Perched above the restless ocean, this home opens to light and sea. Sun-warmed spaces, soft shadows, and panoramic vistas awaken the senses and soothe the soul. It’s a place designed for real life and generous living, in a location the owners already knew and loved. Read our clients’ story below . . .
Scarborough House – A Coastal Home for the Next Chapter
You might relate to this project if you…
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Love where you live and want a long-term home that truly suits you
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Are drawn to dramatic sites but wary of the constraints and risks
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Want everyday comfort and easy entertaining, not just a showpiece
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Value a thorough, well-managed process from first feasibility checks to final handover
Project at a glance
Location: Scarborough, Christchurch
Project type: New home on a hillside site
Key priorities: Long-term home, panoramic sea views, sun, sheltered outdoor living, separate workspaces
Key outcomes: Warm, light-filled home with multiple outdoor spaces, reliable sun and shelter, and a carefully managed build process
Staying in a Place They Loved
Grant and Sarah had lived in their Scarborough home for 14 years. They loved the neighbourhood and community, and weren’t looking to leave. When a nearby site became available, it felt like a rare chance to create the home they’d always imagined on the hill.
“The expansive and unobstructed views of Godley Head and of the sea were completely startling. The site is also located at the end of a private lane, which made it very appealing.”
Grant and Sarah, Scarborough House
Before committing, they wanted to be certain the site could support the kind of home they had in mind. It needed to work not just in terms of views, but also height limits, buildable area and long-term practicality.
De-Risking a Tricky Hillside Site
While the site offered incredible potential, it came with significant constraints. Public drains, no-build zones and neighbouring height limits all needed to be understood properly before any decision could be made.
Chaplin Crooks Architects completed a detailed feasibility study, testing how a substantial two-storey home could fit within the building envelope and restrictions, without compromising views or sun.
“We did have concerns about some of the constraints on what could be built, such as the building envelope and height restrictions from a neighbour’s property above, and the location of the council drains. CCA were very thorough in investigating these.”
This early work gave Grant and Sarah confidence to purchase the challenging site, knowing that the house they wanted was genuinely achievable.
Designed Around Views, Sun and Wind
The south-east facing site slopes gently, with panoramic sea views stretching from Kaikoura to the northern flanks of Banks Peninsula. It is also very exposed to the prevailing easterly wind, so careful planning was required to create sheltered, sunny outdoor spaces on the leeward side.
“Their creative approach to maximising the use of the available space has meant that the house has been situated to take advantage of the views. From our previous experience living on the hill we wanted to ensure that we could enjoy the views but also be sheltered from the strong easterly winds. We enjoyed the collaborative approach that Chaplin Crooks brought to problem-solving the issues of house situation.”
Decks, terraces and walking paths wrap around the house, offering different places to sit and move at different times of day. The result is a coastal home that celebrates the outlook, while still feeling protected and comfortable in real Scarborough weather.
A Home for Work, Creativity and Unwinding
From the outset, this was conceived as a home for everyday life as much as for entertaining. The brief included flexible spaces for family life, remote work and creative projects, along with quiet corners to read, think and enjoy the views.
“The home offices /creative spaces downstairs have been amazing, yet they are well segregated from the living parts of the house. The multi decks mean that there is almost always somewhere outside to go, in any wind including great walking paths around the house, as well as an undercover spa pool area adjacent to the lounge.”
The plan separates busy, social areas from focused workspaces, so the house can support different rhythms of life without feeling either cramped or cavernous.
Using 3D Modelling to Make Confident Decisions
For a once-in-a-lifetime build on a complex site, Grant and Sarah wanted to be absolutely sure before committing to each decision. 3D ArchiCAD modelling was used extensively so they could “walk through” the home and understand how spaces, views and sun would feel in reality.
“The CAD modelling allowed us to really envisage what the house would look like and enabled us to make changes and adjustments. The design maximises sun all year round, that to us was a biggie, compared to our old house in the same suburb. In terms of sun we have it uninterrupted outside and through windows in all seasons from dawn to dusk.”
Seeing the home in three dimensions — and being able to test changes early — helped de-risk the project. It gave them confidence that the final home would be a joy to live in, not just on paper.
Learn more about how we use 3D models to help you visualise your new home →
A Carefully Managed Build on a Complex Project
As documentation progressed, Chaplin Crooks Architects helped pre-select a contractor and structured the consent process so work could begin efficiently. Consenting was split into two stages, allowing foundation work to get underway while final design details were resolved.
“At times the supply of materials was a challenge, but we were kept informed and felt that CCA and our building contractor did very well. The team were right onto minimising elapsed time to complete the build by how they interacted effectively with Council.”
Regular site visits and thorough inspections were a key part of the service, ensuring that details were built as designed and that any issues were picked up early.
“We were impressed with how thorough CCA’s inspections were on the build and all aspects, including work designed or done by subcontractors. They relentlessly followed up any defects or things that were not quite right.”
For clients investing in a significant, long-term home, this level of oversight can make the difference between a stressful experience and a project that feels under control.
Everyday Life in a Coastal Dream Home
The completed home is both visually striking and highly functional. Each room frames a slightly different view of sea and headland. Natural materials bring warmth and texture, and the house opens easily to a series of outdoor spaces that can be used in different seasons and winds. As well as the views, the home is designed for everyday comfort – warm, dry and easy to live in, with spaces that will stay practical and enjoyable for many years.
“The overall effect of inside and outside of the house still, after a year in, makes us stare at times with disbelief at how good the living and entertaining is here, and how lucky we are.”
Looking back, Grant and Sarah see not just a bold design, but a carefully guided process that gave them confidence at each step.
“When we look back at how audacious this design, build and quality control was, we both feel so fortunate that we picked Chaplin Crooks Architects.”
Scarborough House shows what’s possible when a challenging site is paired with clear priorities: long-term comfort, a strong connection to place, and a design that makes everyday life feel special.
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Photography: Sarah Rowlands
