Balmoral Ōtautahi

Balmoral Ōtautahi – Where Beauty Meets Performance

Balmoral Ōtautahi redefines sustainable luxury on a stunning Port hills site in Ōtautahi Christchurch –  framing panoramic vistas of the sea, the city and the Southern Alps beyond, with uncompromised performance, resilience, and comfort.
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Design Vision
Built on the footprint of a quake‑demolished home, this exemplar Superhome (designed by Bob Burnett Architecture and built by Dan Saunders Construction) illustrates how something exceptional can be created out of adversity. Catalysed with world class sustainability and elegant architectural innovation - Its striking split‑roof form captures light and stumming views and creates an uplifting vibe, while concealing a high‑performance envelope of thick, airtight walls with triple glassed European windows and elegant super-insulated warm roof.

Structural & Seismic Integrity
Earthquake Friendly cross‑laminated timber (CLT) combined with the super-insulated membrane roof system creates a ‘Warm Roof’. The structural solid timber panels exposed on the underside double as the beautiful visual ceilings to create organic Japandi‑style timber interiors.
Concrete block walls and a mid‑floor slab harness thermal mass and integrate hydronic underfloor heating for luxurious, consistent, comfortable warmth with minimal energy input.

Thermal Performance & Energy Efficiency
The home’s envelope uses super‑insulated, thermal‑bridge‑free design. Triple‑glazed European uPVC joinery provides high comfort while framing the breath‑taking views.
Heat recovery ventilation ensures healthy indoor air, while hydronic underfloor heating and towel rails provide understated integrated warmth.
Solar PV panels, battery storage, heatpump hot water, and continuous insulation combine to drive energy efficiency and a low‑carbon future while providing supreme comfort.

Sustainable Materials & Carbon Reduction
A warm‑roof system by SealCo and thick, airtight walls minimize thermal bridging and maximize durability .
Eco‑friendly concrete: foundations use Firth EcoMix low‑carbon concrete, lowering embodied carbon by 40%.
The project’s organic interiors integrate natural, recyclable, low toxicity materials to foster wellbeing and connect occupants with nature.

Flexibility & Wellbeing
Designed to suit multigenerational living, Balmoral Ōtautahi features a “2‑in‑1” layout: two semi‑independent zones offering privacy or connection when you want it.
Inspired by Japandi aesthetics, abundant natural light, cross‑ventilation, and organic materials promote serenity and mental wellness.
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Why It Matters for Your Next Project
Exemplar for resilience: Rebuilding stronger. Site of an Earthquake‑demolished home, transformed into a blueprint for seismic safety and performance.
High performance meets architecture: It’s not just about saving energy—it’s about elevating spatial experience through thoughtful beautiful design.
Credible innovation: Highlighted by Superhome Movement experts as an exemplar of super sustainable living.
Represents the future of sustainable, resilient, family‑oriented homes that stand the test of time.
Balmoral Ōtautahi exemplifies what the future of residential architecture can be: resilient, high-performing, beautifully crafted, future-ready. It’s an inspiring platform for clients and collaborators ready to push boundaries and make a meaning.

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