamless spray transition at 

the precise flow they’d like – from a firm, invigorating shower spray, 

to a gentle, enveloping warmth and everything in between. The 

stainless steel rail shower features a modern minimalist aesthetic 

where technology and visual form complement one another. 

Tūroa’s cleverly hidden channels create spirals of water that flow 

through the nozzles across the entire shower head. So impressive 

is this clever little number, it won both the Australian Good 

Design Best in Class and The Red Dot Product Design Award 

2018 – reaffirming Methven’s global leadership in shower design 

and technology. Another shower that similarly does away with 

the need to rotate discs on showerheads to select different shower 

modes - which can be awkward with soapy hands - is the Rainclick 

Handshower from American Standard where users simply push a 

click button just below the showerhead to toggle from one spray 

mode to another. 

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PLUMBING | DRAINAGE | GAS FITTING | SOLAR

performance 

EncorE 

This weatherboard beauty on the Cashmere Hills 

has been gracefully restored, not once but twice. 


Photos Charlie Rose Creative & Chaplin Crooks Architects

New windows introducing considerably 

more light and restoring period elegance 

– as in the case of the upstairs corner 

windows – are one of the owners’ 

favourite aspects of the renovation. 

bEforE 

A sense of anticipation builds as 

you ascend the stone stairs through 

woodland gardens to the front door of 

this attractive 94-year-old home reaching 

high into the sky. 

Halfway up I’ve reached the top of the basement level and take a 

breather to admire the bay windows that distinguish each level of 

the two-storey weatherboard. 

Arriving at the glass panelled front door, framed by full length 

windows either side, I can see an inviting carpeted entrance hall 

where a vibrant contemporary painting hangs above an antique 

sideboard and a wooden staircase rises to the left. 

There’s a story about that front door, Robyn says on greeting me. 

This wall of glass now floods the hallway and stairwell with light – 

a world removed from the heavy mahogany door that cloaked the 

entrance in gloom before renovations two years ago. 

Thoughtful redesign of both window and door openings is a 

feature of this betterment and renovation project carried out in 

2017 by Build Right Homes for Chaplin Crooks Architects. Other 

inappropriate internal mahogany doors, introduced since the home’s 

original construction in 1925, were also replaced. 

In the two upstairs corner bedrooms an awkward duo of 

windows in each, installed by a previous owner to enclose verandahs 

under the sloping eaves, were replaced with a more elegant single 

solution. In the old ‘box room’, a water tank was removed and new 

window installed to turn this small room into a more functional 

study. 

“We’re really happy with the new windows, they suit the house 

so much better,” says Robyn, who has lived in the home for 21 years 

with her husband Chris. 

Robyn and Chris have actually renovated twice over. In 2009 

they commissioned Chaplin Crooks to change the ground floor 

layout of “three little rooms” into a more practical open floor plan, 

moving the dining room from the centre to front of the house – 

pushing out a window alcove to gain more floor space, the kitchen 

into the centre – adding a walk-in pantry, and opening the family 

room at the rear to a deck and courtyard. 

• Landscape Design 

• Plant Design 

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EforE 

The new floorplan moved the 

kitchen between the dining 

area and the family room, both 

with French doors opening to 

outside living space. The former 

hemmed-in small living spaces 

are now open and light-filled. 

“We had pretty much 

just finished when 

the earthquakes hit,” 

recalls Robyn. 

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“We had pretty much just finished when the earthquakes hit,” 

says Robyn. All the work that had been done had to be repaired, 

along with every other ceiling and wall and various windows 

throughout the five bedroom home. 

Among significant structural damage was the chimney, that rose 

through three levels, having to be demolished, impacting the formal 

lounge and master bedroom. And rectification took eight long years 

and nine months out of the house while Build Right returned to 

carry out the repairs and renovations. 

The void created by the chimney’s removal has now been 

cleverly disguised with an additional built-in wardrobe in the 

master bedroom and new gas fireplace taking pride of place in the 

lounge below. 

The alluring lounge typifies how Karen Smith of Casa Bella 

Interiors worked closely with the owners to deliver an understated 

yet sophisticated décor that lets the views take the limelight. 

Robyn’s favourite palette of neutral colours enriched by earthy and 

purple tones is evident throughout in both soft furnishings and the 

choice of Resene paint colours, carefully selected lighting – all from 

Accent, and bespoke contemporary furniture. 

The team has revived a lovely example of Christchurch heritage 

in a way that’s warm and welcoming. And Robyn and Chris 

couldn’t be happier with how their architect, interior design and 

builder worked together to deliver triumph from tragedy. 

Robyn still enjoys a leafy outlook from 

her new L-shaped kitchen but the sleek 

white cabinetry, wall colour and new 

ceiling are a huge transformation 

from the old dark space. 

bEforE 

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EforE 

Robyn and Chris far prefer their new fireplace 

to the one lost to the earthquakes. It faces the 

feature bay window framing lovely city views. 

The striped occasional chairs were made 

specially to a Casa Bella Interiors design by 

Montreux Furniture. 

ü 

SITE BOARD 

builder: 

Build Right Homes 

Land size: 

1320sqm 

reno area: 

126sqm 

consent/build time: 

First started in 2009, finished in 2017. 

favourite feature: 

Chris: New seal to drive and turn around area. 

Robyn: New front door and windows. 


Restraining ourselves so as not to over-capitalise. 

Lessons learned: 

The value of clear communication. 

This original builder’s signature 

from 1925 was found in 2009 

when the builders were 

converting three little rooms to 

open plan living space. 

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ü

angles 

FRESH 


Designs for kitchen 

shapes that are a little 

edgier than usual. 


Photo: Kitchen Studio


A retro style sideboard with custom-made legs 

typical of the home’s era gives the extended space 

beyond the ergonomic kitchen area a focal point. 

The white and woodgrain materials are used in 

reverse proportion for a coherent yet distinctly 

different zone. 

Not all our homes have the ideal 

floorplan for the classic galley, I-, L- or 

U-shaped kitchen layouts that we see 

most often in kitchen design. When 

the angles make stock solutions too 

challenging, it’s best to call in professional 

help from a kitchen designer or architect. 

