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2021 GFD 🏆 Awards

Winner | Concrete Copper Home | South Architects

With a beautiful outlook towards the stream in suburban Christchurch, this home enjoys a natural material palette of concrete, copper and timber.

Global Future Design Awards 2022: Discounted Entries Open Now! Save $50
Super Early Discount – 20th October 2021 to 30th December 2021 – $199 = $149

🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2021

Concrete Copper Home
Residential Architecture Built 

Firm
South Architects

Architect/Designer
Craig South

Design Team
Craig South, Stephen Goodenough

Location
Christchurch, New Zealand

Country
New Zealand

Photographer/Copyright
©Craig South

The client wanted the home to be “gezellig”, which can be described as cozy, convivial, fun, a nice atmosphere, or the general togetherness that gives a warm feeling. This can apply as a couple, or to a large group gathering. The home was designed to be lived in as a single level home (for the couple) but able to accommodate the extended family (first floor sleeping accomodation).

Lineal concrete forms are staggered along the site giving occupants access to sun throughout the day, held together by the sculptural roof. The copper raises from the ground at the entry in the West stretching up over the living spaces to encapsulate the first floor sleeping quarters in the East. The copper form is extruded front to back, exposing an undercroft of rich timber throughout.

The materials were selected as part of a palette which will age naturally as time goes by.

A combination of timber and steel construction formed the roof, with ply lining creating the curves. Both precast and insitu (ceilings) concrete construction was used.

Northern outlook was the key feature of the site, towards the stream boundary. The overhanging roof forms to manage the impact of the solar gain into the depth of the home (whilst still giving occupants views of the canopies of the surrounding trees) and to create a level of comfort in the home without the need for mechanical cooling.

The western external sheltered courtyard, gave adequate shading to the living spaces, reducing the affect of the western sun on the living spaces.

Solid concrete walls were designed to absorb solar energy and to release in the evening.

Insulated concrete floor in the Living space, and exposed to the north, meant it could work as thermal mass, as would the adjoining walls.

Insulated concrete panels were used to give the raw material aesthetic, as well as the ability to absorb heat. This would help manage a constant internal temperature.


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