Cost-effective rebuild option showcased

The showhome, dubbed “The Cantabrian” has been developed specifically to be built on challenging post-earthquake terrain in Christchurch.

It is being billed as a solution for owners of land zoned TC3, the most badly affected outside the red zone. It is constructed of lighter-weight materials, with specially engineered foundations but is designed to be more cost-effective than other rebuild options.

The house design is the result of a competition launched last year by Southern Response, the Government-owned company responsible for settling claims by AMI policyholders for Canterbury earthquake damage which occurred before AMI was sold to IAG.

The competition, run in association with the New Zealand Institute of Architects, called for particular consideration to be given to the challenges of building on TC3 land, the structural integrity of the house in the event of further seismic activity and for the design to incorporate the principles of modern living.

The winning design came from Nelson-based architect Richard Sellars.

“We were initially inspired by the Queenslander, which is a style of house built for the Queensland conditions. We wanted to develop something that was appropriate for the prevailing conditions here in Canterbury,” said Peter Rose, Southern Response chief executive.

“What began as a technical response to building on vulnerable land developed into a very real solution for safer, smarter and more secure houses for Cantabrians.”

Southern Response translated the design into a concept home designed to offer inspiration to other Cantabrians.  The St Albans site is open to visitors every day except Sunday, between midday and 2pm.

“The competition provided me with the opportunity to design a warm, comfortable, light-filled home for the people of my home town. I have employed three key principles in this design; Light, simplicity and spatial comfort. These are qualities that I would want to live with,” Sellars said.

“I was inspired to enter because I believe that every house, no matter how small the budget or footprint, should be well-designed and placed carefully on the land.”

Construction of The Cantabrian began in late 2013. Its site is representative of a typical TC3 site, in terms of its shape and geotechnical performance.

The Cantabrian concept home design has pre-approved building consent, which delivers greater efficiency in the build process and a shorter construction period overall.

The concept can be built anywhere in New Zealand, requiring only site-specific foundation and services details to be consented by the local authority.