Christchurch architectural firm Curtis Architecture is working hard to raise industry standards with a focus on getting Kiwis into energy-efficient and high performance homes, and ensuring concept plans make it to reality by utilising the ABC principle of architecture.
The ABC theory has the architectural designer, builder, and client collaborating to come up with solutions to suit the client and their budget.
Curtis Architecture even gets involved with clients before they buy a site, to make sure the project starts off feasible. Once design starts, the company puts stops in place to make sure it remains feasible all the way to completion, saving clients both time and money.
“A lot of really uncool things have happened to clients in this industry, so we have changed our role to become really client focused and client driven, ensuring we care for our clients right the way through their project,” says Curtis Architecture creative director Casey Curtis.
She says while collaboration is the number one key to creating successful projects, second is the passion for energy efficiency her firm has.
“People look at building code standards as a target to meet, but it’s really the worst possible construction you can legally get away with, and we are failing the community and society by doing that.
“If we can educate our clients on energy efficient design, use different methods, and strive to create airtight homes, we can go a long way towards saving the country a lot of money. If you live in a warm and dry home, there is less sickness and lower power bills.”
She says some energy efficient methods don’t even affect the budget, such as the position of the home to the sun to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Then in the structure of the home, there is more than one way of creating an airtight envelope, allowing clients with varying budgets to still achieve a level of energy efficiency.
For a recent project on the low slopes of Westmorland, a Formance SIPs panel home, the builder was also the client, Blue Summit Construction senior construction manager Tom Cunningham.
The communication was open and effective from day one to completion. Maximising the tricky hill site was an important aspect of the project in order to catch both the views and the sun.
The home needed to be simple in form for cost effectiveness but still look architectural, so Curtis Architecture designed a single roof line and an offset gable to provide two angles.
“Tom did a lot of the labour himself, it was awesome to see his craftsmanship shine through,” says Casey.
“His fiancée Penny did a lot of the interior design, and it was amazing to see their hard work pay off at the end of the project.”
This article was brought to you in association with the following businesses…
- Nulook Canterbury
- Thompsons Air Conditioning
- Finishing Touch Decorators
- Entire Electrical Solutions
