HIGH & MIGHTY

A Christchurch home on a steep site required an innovative design, which meant plenty of sharp angles

The home Nick and Marie Parsons built on the hills of Mount Pleasant gives no hint of what is to come on approaching its simple cedar-and-plaster facade. Accessed by a level bridge, once inside the views across the estuary to the Southern Alps are breathtaking.

When the couple decided to move from their bush-clad Cashmere home and build closer to family, they wanted a space that didn't feel cavernous but was cosy and apartment-like, with a decent-sized kitchen, hidden pantry and generous bathroom.

"We've got our living and bedroom on one level, then we've got my office, storage and the guest bedroom downstairs," says Marie.