Oamaru Farmhouse I

Renovations to a 1960 family farmhouse following the 2011 Canterbury earthquake. The poor ground conditions of the site prompted a careful rethink of the plan of the house and outdoor areas – simply replacing the damaged section of the house would have proven unviable.

The low pitch of the roof, which defines the existing house, is repeated over a new pavilion housing living and formal dining spaces. A cedar-clad link between this pavilion and the existing spaces connects old and new. A new parking area orients visitors to a central entrance. The reordered layout also frames the existing courtyard and embraces the adjacent Oamaru stone outbuilding and aviary, enhancing the rural views.