Located in Christchurch, New Zealand this striking home stands in the place of a building demolished after the 2011 earthquake. The owners rescued the original trusses and hired the MC Architecture Studio to use the beams as a main feature of the new house. Thus, Kingswood became more than just a dream home. “The house has been designed to expose the big steel structure and bracing elements in order to provide a sense of safety in reflection to the dramatic event of the 2011, and it has been used to give a visual rhythm to interior, otherwise too dispersive space,” the architects explain.
The open-plan spaces have a loft-like atmosphere with industrial as well as rustic accents. The trusses now feature rusted metal plates and exposed bolts. Wooden doors and floors, tiles in dark or light tones, plants and eclectic furniture create a chic yet homey interior. At the back of the building, the sheltered space offers privacy and directs attention towards the central living room. On the southern façade, a large window that overlooks the port provides beautiful views of the nearby hills and harbor. Photography by Mick Stephenson.