Not shaken, not stirred

This homestead replaces another destroyed by earthquake – a solid concrete base, timber framing and light weatherboard cladding safeguard the new home's future

The main living space has a timber ceiling

The design comprises three roofed forms containing different

The three areas of the home are connected

Looking from the entry/library lobby into the main

The generous billiard room space includes an office

The new homestead (seen here from the rear)

The billiard room and main living space both

Designed by Chris Wilson, Wilson and Hill Architects

From the architect:

The site is long and rectangular with views to the north and large gum trees to the south.

The nearest boundary is 5km away so no site constraints were encountered.

Some planting to the north has been removed to open up the expansive northern views over the farm and surrounding mountains.

The house is located on the site of the old homestead and the driveway access has been relocated from the north side of the site to the south so the new house would open onto a new lawn and ha-ha (a type of sunken fence).

The house is a rebuild following the destruction of the previous house by the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016.

The owners wanted to rebuild a new home that would serve as a new homestead for the next 100 years.

Timber framing was the preferred construction method due to its ability to withstand future earthquakes.

The design response is three roofed forms containing different functional areas of the house.

These are linked by a central entrance hall which features a collection of the owner’s books.

The main living space has a timber ceiling and scissor trusses giving an expensive open feel.

Elements of the old homestead have been used throughout the house to connect it back to the farm's history – these include fire surrounds, timber panelling and lead-light windows.

As with any home, the owner had a large input into the design – in this case, the entire family was consulted as the owner’s sons and daughters and their families use the house in weekends and during holidays.

The cladding is timber weatherboards – a lightweight solution, again to withstand future earthquakes – while the building sits on a concrete slab with a series of grand beams which provide a very strong foundation.