Light Footed House

With Abodo Tundra Cladding, this home at the base of the Port Hills near Christchurch is designed for minimal impact on the land and environment, while creating a comfortable and considered home for a family of five.

Designed by homeowners Hollie and Tom Norman, both interior designers, this family home near Christchurch is designed with a deep respect for the land and a love of family life. Rested lightly on timber piles rather than a concrete foundation, the home’s simple rectangular form makes it as seismically sound as possible in this quake-prone part of New Zealand, while providing plenty of space for family interaction.

With sustainability at the forefront of the couple’s minds, the angle of the roof was governed by the rooftop solar array, and tanks were installed to recycle rainwater and greywater on site. When it came to materials, the couple chose Tundra Cladding finished with a silicate coating for the exterior of the home, partly driven by their wish to follow the guidelines set out by The Living Building Challenge.

“Being free from red list chemicals, Abodo timbers are compliant with these guidelines,” says Tom. “We loved the way the timber blended in with the surrounding colours in the natural environment, such as the tussocks that grow on the Port Hills.”