A young family built a home in Christchurch that is a red-hot favourite with them
Meet & Greet
Myles Laing (managing director, Laing Properties), Lucinda Laing (dental assistant), and Mackenzie, eight months.
The Design
Myles Laing is no stranger to building houses. As the managing director of construction company Laing Properties it is his job. He’s also built two of his own homes before, but this is the first time he and Lucinda have built together in the Halswell suburb of Christchurch. PXA Architects helped refine the couple’s concept to build their three-bedroom 209sqm house, which on the inside feels like “being on holiday in the Coromandel, Byron Bay and Bali, with a light, beachy theme to the interior,” says Lucinda.
Impressed by Christchurch’s retail complex The Tannery, an old, repurposed brick factory, Lucinda suggested having a similar red brick exterior, juxtaposed with modern vertical Linea Oblique Weatherboard by James Hardie. Even better, by using recycled bricks they made savings over any replica alternatives.
The Materials
The couple decided on a simple, uncomplicated design to keep costs down, but by utilising striking recycled red brick with vertical Linea Oblique Weatherboard by James Hardie the exterior is dramatic “The staggered Linea Oblique width [200mm and 300mm] installation provides the point of difference, moving away from the traditional sequence of wide/narrow,” explains Lucinda. It’s something the Laing’s company recommend to clients who want a modern vertical profile cladding that is easy to maintain.
The Interior
The lofty ceilings, large windows and open-plan living helps create a sense of ease and space in Myles and Lucinda’s home. The couple played this up by using a crisp palette of white and timber tones to create a calm environment and simulate that “on holiday” vibe they craved. Warmth was also vital for them and they didn’t compromise on this – their home has a number of large windows to bring in natural warmth, plenty of insulation and a fully ducted heating system with individual temperature controls.
The Outdoors
Part of what attracted them to the area was being so close to the surrounding hills and great walks so that they felt rural while still being in touch with the central city. The outside is important to the couple and, as such, they created a low maintenance garden with trees and shrubs of contrasting colours against the black fence line. The small family lawn with raised vegetable beds and built-in barbecue area is just the spot to entertain their great neighbours and friends that are close by, as well as playing with their daughter. “This is our family home where we feel relaxed to be ourselves and grow as a family.”
Get this look with exterior cladding Linea Oblique Weatherboard by James Hardie – for more inspiration visit www.jameshardie.co.nz
EXPERT PROJECTS
Create the home of your dreams with Shop Your Home and Garden
SHOP NOW
