Clifton Hill House

Originally designed by Austrian Architect Ernst Killnan in 1965 this modernist house commands spectacular views from Clifton Hill, over the Pacific Ocean and Christchurch City

HMA were commissioned to redesign the interior of this former bach, converting it to a permanent residence. The layout has been re ordered to provide more open plan over both levels. This has been achieved by streamlining the circulation, and allowing the entry, study, kitchen and bedrooms to borrow from the circulation zones through large timber and glass sliding doors. Built-in joinery units and new wall and ceiling panelling further define the spaces and circulation routes, using a restrained palette of materials including Blackwood and Tasmanian Ash timber veneer, full height glass, and natural black mild steel. Large format black porcelain tiles cover floors throughout. Careful attention has been given to providing a warm crafted interior, combined with the refurbishment of some of the original design elements, including an elegant suspended timber staircase.