Open city spaces

This article takes us to Christchurch, the largest and most populous city on New Zealand’s South Island which suffered extensive damage when two powerful earthquakes struck in September 2010 and February 2011. The city, founded in 1850 and renowned for its distinctive Victorian architecture, responded with remarkable resilience, becoming a hub of restoration, renovation and seismic retrofitting. Today, less than 15 years later, Christchurch has restored its iconic Cathedral and other major landmarks to their former glory, reclaiming its history and at the same time preparing for the future.

One such landmark is the Oxford Tower, one of the city’s tallest buildings strategically situated on a bend of the River Avon, a prime location surrounded by nature but in the heart of the city centre.

The 11-storey tower, with its elegant modernist design, was made structurally secure through the combined efforts of the country’s top engineers, who adopted innovative solutions that not only reinforced the building’s structural integrity but also adapted it to meet modern housing needs.

The architectural aspects of the interior design project were handled by Wilson & Hill Architects, a highly regarded firm that was founded in 1995 by David Hill and Christopher Wilson and now has several associates. “Every one of our projects is centred around creating an environment that addresses all social, economic and aesthetic aspects,” the architects explain. “This is only possible through close collaboration with our clients, in this case the Russell Property Group. This kind of interaction enables us to gain a deep understanding of the brief and its context. Our reputation is built not only on the quality and uniqueness of our projects but also on our ability to efficiently manage complex undertakings.”

The Oxford apartments are a testament to this approach. Every detail is designed to convey the sensation of an open, light-filled home that feels limitless in its connection with the surrounding environment, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views. Each residence is unique and exclusive, displaying craftsmanship and passion in the meticulous selection of materials, finishes, details and high-quality furnishings. Open spaces, nature-inspired floors, warm tones on the walls, a fireplace and an open kitchen are all elements that contribute to creating an inviting atmosphere. A standout feature is the use of porcelain stoneware from the Uniquestone line by Ceramiche Piemme, a collection inspired by the skilfully blended aesthetics of granites, marbles and other stones.