It’s likely to cost more, but you will get a 

bespoke design that’s perfectly tailored to 

your space and unique to your kitchen. 

THE bRiEF 

Built in the late 1970s, this home features rimu windows and 

dark beamed cathedral ceilings and stunning water views. The 

kitchen area is long, making it appear narrow and the owners 

wanted to distract from that feeling with an uncluttered 

modern design that alluded to the home’s retro character yet 

didn’t compete with the views. There is a small return wall 

concluding the space on one side, but the main wall extends 

significantly further than the natural kitchen space and had 

to be included in the design without the kitchen looking 

‘stretched’. Mood lighting, accessible corners and a place to 

display a precious pottery collection were also specified. 

THE SoluTionS 

• White underbench cabinetry (Bestwood Select Arctic White 

– Velvet Finish) helps to make the long space appear wider. 

Handles are Elite Kara Slim – Brushed Nickel. 

• The woodgrain wall cabinets (Bestwood Select Plus 

Sovereign Oak) exclude handles for simplicity and clean lines. 

• Open shelving highlights the beautiful pottery. 

• A recessed LED strip under the wall cabinets creates mood 

and enhances the subtle colour of the Ozone glass splashback. 

• A Hafele Mondo revolving corner unit provides accessible 

storage.

Whether you’re building or renovating, Trends Kitchens can 

design, custom-manufacture and install beautiful, quality 

joinery that ts your space, lifestyle and price level — backed 

by our 10-year workmanship warranty. 

trendskitchens.co.nz | 03 343 5242

Made ƒor you... 

Designed by Map Architects 

AUCKLAND | NELSON | BLENHEIM | CHRISTCHURCH | CROMWELL


THE bRiEF 

When modernising this high-end family 

home, the owners desired a modern 

clean-lined space that was dramatic yet 

sophisticated with smooth flush surfaces. They 

also wanted an easily accessed pantry and a 

kitchen designed for entertaining. Again, the 

challenge for the Kitchen Studio designer was 

working with the home’s architectural angles 

without emphasising them. 

To add to the smooth look, the kickboard 

continues under the freestanding oven, wall 

cabinets are handleless and the handles on the 

floor cabinets are black. 

Photo: Kitchen Studio 

THE SoluTionS 

• Fingerprint-resistant and soft to touch 

matt black cabinetry (Prime Panels 

Laminate in Black Suede) with a 

Caesarstone benchtop in Raw Concrete 

creates the desired dramatic and 

sophisticated feel. 

• Where the two angled walls (with 

windows) meet, the left underbench 

cabinet is capped off to create a straight 

line through the kitchen between the 

island bench (with black sink) and the 

angled wall. 

• A false panel at the end of the wall 

cabinets detracts from the angle, making 

the wall cabinets seemingly ‘disappear’ into 

the wall. 

• The sink is strategically off centre to allow 

most of the island bench to be used for 

sitting, serving and happy conversation. 

Your local 

mortgage 

broker. 

Nathan Miglani 

phone 0800 100 300 

nathan.miglani@loanmarket.co.nz 

Kitchen and Bathroom Design & Renovation Services 

• Kitchen Refresh 

• Kitchen Re-model 

• New Kitchen 

• Bathroom Renovation 

• Laundries 

• Home Office 

• Wardrobes 

• Built in Furniture 

0800 202 171 | www.aspiringkitchens.co.nz 

BEFORE 

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Franchisee 

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Follow us on Facebook 

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for design inspiration

g-shapes mean three corners to deal with – great if you like to show 

off your appliances on the bench and still have plenty of work space, 

but trickier when it comes to functional base cabinet design. 

Photo: Trends Kitchens 

SquARing oFF 

The best option for a square-type space could be the G-kitchen, 

which adds an extra turn to the U-shape. This layout promises 

maximum functionality as the arrangement allows for a lot 

more bench and storage space than many designs. While 

popular in New Zealand homes, having only one opening to a 

central square surrounded by benches and cabinetry means it 

is best suited to a generously proportioned space. The increased 

countertop area makes the G ideal for accommodating wider 

ovens and cooktops and double sinks. YA rotating carousel solves 

the issue of hard-to-reach space in a corner unit. Another way 

to utilise corner space well is a rectangular pantry with a sliding 

door – you can then position standard drawer or cupboard units 

at right angles to the pantry wall with no risk of door collisions. 

E S T . 1 9 8 8 

 

 

TURNING YOUR DREAM 

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www.misco.co.nz


KITCHEN 

must haves 

SOUS VIDE COOKERS 

The cooking technique favoured by chefs for its 

precision temperature control is now increasingly 

available in appliances for home cooks. French for 

‘under vacuum’, sous vide cooking uses vacuum sealed 

snap-lock pouches and a precisely heated water bath 

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meat and vegetables evenly from edge to edge. 

RETRO 

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Curvy 50’s looks and vibrant 

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stylish to hide away, these 

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on the benchtop. 

PREMIUM QUALITY, 

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A benchtop that’s beautiful, practical and affordable 

may seem too good to be true, but TriStone 100% 

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acrylic resin and natural minerals, this non-porous 

material is easy care, stain resistant, and repairable. 

Plus, TriStone has seamless joins, so it can be 

fabricated to any size, shape or thickness. With 20 

elegant colours to choose from, you’re sure to find 

one to suit your style. Visit the TriStone website to 

order free samples and gain inspiration. 

tristone.co.nz

⁄ 

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Gabled roof lines combine with 

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hall, flowing seamlessly onwards 

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space, making it the uncontested 

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A cosy separate lounge offers a 

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The Canterbury home has 

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vertical cladding contrasts with 

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Open-plan living and a 

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Large sliding doors flow from 

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The home has been positioned 

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P: 03 348 1994 W: www.peterrayhomes.co.nz A: 521 Blenheim Road, Sockburn E: info@peterrayhomes.co.nz

7 secrets 

to warm and 

healthy homes 

Double-glazed windows, insulation, a heat pump, and you 

are all set, right? Martin Reilly, Director of Warmth NZ 

and a co-founder of the Superhome Movement, advises 

other considerations can really count in achieving a more 

comfortable home with lower running costs. 

