Honouring their past, the name borrows from the family menswear store, still running on the main drag. They find a vacant plot a few blocks from the shop and, true to the desire for community, next to their childhood friend’s house.

The brief included: views to the southern alps; views to the sunset; a spot for leadlight windows originating from the family store; and a home to foster community: with breakfast deck, a day room for socialising (that doesn’t have a TV!), a hot tub for evening soaking — alone or with others; and a fire to illuminate wet winter nights. 

Conscious of not doing an 'architectural box' among hips and gables, I’m aware the weatherboarded home has still raised a few local eyebrows. A long, slatted veranda, raised up on stilts for flood resilience, provides the most quintessential of West Coast spaces — sheltered from the harsh sun and heavy rains. Concrete steps with seating connect to the garden, which, with its natives, will be lush in no time. Pops of red detailing contrast with the white exterior. Inside, coloured tiles and handmade native timber pieces, create simple, joyful moments. A garden shed, with leadlights of its own, completes the yard. 

While attending the house-warming with the clients, their friends, their excellent builder, and even my parents, a whitebait fritter in one hand, gin in the other, I got the impression that we’ve landed a warm, liveable home for friends and family... the best sort of community.