Dimension Building brings an architectural vision to life in the Canterbury high country.

WORDS Cassie Doherty PHOTOGRAPHY David Young

Structurally, this home was as interesting as it was challenging, say Richard and Summer Phiskie, owners of Timaru-based Dimension Building, of this recently completed high-country build. It is seemingly simple in its architecture, and deliberately so. The forms and materials are purposeful, grounding the home in the rugged landscape and instilling a sense of calm.

It’s the kind of considered, complex design that appeals to Richard and Summer as architectural build specialists. “We both have a genuine love for design,” says Summer. “Our DMs to each other are constantly filled with architecture and interiors, and over the past decade we’ve built more than a few homes together.”

But the pair say the projects they value most aren’t simply reflections of good taste: they’re the ones where strong relationships are built, the client’s brief is understood from the outset, and the vision is woven seamlessly into the home alongside enduring design principles and quality craftsmanship.

In this case, says Summer, it was about the architecture by Barry Connor Architectural Design and interiors by Michelle Lamb Interior Architecture. “The design talent shone through from day one. They’re both incredibly genuine and collaborative, and the home they created speaks volumes about their skill and vision.”

The striking structure is surprisingly versatile, just as easily accommodating two people as 10. It’s mainly constructed using off-form concrete panels to provide the main structural walls, giving a look that Barry Connor describes as bold and dynamic.

Sophisticated joinery creates clever storage solutions throughout the house, all crafted by Joinery Concepts.

Luxurious furnishings include the blue velvet Togo Fireside Chair, a distinctive 1970s design classic available in New Zealand from Ligne Roset.

Complex footings anchor the house securely into the land, while those board-pressed concrete tilt panels and timber battens give it a tactile, hand-crafted quality that is intended to weather and age gracefully. The dynamic angles create drama, as does the interior palette with dark joinery, rich stone, deep colours and warm textures.

“Building in the high country demands a lot of forward planning and organisation,” says Summer. “You need to be flexible in some ways, but absolutely locked in and uncompromising in others. Weather is always a factor, and it would be easy to let that dictate our timelines. Our crew don’t, though. If it snows, they grab a shovel and get on with it. They’re genuine high-country blokes with a can-do attitude and exacting standards, and their dedication to quality and craftsmanship was the driving force behind the successful execution of this build.”

Both Barry and Michelle are impressed by the outcome. “This project had its fair share of technical challenges, but working closely with the Dimension Building team meant we could tackle things head-on and find the right solutions along the way,” says Barry. He says the interior fit-out is particularly outstanding. “A lot of time was spent on site working through the finer details, and that collaborative approach paid off. You simply can’t draw everything on a build like this, so developing and refining things together on site was key. In the end, it all came together really well and the result is a home that feels tailored, resolved and right for the setting — a great outcome for the clients.”

Michelle agrees. “The clients are a fun, young family with exquisite taste. They appreciate good quality, which is why there are so many beautiful, timeless pieces. Their style is very refined, so we used high-quality finishes throughout. Working with Dimension Building was great. They are big on communication, which was key to the success of this project given that Barry and I were in Christchurch.”

The tiles on the walls and floors in the bathrooms are Ascot Gemstone in Ivory, from Brymac Tiles. The refined veining and unique texture echoes the outlooks of the ever-changing landscape.

Richard and Summer enjoyed the collaboration. “Working with this power duo was an absolute pleasure. Michelle brought an incredible eye for detail. Every texture, tone and finish was intentional, adding layers of richness to the home without disturbing its sense of calm. Barry listened deeply to the clients, shaping spaces that felt both generous and intimate, and always keeping the budget and context front of mind. Together, they created a design language that flowed seamlessly from the architecture through to the interiors, and our role was to honour that vision with the same care in craftsmanship and execution. It was a true collaboration, and you can feel that harmony in every part of the finished home.”

The result is an award-winner for Dimension Building, with the project a regional category winner, Top 100 and a gold award winner at the 2025 Master Builders House of the Year awards. The judges described this home as “an expansive retreat that pairs architectural strength with restful simplicity”: a sentiment that Summer says captures it perfectly.

Achieving that balance is no small feat.

“From our perspective as builders, we couldn’t be prouder of the finished home,” says Summer. “It’s one of those projects where every element, from the structure through to the smallest detail, feels considered and beautifully resolved. There’s a real satisfaction in seeing the craftsmanship up close; the way the materials meet, the precision in the finishes, and how the home sits so comfortably in its surroundings. We love that it’s not just striking to look at, but feels effortless to live in.
It’s a home that will stand the test of time, both in quality and in spirit.”