1. WindoWs 

Windows can be like holes in your wall. Poor windows leak heat in the winter and 

let too much heat in during the warm months. Double glazed alone is not enough. 

Thermal spacers are essential. Thermally broken windows can be wasted if they are 

not installed within the wall cavity. Now in NZ there are windows being made to the 

highest European standards. These windows have R-value ratings up to five times 

better than standard double glazed. 

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1. REQUEST a FREE Consultation at dvs.co.nz 

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3. Give this voucher to your DVS consultant or 

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DVS_HomeAndLiving_HP_197x135.indd 1 

20/05/19 12:08 PM

e in to win 100m 2 of 

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2. orientation 

and shading 

In our temperate climate, an east to west 

spread can work very well for both light 

and air movement. Sunlight is free, 

but holding it out matters too. Many 

designers design for the sun at December 

22. But, at February 22 maybe you will 

have too much heat. Consider movable 

shading. Have it action automatically 

based on temperatures even when you are 

not home. It could be external shading or 

it could be internal blinds. 

3. Moisture ManageMent 

Did you know that our homes are generally trying to get rid of moisture? We make too much of it; cooking, 

showering, breathing and more can produce up to eight litres per day. And that can turn into black mould and 

provoke asthma for many; especially children. Balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery can maintain 

healthy humidity without you ever thinking about it. Running costs are very low. At least open windows 

regularly to cross ventilate. 

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JUST QUOTE THIS CODE: HRV501 

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Wall Insulation 

Method 

See us at the Home & Leisure Show! 

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4. Photo Voltaic 

PoWer 

In a modern home this can be a “no 

brainer”. This is because the $10,000 

solar may cost ($50 per month on a 

mortgage), will give you a high return on 

your investment (maybe $100 per month 

savings). Interested in an electric car? 

This increases your usage rate; even when 

you charge at night and pay it back to the 

grid during the day. 

5. underfloor 

heating 

Heat your whole house by turning your whole 

floor slab into a gentle giant radiator. This is 

fundamentally different heat unlike any other 

and can be the lowest cost way to heat your 

home, especially in concrete floor slabs. These 

systems can be built into many mid-floor 

structures also. Insulating your floor slab can 

make underfloor heating work even better. The 

latest systems also allow you to remove heat 

and cool your house. 

A luxurious, hot fire with a large flame 

viewing area. 

The Stovax Studio fires features the very latest Cleanburn 

Combustion & Airwash System, allowing the logs to burn 

with outstanding efficiency, resulting in more heat delivery 

into the room and less going up the chimney. 

free your imagination. 

Undulating flame visuals, dancing seemingly impossibly amongst 

a deep bed of realistic logs or shining crystals, make the Gazco 

Electric fire range one of the most captivating electric fires 

ever created. 

A warm traditional fire, with a proven 

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In 1950, a bright young South African engineer introduced a 

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SEE US ON STAND 69 

OR AT OUR SHOWROOM 

95 BYRON STREET


6. hot Water 

heating 

Learn how you can seriously 

reduce your water-heating costs. 

Depending on where you live, 

if you spend $1000 heating hot 

water with electricity, gas hot 

water can cost you about $800, 

a heat pump to heat the same 

amount of hot water will cost 

about $350, and a heat pump 

powered by Solar Photo Voltaic 

power will cost even less. A 

heat pump can typically heat a 

cylinder about twice as fast as 

electricity. 

structural insulated Panels 

from formance feature in the 

Krishnamurtis' home built by 

land homes. see page 64. 

7. Wall structure 

A good old ‘two by’ wall can be okay, but other ways might make 

sense too. Concrete poured into expanded polystyrene forms 

gives you a solid thermal wall with a beneficial slow to change 

heat profile. Structurally Insulated Panels are usually foam sheets 

sandwiched by plywood, or oriented strand boards. Together these 

form very airtight, well insulated, and very strong panels for walls 

and roofs. These are all very standard now. But, also research others 

like straw bale, European clay blocks, and other block systems. 

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“A fire is the heart of the home” 

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Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm Sat: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

www.heatstore.co.nz

More tiPs for a 

WarMer hoMe froM 

eeca energyWise 

If you run a heat pump, clean the filters regularly. 

Heat pumps clogged with dirt and dust do not run 

efficiently. 

Run a dehumidifier when you are heating a room 

to warm the room up faster. Dehumidifiers work 

best in warm rooms and all the electricity they use 

gets released as heat – so your heater needs to do less 

work. 

Draw curtains at dusk to keep the day's heat in. 

The best curtains have a separate lining and are fitted 

close to the window, wide enough to generously 

overlap the window frames at the sides and long 

enough to touch the floor. 

Stop draughts by making sure your windows and 

doors fit their frames. Use draught stopping tape 

around doors and windows and door snakes to keep 

cold draughts sneaking under doors. DIY window 

insulation kits cost a fraction of the price of double 

glazing, yet offer good performance in reducing heat 

loss and condensation. 

Functional and Versatile designs without 

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When you choose to build with Land 

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PHONE: 03 351 8574 

EMAIL: contact@landhomes.co.nz 

WEB: landhomes.co.nz Design & Build


performance 

Sweeping views and maximum energy 

efficiency were top of the agenda 

for this architectural home nearing 

completion on Huntsbury Hill. 

high 

Words gaynor Stanley 

Photos Charlie Rose Creative 

allwood trees is reloCating 

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T: 03 349 9240 | E: info@allwood.co.nz 

Keep up to date through our Facebook 

page and at www.allwood.co.nz


Though it meant 

reconsenting 

and additional 

expense, the 

Krishnamurtis say 

one of their best 

decisions was 

upgrading from 

Shadowclad to 

long run standing 

seam iron. 

