Flexibility designed in at the start ensures you can still live large in small spaces, as these examples from Blair Paterson and Tobin Smith of Colab Architecture show.

Wherever we get the opportunity, we give our inner-city dwellings ground contact from the main living spaces, linking to a small, private, well-appointed terrace. Cantabrians are naturally outdoorsy people, so having the ability to open the house and dine al fresco resonates strongly with our characteristics. Another thing we’ve proven is that you don’t require a huge site or a huge building footprint to create a sense of space.

Durham Street

These are two adjoining and complementary developments. Although the planning of these units is near identical, the dwellings are thoughtfully articulated to break the monotony of one continuous development. Glazing elements are strategically proportioned to create positive interaction with the street edge, while at the same time ensuring privacy is easily achieved internally. A small north-facing courtyard provides ample space to entertain etc.

Edgeware

This is a narrow two-storey townhouse with a similarly narrow west-facing terrace. Raised planters have been used at the perimeter of the boundary to soften the fence line and double as seating. This is another space-saving device that reduces the reliance on loose furniture.

Armagh Street

This is a small standalone townhouse on a rear section. Designed as a two-bedroom dwelling, the second bedroom opens via two large cavity sliding doors to extend the internal living environment. The garage also links to the courtyard via external sliding doors, allowing this space to be used when entertaining larger numbers. This allows the “sometimes spaces” to extend the everyday space. Vertical gardens in the external courtyard allow the growing of fresh herbs and salad vegetables without compromising the useable outdoor space.

Peterborough Street

We like to give something back to the street edge. This development has no boundary fencing at the street edge so has a strong sense of engagement to the street. A low-level slot window creates a playful interaction – people have been known to stand on the footpath bent over with their hands on knees to catch a glimpse of the interior space.

Conference Street

These two townhouses have dual entries via an internal and external staircase. The idea is that a portion of the upper level can be isolated to become an independent apartment, offering flexibility to the living environment of both houses.

326 Montreal Street

This is a render of a new pair of townhouses we have on the drawing board. They are on the corner of Montreal and Gloucester streets and are nicknamed the Gallery Villas. The gable ends (as viewed in the render) address the courtyard of the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Products 

Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller: Furniture with multiple functions suits small spaces. These stools would make a perfect side table or overflow seating when entertaining larger numbers.

Vertical planter for Pollen: This planter by New Zealand designer Adam Ellis is a great example of a space-saving planting idea.

Coffee table: Furniture that is able to stack is another great space-saver. This example by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is a coffee table with smaller-scaled side tables that neatly sit as one.

Archive sofa: This piece of furniture is designed by local lad Cameron Foggo. It perfectly illustrates how ‘light furniture’ (ie, furniture lifted on fine, elegant legs) can create a sense of space in a small area.

colabarch.co.nz