Northwest Family Home – Christchurch
POLISH SETTLER HOUSE
Set in the northern suburbs of Christchurch, this 185m² family home was designed with one clear priority: to create the warmest, healthiest living environment possible, while staying firmly within budget. The result is a smart, energy-efficient home that proves comfort, performance, and cost-conscious design can go hand in hand.
The site’s natural orientation allowed for a sleek gable-form home that makes the most of its northwest aspect. Every element of the design was carefully considered to support thermal performance and indoor air quality. High insulation levels are paired with thermally broken aluminium joinery and high-performance low-E glazing, helping to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature year-round. Large, north-facing sliding doors maximise passive solar gain during the cooler months, while a removable shade sail offers summer protection from overheating.
The home also incorporates an external hot water heat pump system and a ducted heat pump for space heating and cooling. An integrated, balanced heat recovery ventilation system ensures fresh, filtered air throughout the home—supporting a dry, healthy environment for the family all year round.
Despite its modest footprint, the layout makes exceptional use of space, with no area wasted. Thoughtful planning delivers the functionality of a much larger home, wrapped in a low-maintenance, modern exterior that complements the suburban context.