For decades people stayed clear of 

Christchurch’s ‘Hospital Hill’, home 

primarily to the 10,000 tubercolis 

patients treated at one of three 

Cashmere Sanitorium hospitals. 

There were just two houses, located on a rare flat part of the 

hill, one belonging to the hospitals’ Superintendent on Major 

Aitken Drive behind a landmark giant hedge. In the 1990s the 

hill was reimagined as the Broad Oaks subdivision and soon 

attracted high end housing development. And in December 

2016, Susanna and Sridhar Krishnamurti found themselves 

unexpectedly acquiring a slice of the parcel of land and 

panoramic view the San’s Superintendent once enjoyed. 

The couple had wanted to live on the hill for a long time. 

“We had had enough of being cold in our old weatherboard 

home on the flat and really wanted a hill view,” recalls Sridhar. 

They’d looked at close to 100 hill properties without finding 

a home that met their checklist. Along with great views, they 

particularly wanted a floorplan that would enable them both to 

work from home and receive clients. 

Then one sleepness night Sridhar began browsing real estate 

websites at 4am and there it was. He’d clicked on the view of 

their dreams: an arresting panorama of autumnal Christchurch 

as the sun rose over the snow-clad alps beyond. He was looking 

at a listing for a sought-after flat section with easy drive on 

access and all-day sun. The hedge was all that remained of 

the Superintendent’s home. They would need to build new. 

Undeterred, “we went into the auction with intent!” says Sridhar. 

The couple then spent a year researching the perfect design 

and materials for their “lifetime” home with the aim of building 

‘green’. When an episode of Grand Designs profiled SIPs or 

Structural Insulated Panels, Sridhar determined “I want our 

house to be built out of those”. 

SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are an innovative 

building product, replacing traditional timber 

‘stick’ framing with stronger, thermally efficient 

composite panels sandwiching an insulating layer 

of foam. Suitable for walls, floors and roofs, SIPS 

create an airtight building envelope that requires 

less energy to heat and cool, allows for better 

control over indoor environmental conditions, 

and reduces construction waste. They facilitate a 

constant temperature of 18-20°C which, combined 

with a 4.8kW solar power system, gas cooking and 

hot water, and a heat recovery ventilation system, 

means the Krishnamurtis can expect minimal 

power bills.

They consulted a Green Building 

consultant who introduced them to 

Formance SIPs, imported to New 

Zealand from Canada, and Land Homes, 

a company specialising in designing and 

building high performance, architecturallydesigned 

houses. It is a member of the 

Superhome Movement advocating 

healthier and more energy-efficient homes 

for New Zealanders. 

Susanna had found a home on Pinterest 

that had the aesthetic they wanted – cube 

shaped, recessed upper storey, lots of 

large windows, flat roofs with solar 

panels. She also “fell in love” with an 

image of “magical” floating stairs and 

wanted a true two-person spa bath 

where she could sit with Sridhar and 

enjoy a glass of wine and the view, 

along with a treatment room for her 

massage therapy business. An office 

with a view to inspire his consulting work 

was the big wish for Sridhar. 

Land’s principal Sam Rogers wove all the 

desired elements together in a practical floorplan, that positions 

the office and treatment room (readily converted to bedrooms for 

future owners) with guest bathroom in a wing directly accessed 

off the entrance foyer. A short wall screens the kitchen and living 

room from clients’ eyes, while the showpiece staircase treats them 

to snatches of the view as its open treads rise to the couple’s private 

sanctuary. The entire upper level is devoted to the master bedroom, 

walk-in wardrobe and glamorous ensuite, positioning the spa 

bath in prime position beneath a large window. Downstairs it’s 

all about the view too with six metres of floor to ceiling windows 

(thermally broken, Low E) across the living room, which opens to 

Render of the finished home 

a more intimate lounge, laundry and solar battery storage 

and another big priority, the temperature-controlled wine 

room. 

“Neither of us drank wine for over 20 years,” says 

Susanna, who’d abstained for healthy living reasons 

and met Sridhar in India “where nobody drinks”. 

They enjoyed their first glass in 2013, naturally having 

carefully considered the health connotations. “We 

decided it could be fun. And it is!” she laughs. Several 

wine region research missions later, they have now acquired 

an enviable wine collection and can’t wait for their home’s 

imminent completion where they can retreat with a favourite drop 

to their bathroom sanctuary and drink in that long-anticipated view. 

The upper level 

is clad in smooth 

golden cedar, 

another change 

made during 

the construction 

journey when the 

couple decided 

larch was too 

knotty. 

SiTE BOARD 

Builder: 

Land homes 

Land size: 

679sqm 


252sqm 


A year so far 


Susanna: The “magical floating stairs”. 

Sridhar: The expansive view that greets you in the living room. 


Moving the kitchen wall to widen the entry hall; re-engineering cost 

time and money but was worth it. 


Not declined a proposed parapet, worried it would interfere with the 

bathroom view. Now they realise it wouldn’t have and they’ll need 

scaffolding to maintain the cedar upper storey. 

Landscape Design & 

Construction Canterbury-wide 

• Architectural Services 

• Concept Plans 

• Detailed Landscape Plans 

• Paving 

• Pergolas 

• Water Features 

• Outdoor Kitchens 

• Artificial Grass 

• Gasfires 

• Retaining Walls 

• Decking 

• Planting 

• Concreting 

• Fencing 

Phone 0800 211 119 

www.landscapingsolutions.co.nz


Innovative 

LIVING ZONE 

© COPYRIGHT CREATIVE INTENTIONS 2015 

FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES USE ONLY FIGURED 

DIMENSIONS. THIS DRAWING MUST ALWAYS BE READ IN 

CONJUNCTION WITH ALL RELEVANT PROJECT DETAILS. ALL 

DIMENSIONS MUST BE CHECKED ON SITE PRIOR TO 

COMMENCEMENT. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCY TO THE 

ARCHITECT OR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR. THE COPYRIGHT 

FOR THIS WORK IS RETAINED BY CREATIVE INTENTIONS UNLESS 

SPECIFICALLY VESTED TO THIRD PARTY UNDER LICENSE 

Visit the stunning architecturally designed Innovative Living Zone 

indoor/outdoor feature at the Star Media Home and Living Show 

28-30 June 2019. Your opportunity to view the latest ideas and 

products to gain inspiration for your home. 

