The Supreme Winner Of The Gerard Roofing System Design Awards

2001 saw the introduction of the Harvey Roofing System Design Awards. With the combining of the Harvey and Gerard brands the awards are now offered under the Gerard banner. The award winner continues to be selected by majority votes from all sectors of the building industry and interested members of the public and as such represents a balanced view of universal appeal.

The 4 Hectacre site on a busy thoroughfare on the Northern outskirts of Christchurch stands at the entrance to the luxury Clearwater Golf Resort and affords magnificent views toward the Port Hills to the East and to the Southern Alps to the North West.

The home had to fulfill two roles:
- that of a family home with 4 bedrooms, a study, 3 bathrooms and a family living room plus a large office with private stair access (over the triple garage).
- and that of a top quality home stay offering 3 guest bedrooms with ensuite facilities and formal dining room.  The establishing olive grove and vineyard on the site dictated a ‘French Chateau’ feel to the home.

To satisfy the brief we designed a 40m long rectangle with branched staircase opening to a central guest lounge and balcony to separated family and guest facilities.  Behind the staircase an 8m long kitchen and conservatory offer a natural and informal meeting place for guests and family alike.  A third staircase gives everyday access to the family quarters.   The symmetrical design allowed all rooms to have panoramic views to the Southern Alps and French doors opening to sun drenched balconies or terraces.

The use of a lightweight Harvey (Gerard) Colortile with the barrel trim allowed for the double pitch flaring of the roof to emphasise the ‘French Style’. This was further reinforced by choosing ‘Ocean Blue’ as the colour.