There is much to learn from other cities when it comes to our green spaces. Landscape architect Tony Milne shares his insights following a recent European visit.
All in Expert Advice
A cut above
The team from expert deck builders, The Decking Guys, bring expertise, attention to detail and a focus on quality craftsmanship to each of their outdoor living projects.
Flexible fabrics
Advances in fabric technology mean we have a lot more to choose from when selecting fabrics for outdoor areas or that sun-drenched window seat, says Abode's resident interior designer, Sarah Eaton, of Tailormade Space.
Functioning with style
When it comes to kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, the experienced team from Ellen Estate Interiors believes these areas should be highly functional and also completed with style.
Seeing is believing
Abode's kitchen design expert, Nicky Claridge of NC Design, talks to us about the increasing demand for the warmth and beauty of timber in the kitchen. Thanks to some new products on the market, achieving this look has never been more accessible or more affordable.
Welcome Home
Your entryway or mudroom is a pretty significant spot in your house. It’s the first point of contact with the place you call home – a spot to sit down, take off your shoes, and ease into the relaxed, at-home version of yourself.
Creating a cohesive interior
Abode’s resident interior designer, Sarah Eaton of Tailormade Space, highlights the importance of considering the big picture when planning your interior.
Keep warm, stay healthy
Even when built to code, New Zealand homes perform poorly when compared to homes in other countries and, as Abode’s architectural expert, Greg Young explains, the hidden cost is our health.
A tough exterior
Permanent materials used to be a real selling point. Abode’s architectural expert, Greg Young, asks why New Zealanders have moved away from low maintenance cladding.
Plugged in to outdoor living
Abode’s Landscape architecture expert Tony Milne looks at how technology is creeping into our landscape and garden space.
A den for everyone
This beautiful serene space has been created as an inviting and comfortable escape that’s refreshingly gender-neutral.
Waste not
Lately, household waste has become a hot topic in the kitchen design world and with the recent ban on single-use plastic bags, and a renewed push to reduce, reuse and recycle, planning how to take care of your household rubbish has become a vital part of any design solution.
Superhome Movement Tours
The goal of the Superhome Movement is to mitigate the effects of housing on the environment by normalising healthier, resource-efficient homes which utilise renewable and passive energy, collect and reuse rainwater and minimise waste. The Movement provides open source sharing of new design ideas, technologies and building techniques, by connecting leading experts in the industry with each other and the wider community.
Where there’s smoke
People have used various techniques to remove smoke from their homes for thousands of years, Abode’s architecture expert, Greg Young, muses on the endurance of the chimney as an architectural feature.
Inside out
Abode’s Landscape architecture expert Tony Milne discovers that indoor-outdoor flow is not such a new concept after all.
Work of art
An exploration of artistic textiles by Sarah Eaton of Tailormade Space, Abode’s resident interior designer
To repair or not to repair
Abode’s architectural expert Greg Young discusses the pros and cons of Christchurch’s newest housing phenomenon, the ‘as is where is’ home.
Is native the new green
Abode’s Landscape architecture expert Tony Milne ponders New Zealander’s preoccupation with maintaining green, manicured grass and suggests the possibility of a new approach to the Kiwi lawn.
Your dream home sorted
Within weeks of establishing their new company, My Build Sorted has received a wave of positive feedback from industry professionals and happy homeowners alike, which continues to build momentum.