Designed by Creative Intentions, a Landscape Architecture firm 

with over 30 years experience in Landscape Architecture, planning 

and design consulting. We are dedicated to creating dynamic 

external spaces for private and commercial clients. 

Creative Intentions is committed to providing high quality 

architectural services to meet all your development requirements 

Much more than telling you how your garden should look, 

Landscape Architecture is the difference between ‘existing’ in your 

environment, and Living, Enjoying and Developing with your 

environment, whether that is at work or play. 

Landscape Architecture is a complex profession that covers a 

multitude of design and planning initiatives that impact on our 

everyday lives; from how best to design our gardens to where you 

choose to park at work, from protecting and sustainably managing 

our countryside and heritage to how best to design our transport 

infrastructure whilst maintaining a safe and green environment. 

www.creative-intentions.co.nz 

innovative living zone exhibitoR list 

DCM Roofing 

www.dcmroofing.co.nz 

finesse JoineRy 

www.finessejoinery.co.nz 

foRte flooRing 

www.forteflooring.co.nz 

infeRno fiRes 

www.infernofires.co.nz 

Johnson & Couzins 

www.johnsonandcouzins.com 

lanD hoMes 

www.landhomes.co.nz 

loan MaRket 

www.loanmarket.co.nz 

MayfaiR PaRk lanDsCaPes 

www.mayfairpark.co.nz 

Mighty stagzz Pool 

www.mightystaggz.co.nz 

one stoP DeCk shoP 

www.onestopdeckshop.co.nz 

PlasteR Plus CanteRbuRy 

0274 535 445 

PRolaM 

www.prolamnz.com 

PuRe by the baRRelMan 

www.thebarrelman.co.nz 

sMaRt solaR 

www.smartsystems.net.nz 

sugRue ConstRuCtion 

www.sugrueconstruction.co.nz 

swiftDRy Clotheslines 

swiftdryclotheslines.co.nz 

synsCaPes 

www.synscape.co.nz 

wateRMelon shaDe 

www.watermelonshade.co.nz 

19018-01-001 Approval 

T: ++64 3 324 3063 M: 0220 259929 

contact@creative-intentions.co.nz 

www.creative-intentions.co.nz 

Job reference Drawing number Revision Purpose of Issue 

The Star Homeshow 2019 

---- 

1:100 

Urban Design, Planning 

Landscape Architecture 

Scale @ A3 

Project/Client 

Concept Layout 

June 19 

creative 

intentions


FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES USE ONLY FIGURED 

DIMENSIONS. THIS DRAWING MUST ALWAYS BE READ IN 

CONJUNCTION WITH ALL RELEVANT PROJECT DETAILS. ALL 

DIMENSIONS MUST BE CHECKED ON SITE PRIOR TO 

COMMENCEMENT. PLEASE REPORT ANY DISCREPANCY TO THE 

ARCHITECT OR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR. THE COPYRIGHT 

FOR THIS WORK IS RETAINED BY CREATIVE INTENTIONS UNLESS 

Job reference Drawing number Revision 

The Star Homeshow 2019 

---- 

Project/Client 

PLEASE NOTE 

Revisions 

Concept Layout 

Drawing 

2104 3 5 6 7 8 9 10M 

1:100 

innovative 

living zone 

site map 

Coffee shop - vBase 

Mayfair Park 

Inferno Fires 

Onestop Deckshop 

Mighty staggz 

hot tub 

Fridge 

09 

2400 

08 

OE009 

5200 

5200 

6000 

Nathan 

1500 

3000 

13 

12 

11 

10 

3000 

Mighty Staggz Pool 

Cantilever screen Pergola 

5095 

5100 

5330 

3100 

Forte Flooring 

3000 9005 

2985 

4800 

01 02 03 04 05 06 

2000 

07 

Watermelon wave shade 

Finese 

Lain 

2000 

3200 3200 3200 3110 3290 

Purpose of Issue 

1:100 

Urban Design, Planning 

Landscape Architecture 

Scale @ A3 

June 19 

Date 

creative 

intentions 

Smart Systems 

Land Homes 

Johnson & Couzins 

5665


cake 

IcIng on the 

Planned outdoor space contributes 

hugely to the liveability and valuation 

of our homes yet often we don’t give 

landscaping the priority it merits.

GETTING STARTED 

Time and again, new home builders tell us they exhaust 

their budget before they get to landscaping. But when you 

think about how much Kiwis value indoor-outdoor flow and 

al fresco living, it would seem we should be prioritising our 

landscaping up there with our investment in our kitchens or 

our windows. 

Mayfair Park Landscapes’ Vern Dartnall believes there 

are many misconceptions around the understanding of what 

your landscape will actually cost because of our DIY society. 

It’s worth consulting a professional landscaper early in your 

project to make sure you are well informed and get the benefit 

of the best planned outcome for your lifestyle requirements. 

Most landscape designers offer a free initial consultation. 

They will come to your property and talk through your desires 

and how you want to live in the space. They will assess how 

the house is oriented to neighbouring structures and the sun, 

where privacy is required, and discuss the aesthetic you’d like 

and the colours, textures, contrasts and materials to achieve 

that. “This dictates the layout and how the ‘rooms of the 

outdoor space’ are developed,” says Vern. 


Take advantage 

of free consultations 

to identify which 

landscape designer 

most shares your 

vision. 

Photo: Mayfair Park Landscaping 

For all your 

construction needs 

www.strathclyde.co.nz 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Retaining Walls 

Driveways 

Foundations 

✓ House Relevelling 

Building 

Phone: 021 067 3256 Email: scott@strathclyde.co.nz 

✓ 

Tired of 

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landscape with it’s modern black finish, 

and simple, strong design. 

