Borrmeister Architects

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Borrmeister Architects

Borrmeister Architects is an awarding winning practice, based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Borrmeister Architects is an award winning, hands-on, design-orientated practice, driven by a consistent philosophical approach rather than a pre-determinded style. "We strive always to create architecture that integrates into the natural world thoughtfully and respectfully; to achieve positive experiences and healthy environments both for our clients and future users of our buildings". With our m

ain office being based in Christchurch - Canterbury, we also have an additional office in Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island. We are currently a team of 6, with a culturally diverse background, including team members from Germany, Korea, Scotland & NZ. Our practice is a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council and we also have 3 Greenstar Accredited Professionals, as well as a Homestar Assessor on our team. At Borrmeister Architects we offer a full range of architectural services and we are always happy to help.

26/08/2026

Canopy House Post 4

A consistent design language runs through every part of Canopy House.

The structural grid is coordinated with window placements and mullions, while horizontal lines clearly define changes in materiality — from cladding and glazing to roofing and mesh.

Walkways and canopies share a related palette of decking and bird-proof mesh, extending the architectural language beyond the enclosed spaces and into the circulation around the house.

From the large-scale roof forms down to the smallest details, the design is intended to feel cohesive, considered and connected to the way the house is experienced.
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24/08/2026

Canopy House Post 3

The canopy roofs provide the primary shelter for the spaces below, while a second set of lower roofs sits snugly over the building envelope to form the waterproofing layer.

Between the two roof systems, mesh screens enclose the space around the building. These provide essential bird-proofing while also becoming an architectural element in their own right, creating a consistent visual language across the facades.

The result is a layered roof and facade system: structure, shelter, enclosure and screening working together as one.
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22/08/2026

Canopy House Post 2

Functionally, the house is divided into two blocks: one for living and one for sleeping.

Between them, a central walkway and entry sequence forms the middle of the H-shaped plan, with a small Japanese-inspired courtyard garden sitting behind.

The living block is conceived as a panoramic glazed room that projects above the ground, opening onto a deck and protected from the western sun by sliding screens. An upturned clerestory brings in the softer eastern morning light.

In contrast, the bedroom block has a more grounded and intimate character. Sitting on a concrete slab foundation, it features slim, picture-framed windows that capture views into the garden and courtyard while maintaining privacy.

Two distinct atmospheres, connected by a shared threshold.
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20/08/2026

Canopy House Post 1

We’re excited to share this physical model of a residential project on the hills above Christchurch.

Set within a large, sloping site overlooking the Canterbury Plains, the house is oriented towards the west to take advantage of the expansive views and strong afternoon light.

Our design response is a simple H-shaped residence sheltered beneath a series of dramatic overhanging canopies. The canopies provide much-needed shade and shelter, while also creating a large surface for an extensive solar array, allowing the house to operate off-grid if required.
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The proposal makes the most of existing retaining walls and areas of flat land across the site. Beneath the house, a small platform accommodates rainwater tanks for irrigation and stormwater use, making use of the substantial roof area above.

06/08/2026

☁️ A different perspective.
Looking up reveals the clean lines, bold forms, and carefully considered details that define this contemporary home.
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30/07/2026

Thoughtful detailing, warm timber, and uninterrupted mountain views at Twizel House.
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22/07/2026

“The Perch” is a master suite extension inspired by the feeling of a treehouse—tucked amongst the canopy as a quiet escape from everyday life.

Connected to the original Bach, it’s a space designed to slow things down and fully take in the surrounding landscape. Playful angles and carefully framed views blur the line between inside and out, while a window seat nestled in the trees captures outlooks stretching through to the beach and sea beyond.
Designed in collaboration with Common-Good Architects .
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19/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Laura-Anne on officially becoming a Registered Architect!

A fantastic and well-deserved achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to all that’s ahead.
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16/07/2026

💧 56 rainwater tanks. One year on.

A year ago, we shared a simple hope: to help families in Uganda’s Isingiro District access clean, safe water through rainwater harvesting tanks.

We hoped a few people and businesses might join us.

One year later, 56 tanks have now either been completed or are under construction across the Isingiro District.

Behind that number are families, children, homes, and daily lives changed through safer water closer to home.

We have been genuinely humbled by the kindness of sponsors from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and Japan, especially at a time when many people are facing rising costs and pressures of their own.

Together with our partners at the Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS), each tank is built in partnership with families, local workers, and supporters.

To everyone who has sponsored, donated, shared, encouraged, or simply believed in this small initiative — thank you.

We hope to continue quietly and steadily, one family at a time. ❤️💧

02/07/2026

Deep in the build now, and it's exciting to see this project taking shape with each weekly site visit. Every detail is coming together, transforming the space into something truly unique. We can't wait to share more as it continues to evolve.

Avenue Architectural Builders
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Address

48 Salisbury Street
Christchurch
8013

Website

http://www.borrmeister.co.nz/

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