Te Kōrari Home

There is a sense of nourishment and protection in the bones of Te Kōrari house. Designed by Performance Architecture for a young family and located on a quiet cul-de-sac, much of the home’s calming essence comes down to the look and feel of its exterior, which is anchored by Lichen coloured Metalcraft Espan 340 roofing and upper level cladding. The linear nature of this profile pairs precisely with the warm, vertical cedar and pale brickwork on the lower level, which adds timeless, textural variety.

“The roof and upper walls create a crisp, contemporary silhouette that complements the home’s simple gable forms and natural surroundings,” says Dan McCormick of Performance Architecture. “COLORSTEEL® was selected for its durability, low maintenance, and ability to age gracefully, making it ideally suited to the demands of family life and the coastal Canterbury environment.”

The layout is centred around a circulation spine that connects sheltered outdoor spaces with communal and private zones, lending natural light deep into the plan while helping with energy efficiency. Both indoors and out, materials take on a crafted, integrated look, with soft, warm timber floors and pale interior walls lifted by window and door joinery that has been colour-matched with the COLORSTEEL® Lichen exterior.

Vertical timber screens echo those seen outside, while built-in window seats and wide, easy connections between rooms provide for flowing movement and a sense of whimsy. Ceilings are pitched for lofty airiness in the open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, while bedrooms and the main bathroom are tucked upstairs to delineate between social and private zones.

Completed in 2024, Te Kōrari was recognised with a 2025 ADNZ Highly Commended Award in the Residential New Home category. With its cleanly detailed, warm atmosphere, the enduring design makes for a home that can grow with its residents, allowing space to play, retreat and connect for years to come.