0800 75 49 86 | www.swiftdry.co.nz 

THE READYLAWN TEAM 

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Phone 03 349 6980 • www.readylawn.co.nz


NEXT STEPS 

Once you’ve decided on the 

landscape designer who will 

deliver the outdoor living of your 

dreams, they will prepare a Scope 

of Works and Fee Proposal. This will 

outline the design objectives discussed and 

fees for both a Concept Landscape Design and 

a Planting Plan. The latter is usually optional but worth the extra investment for 

professional advice on which plants will best suit your site’s environmental aspects. 

The Planting Plan will be detailed to show location, species and quantities of trees, 

shrubs, groundcovers and hedges. 

Prepare to invest a few thousand dollars to get to the point where your site has 

been measured and a comprehensive site plan is prepared and presented importing 

your architectural plans into the proposed landscape design. 

An effective Design Plan will come up with functional solutions and notate the 

materials for hard landscaping elements like the driveway, paths, decking, paving 

and edging as well as the fun features like a pizza oven or fireplace, hot tub or pool 

and built-in seating around the fire pit. A comprehensive plan will also detail the 

recommended planting and lawn areas, your soft landscaping features. 

When you’ve signed off on the design, work proceeds to the construction phase 

and your landscape architect will prepare quotes for the hard and soft landscaping 

aspects. Some will both design and construct inhouse, others will outsource to 

sub-contractors. Knowledgeable and keen gardeners can save money at this point 

by doing their own planting but Vern cautions the proper installation of plants – 

which could easily cost thousands of dollars – is critical. 

style 

noun 

elegance and sophistication. 

synonyms: flair, grace, poise, 

polish, suaveness, urbanity, 

chic, finesse, taste, class, 

comfort, luxury, affluence, 

wealth, opulence, lavishness. 

Vegepod TM Self-watering vegetable gardens 

• Available in 3 sizes 

• Canopies protect your veggies from 

pests and harsh weather 

• Stands and wheel trolleys optional 

• Mist sprayer & water reservoirs 

reduce water usage by 80% 

MAGAZINE 

STYLE.KIWI 

Come visit us at the Home & Living Show! 

www.vegepod.co.nz

WHAT’S TRENDING IN 

OUTDOOR LIVING? 

Your landscape 

architect will 

handle any 

Consent Applications 

and oversee 

construction. 


Gathering around the barbecue on the deck is always 

going to be popular but full outdoor rooms for 

relaxing and entertaining year-round have captured 

our attention. Essentially, an outdoor room extends 

your living area outside and works best adjacent to the 

main lounge with a seamless flow between the two 

and on to the garden. An outdoor room is established 

all year round so it needs to be functional in all 

seasons and offer adjustable protection from the sun, 

wind or rain. 

“We are currently experiencing an increased 

demand for our ‘outdoor living sanctuary’ which is a 

bespoke designed space that would typically include 

a deck, louvre roof, outdoor fire and a water feature,” 

says Vern. His company has recently developed a 

flat-panel water feature that incorporates an outdoor 

shower. You might also add lighting, infrared radiant 

heaters, a full outdoor kitchen, a pizza oven or cookon 

fire to your outdoor room. 

Also prominent is the increased use of weathering 

steel, most often the brand Cor-ten, in residential 

landscaping. A corrosion-resistant oxide film on the 

surface of the steel protects it while fostering the 

development of a beautiful rusted patina as the steel 

ages. Its attractive red, orange and russet tones are an 

architectural favourite and increasingly available in 

planters, fire pits, fireplaces, garden bed edging and 

screens to add some rugged beauty to the backyard. 

STIHL BATTERY 

BLOWERS 

STIHL BATTERY 

CHAINSAWS 

STIHL BATTERY 

MOWERS 

STIHL SHOP Fosters - 559 Blenheim Road, Sockburn, Christchurch - Ph: 03-343-6339 

STIHL SHOP Northwood - 554 Main North Road, Belfast, Christchurch - Ph: 03-974-2469 

STIHL SHOP Rangiora - Corner Lineside and Station Road - Ph: 03-313-3398 

www.stihlshopchristchurch.co.nz 

ALL STORES OPEN 7 DAYS 

LOVE YOUR LAND

Family is at the very heart of The Mighty 

Staggz operation, the local Oxford, North 

Canterbury business that specialises in 

building unique fibreglass swimming pools. 

It’s what drives husband-and-wife team Quentin and Nicky 

Stagg who, alongside raising their own four boys, are 

passionate about creating a product that can provide endless 

hours – and years – of enjoyment for families like theirs. 

Quentin, who has worked in the industry for more than 15 years 

and has vast experience working with fibreglass, decided that 

in 2017 it was time to go out on his own and create a business 

with a difference. 

“Not only do we see it as a pool, we see our purpose of 

producing and creating an environment where people can 

gather, create long-lasting memories with their loved ones, 

and spend hours unplugging and enjoying their pool. Our 

business represents our family and our passion for building 

and constructing custom-built fibreglass swimming pools, a 

unique one-off design made especially for our clients.” 

Specialising in everything from 25m school pools, to small 

custom-built spas and lagoons, the couple is dedicated to 

creating quality builds and making sure they fit with their 

clients’ needs. Working with The Mighty Staggz also means 

you deal directly with the business owner from start-to-finish, 

eliminating the need for middle men. “With our unique building 

method, we can construct anything you imagine, and we can 

bring it to life,” Quentin says. "We pride ourselves on using 

quality products to establish a stunning result and provide a 

genuine down-to-earth service.” 

Now Supplying 

Custom Built Cedar Hot Tubs 

Mighty Staggz 

Custom Built Pools, 

Spas & Lagoons 

Phone: 028 410 5752 

Email: mightysatggz@yahoo.com 

Web: www.mightystaggz.co.nz 

YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPECIALISTS


Scrumptious Feijoa 

and Coconut Cake 

For lovers of feijoas, Allyson Gofton’s fresh 

fruit cake is heavenly. Not keen on feijoas? 

Allyson suggests substituting another tropical 

fruit such as mango, pineapple or banana. 

