Serenity meets day-to-day

Designed by Darren O'Neil & Jacinda Shirley, O'Neil + Architecture

From the architect:

Owner brief

The brief called for a private, resort-inspired home that felt calm, serene, and secluded. 

It needed to support the lifestyle of a growing family, offer strong and seamless connection to the outdoors, and utilise natural materials in a refined and restrained way. 

The aesthetic was to be clean and minimal, while also delivering a sense of warmth, comfort, and permanence.

Site and contextual response

The house is sited on a generous, private section in the outer suburbs of Christchurch. 

Surrounded by established trees, the home is positioned to maximise light, privacy, and connection to nature – while maintaining a strong sense of enclosure and retreat.

The expansive single-level layout takes full advantage of the site’s scale, allowing the floor plan to be pulled apart and take up space. 

By doing this, we introduced a series of interesting spatial moments, sheltered courtyards, and curated view shafts.

Architecture and materiality

The architecture is contemporary, confident, and timeless. 

One of the home’s defining features is its opposing raking rooflines, which create a striking silhouette and add sculptural volume to the interiors. 

These forms allow for clerestory glazing that draws in natural light and frames elevated views of the surrounding trees and sky.

Material selections have been deliberately restrained. 

Cedar cladding will silver over time, blending into the natural backdrop. 

Internally, a palette of soft, earthy tones, moody accents, and rich timber textures brings a grounded elegance to the home. 

The result is warm and layered, while still feeling resolved.

Designed for family life

Every element of the home is designed to support a growing family. 

The home offers spatial clarity and flow, with shared zones that promote togetherness and private wings that allow for retreat.  

At its heart, the open-plan living area – anchored by a kitchen of timeless materiality and thoughtful detailing – extends seamlessly to a series of outdoor living zones, equally suited to entertaining, relaxing, or the rhythm of everyday life.

One of the more unique and inviting spaces is the outdoor sunken BBQ area adjacent to the terrace. 

Recessed slightly below the main floor level, it provides an entertaining area that’s both protected and relaxed.

Aesthetic and atmosphere

The home’s form is simple and deliberate, sloping ceilings draw in natural light, while the use of texture, material, and proportion creates spaces that feel both open and comfortable.

Two of the home’s most memorable moments are found at the entry and in the master ensuite. 

As you arrive, the slanted roof appears to float above a sculptural glass box, framed by a dramatic stone wall, which looks particularly beautiful lit up at night.

Inside, the master ensuite offers a serene view into a private landscaped courtyard with a large rock water feature. 

Thoughtful design and natural materials come together to elevate the everyday into something calm and spa-like.

There is a balance throughout – between openness and privacy, structure and softness, scale and simplicity. 

The result is a home that feels calm, grounded, and easy to live in.

Conclusion

This home is a thoughtful and lasting response to the brief – offering a sense of calm, strong connections to the outdoors, and a clear architectural vision. 

It meets the needs of modern family living while providing the feel of a private retreat. 

Story by: Trendsideas