PreP time 20 mins 

cook time 1 Hour 

gLAcé icing 

1½ cups icing sugar 

1 teaspoon melted butter, optional 

2–3 tablespoons warm water or milk 

Grated rind and/or juice of a lime or lemon 

Sift the icing sugar into a bowl, add the 

melted butter if using, the rind and then 

beat in sufficient liquid to make a smooth, 

spreadable icing. 

Makes ¾ cup. Keep in an airtight container 

in a cool corner of the kitchen. If not using 

within a day or two, refrigerate until required. 

Allow to come back up to room temperature 

before using. 

recipe extracted 

from the Baker’s 

companion, by 

Allyson gofton, 

published by 

Penguin nZ, rrP$55. 

Photography by 

Lottie Hedley. 

ingredients 

150 grams butter, softened 

1½ cups caster sugar 

4 eggs, at room temperature, separated 

2 cups self-raising flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

2 cups desiccated coconut 

(or 180–200 grams shredded) 

1 cup peeled and well-chopped fresh or bottled feijoas 

1 cup milk or coconut milk 

directions 

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake). Set the rack in the centre 

of the oven. Grease and line the base and sides of a 22–24cm round 

cake tin. 

Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add in the 

egg yolks, beating well until thick and creamy. 

Sift the flour and baking powder together and, using a metal spoon, 

fold into the creamed mixture with the coconut, feijoas and milk or 

coconut milk. 

In a very clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks 

and, using the metal spoon, fold into the cake mixture. Turn into the 

prepared cake tin. 

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into 

the centre comes out clean. Stand in the tin for 10 minutes before 

turning out onto a cake rack to cool completely. 

To serve dust with icing sugar or cover with lime or lemon glacé icing 

and decorate with grated rind of ½ lime or lemon. 

VAriAtions 

Spice up the cake with a little freshly grated ginger or a teaspoon of 

ground ginger, nutmeg, mace, cloves or cardamom, or add the grated 

rind of a lime or lemon.


Taste 

CORNER 

Follow the foodies to Taste Corner at the Home & 

Living Show for delicious flavours from these specialist 

food and beverage producers and importers. 

ATAAHUA WINE 

Ataahua means beautiful, picturesque, 

a place of beauty. It’s a name so 

appropriate to North Canterbury’s 

Waipara Valley, this vineyard and its 

wines alike. At Ataahua, the philosophy 

is to translate and express the beauty of 

the vineyard into wines that people can 

relate to and absolutely enjoy. Handtended 

vines and carefully handcrafted 

wines have produced a range of unique 

and delicious Waipara styles. 

ataahuawine.co.nz 

SPICECRAFT 

SpiceCraft is bringing its 

amazing range of seasonings to 

the Home & Living Show. The 

range includes BBQ rubs and 

smoked and naturally flavoured 

salts that all full flavoured and 

versatile, with a strong New 

Zealand influence. All their 

products are gluten free, nut 

free, vegan and have a depth 

and complexity that will enhance 

any meal. Head on down to 

Taste Corner to have a try or 

grab a spice pack to take home. 

spicecraft.co.nz 

FUDGE COTTAGE 

For decades, The Fudge 

Cottage at Christchurch’s 

historic Arts Centre has been 

handcrafting the finest artisan 

fudge from a traditional family 

recipe. Fresh New Zealand 

milk and cream are combined 

with carefully selected 

natural ingredients to create 

confections that bring a 

smile to the lips of young and 

old alike. With a wide range 

of products, flavours, and 

delightful giftware, you’ll find 

something for everyone at The 

Fudge Cottage. 

fudgecottage.co.nz


EDEN ORCHARDS 

Did you know that cherries have powerful 

antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, 

as well as melatonin that is beneficial to healthy 

sleep? Customers keep coming back for Eden 

Orchard’s 100% Pure Cherry Juice to relieve 

everything from gout and osteoarthritis to 

insomnia. One 750ml bottle has the goodness of 

two kilos of cherries crammed in. The Blenheimbased 

company also makes a Sparkling Cherry 

Drink. Both products have no added sugars, 

preservatives or added flavours. The perfect 

substitute for a glass of wine to finish the day! 

edenorchards.co.nz 

AORAKI LIQUORICE 

Liquorice lovers will be licking their lips at 

Aoraki’s extensive range of tempting sweet 

treats, all made in New Zealand. Naturally they 

have everyone’s faves like Liquorice Allsorts, 

Irish Moss, and Raspberry and Liquorice Bites. 

More of a fudge fan? The Chocolate, Russian 

and Irish Cream combination pottles are very 

popular. The clear pottles are fully recyclable 

and Aoraki also caters to gluten free and 

workplace customers. 

aorakiliquorice.co.nz 

CANNONHILL GOURMET 

Cannonhill Gourmet is a premium boutique 

food producer based in Christchurch. Its ethos 

is quite simple: great quality fresh ingredients 

and delivering the best tasting mayo’s, hummus, 

relish and dips. Their delicious range is made in 

small batches and distributed throughout New 

Zealand. Cannonhill prides itself in keeping its 

products true to their origins, creating simple 

but delicious flavours that are a fabulous 

addition in any food setting. Get stuck in! 

cannonhillgourmet.co.nz 

BRANDHOUSE 

Check out the top shelf products from Brandhouse, a 

New Zealand based international beverage company 

importing high end spirits and wines from around 

the world. Brandhouse also owns Renaissance 

Brewery, is a shareholder in McArthur Ridge Vineyard 

and distribution partner to Caythorpe Family 

Estate. Actively managing and distributing brands 

throughout the world with a real focus on Asia/ 

Pacific, these include Beau Joie Champagne, Lindsay 

Wine Estate Barossa, Medoff Vodka, Royal Dragon 

Vodka, Croizet Cognac and Burmester Port. 

brandhouse.co.nz

Here to help educate about the environmental 

and economic benefits of owning and making the 

obvious choice to go Electric (EV) or Hybrid. 

We have a massive range of competitively priced 

EVs and Hybrids, being one of the largest in NZ! 

HVS Electric Christchurch 

380 Moorhouse Ave, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011 

0800 487 2424 (0800 HVS CHCH) 

www.hvsmotors.com


Ever more 

EVs 

Words Ross Kiddie 

Longevity concerns? Mitsubishi 

incorporates an eight-year/160,000km 

drive battery warranty and a fiveyear/100,000km 

mechanical warranty. 

You know something is changing 

with the way we view vehicles when 

you hear the next James Bond movie 

has agent 007 eluding his foes 

driving an electric motor-powered 

Aston Martin. 

In New Zealand, electric vehicles are also very much the 

talking point. Three years ago, the Government announced 

an electric vehicle programme. It includes measures to 

increase the number of EVs and infrastructure in New 

Zealand, and it has a goal of reaching 64,000 EVs on our 

roads by the end of 2021. 

With the cost of fossil fuel slowly ramping up, now is 

the time to consider alternatives. There will be a plethora 

of new electric and hybrids landing as battery technology 

aligns with the resources needed to boost production 

globally. Already New Zealand buyers can choose from 

a multitude of electric or hybrid models – from the preowned 

Nissan Leaf to a brand new sport performance 

Tesla. These, along with the three models reviewed here, 

are just the tip of the iceberg and as economies of scale 

kick-in, prices are becoming much more affordable. 

Mitsubishi Outlander PheV 

Like most modern hybrids, the PHEV has a fast charge 

connection and AC charging socket that offers both the 

ability to charge overnight (6.5 hours from empty), along with 

fast charging from the nationwide roadside network. 

Its hybrid system is true hybrid. Under the bonnet sits 

a four-cylinder, 2-litre engine rated at 88kW. It’s there to 

charge the batteries when they run low, as well as providing 

drive if there is no charge available. These functions are 

available to the driver at will, there are console-mounted 

buttons to either save battery charge or charge batteries 

through forced introduction of the petrol engine. 

The PHEV is capable of returning some amazing fuel 

usage statistics through varying drive modes –1.7-litres per 

100km (166mpg) can’t be ruled out for your daily commute, 

given the right circumstances. Electric propulsion is the 

priority but if you drive on petrol power the Outlander 

PHEV is good for almost 600km on a full tank. 

An overnight charge will cost around $3, depending on 

your service provider, and it is good for a 54km journey. On a 

fast charge station expect a 20-minute time frame to charge 

from zero to 80 per cent. 

There’s been a common misconception that you need to 

drive hybrids long distances to recapture the cost of purchase. 

That’s now not the case with the Outlander PHEV. It comes 

from a seriously good price of $50,990 (XLS), and it would 

most definitely be my choice.


hyundai KOna eV 

The Kona EV liftback is a fully electric 

vehicle. Its controls and layout of the console 

and dash area are quite different to that in 

a standard car. Notably, there are four push 

buttons for the direct drive transmission – 

drive, reverse, park and neutral. There are also 

paddle shifters; well, they don’t really shift 

gears, they simply add or reduce drag on 

the electric motor to promote the feeling of 

gearing. 

There are also several drive modes to 

increase or lower a sporty feel. Full power 

is available instantly, and with 395Nm of 

torque on tap, the Kona EV feels feisty. 

There’s also 150kW of power available 

which, if you stack up against a petrol engine, 

is biased towards sporty. 

But there’s no trade-off in terms of 

range; the Kona EV has a claimed travelling 

distance of up to 480km between charges, 

thanks to the number of latest generation 

Lithium-ion Polymer technology batteries 

and 64kWh of storage. 

The only downside of such capacity is 

the charge time; to fully charge from empty 

takes around nine hours, or 43 hours from a 

three-pin plug wall socket. Most drivers don’t 

let the batteries go that low, and with the 

number of charging stations being installed 

nationwide, that needn’t be an issue. 

Part of Hyundai’s comprehensive electric car range, 

the Kona utilises the Ioniq’s electric componentry. 

Kia nirO hybrid 

The Korean-sourced Niro is a mid-sized SUV with price, practicality and economy 

on its side. It lands here as a low and high grade hybrid – EX ($39,990 and Limited 

($43,990) – along with a plug-in totally electric model ($55,990), the same system 

as utilised by Hyundai in the Kona (below). 

The hybrid system utilises a conventional four-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engine 

and a Toyota Prius-type electric motor operating system which drives through a 

direct shift automatic transmission. 

Kia’s hybrid system is rated at 77kW and 170Nm with extra power (32kW) 

available from electric energy stored in the batteries and distributed alongside petrol 

power. The petrol engine is utilised for drive to the front wheels and generating 

power for the batteries which, in turn, is then transmitted to the electric motor to 

provide additional drive. 

When I picked up the evaluation vehicle it was showing an almost 900km to 

empty reading, which suggests it is going to go long distances between fill-ups. It 

was reading a 5.5l/100km (50mpg) average when I took it back to the dealership, 

that sits well with Kia’s combined cycle claim of 4.4l/100km (64mpg). 

Niro feels immediately comfortable and energetic and, when 

you need mid-range power, the flow of electric current provides 

a solid feeling of acceleration.

The Subaru SUV Range. 

From 

$ 

34,990 * +ORC 

2.0 

LITRE 

Our SUVs are the definition of extra: A low slung Boxer engine 

and All-Wheel Drive as standard on every Subaru provides extra 

handling and capability, EyeSight ® clever crash avoidance 

technology keeps you extra safe, and a long history of performance 

engineering means every Subaru is extra awesome. 

Book a test drive at 161 St Asaph Street 

Christchurch, 8011 

Call us today on 0800 004 063 

*Recommended Retail Price for the Subaru XV is from $34,990, Subaru Forester is from $39,990 and Subaru Outback is from 

$44,990. All RRP’s include GST and exclude on-road costs and accessories. Subaru XV is shown with roof racks which are an 

additional accessory. 

ARMSTRONG MOTOR GROUP | 161 ST ASAPH STEET, CHRISTCHURCH 8011 

0800 004 063 | ARMSTRONGMOTORGROUP.COM

Home & Leisure Show: July 01, 2019

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