Modern home with open plan living

News

Modern Luxury, Made Personal: The Oakbridge Bespoke Build Journey

Modern home with open plan living

At Hallmark Homes, we don’t just build houses – we design homes that reflect our clients’ unique style, lifestyle and story. Our latest bespoke build, The Oakbridge, is a stunning example of what happens when great design meets expert craftsmanship and client-led collaboration.

This home’s journey is one of trust, vision, and detail – from the very first spark of inspiration to a beautiful, finished dream home in Christchurch.

Modern home with open plan living
The Oakbridge modern exterior facade.

Where the Journey Began

Like many clients, this pair had a clear idea of what they wanted: sleek black and gold accents, modern designer touches, and a warm-yet-luxurious feel.

Their journey started when they walked into our Oakbridge Showhome. The layout, finishes, and atmosphere spoke volumes – they knew we were the right Christchurch builders to bring their vision to life.

“The quality and the reputation Hallmark has, and looking at your showhomes – it shows the spec. I haven’t seen that in any of the other showhomes in the Oakbridge showhome village. The Hallmark spec fitted really well with our vision and what we wanted to achieve, which is why we chose Hallmark… and we’re very happy that we did!” – Nick, Owner.

Award winning Oakbridge showhome, modern exterior cladding of Cedar, plaster and brick
The Oakbridge Showhome won a Gold award at the Master Builders House of the Year and selected in the Top 100 Master Builders Homes in 2024.

Tailored Design with Flexibility at the Heart

Initially drawn to both the Oakbridge and Twizel plans, the clients sat down with our design team to pinpoint exactly what they loved from each. From there, we merged their favourite elements into a custom layout tailored to their lifestyle. As design and build specialists in Christchurch, we offer clients the flexibility to use an existing floor plan, or completely personalise it — changing layouts, rooms, materials, and finishes to suit.

With the support of real-time 3D mock-ups, our clients were able to visualise and refine their home early in the design process.

First concept of The Oakbridge

Details that make a home

Next came one of the most exciting parts of any build: working with our expert Interior Designer, Fiona Renton from Sandalwood Design. Fiona has been a trusted partner of Hallmark Homes for over 12 years and brings a wealth of design insight and precision to each build.

Together, they reimagined the exterior with a bold yet refined approach — opting for a striking Rockcote Cerrano plaster finish, complemented by James Hardie Linea Oblique cladding in an alternate lay to break up the façade. These thoughtful design choices added a balanced, architectural presence — ideal for their prominent corner section. 

Front render of the Oakbridge home by Hallmark Homes, showcasing modern architectural lines, a mix of cladding materials, and a landscaped entrance.
Open-plan interior of the Oakbridge home highlighting the spacious living area, neutral tones, and designer kitchen with island bench.

We offer all clients detailed 3D visualisations of their final selections, so they feel confident, excited, and in control of the entire process.

A Hallmark Home, Through and Through

The results? A bespoke, modern home that captures everything our clients dreamed of – and more.

At Hallmark Homes, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in design and build in Christchurch. Our focus is always flexibility, innovation, and people-first design

Client Testimonial: Their Experience in Their Own Words

We built our dream home with Hallmark Homes and couldn’t be happier!

As new arrivals from the U.K. with no building experience, we were blown away by how supportive and flexible the Hallmark team was. We were involved in every detail of our architecturally designed home — and felt like we were their only clients!

It’s a family-run business with amazing staff who made the whole journey smooth and exciting. We now live in a beautiful home that turns heads — people often stop to ask who built it!

Highly recommend Hallmark Homes, no matter your budget — they’ve got options to suit everyone. We walked in as clients and left feeling like family..” – Nick

Hallmark Homes clients hugging a staff member at handover.
Celebrating the completed home with champagne, hugs, and laughter alongside new homeowners Nick and Chamal and the Hallmark team.

“Walk in as clients, leave as family” isn’t just our motto – it’s what naturally happens when we embark on the journey of building your dream home together. The months of collaboration, shared decisions, and watching your vision come to life create bonds that extend well beyond handover day.

Trusted Suppliers, Exceptional Results

At Hallmark Homes, we believe that quality builds come from quality partnerships. Throughout the Oakbridge project, we worked alongside our trusted Christchurch supplier network to deliver exceptional outcomes at every stage.

  • BuildersExo Construction
  • Exterior PlasteringChristchurch Exterior Plastering
  • Wallpaper InstallerAndrew Gill
  • JoineryFinesse Joinery
  • ElectricianMaestro Electrical
  • FlooringCarpet Plus
  • BenchtopsArchant
  • AppliancesHarvey Norman
  • TilerIMO Tiling
  • Tile SupplierTile Max Christchurch
  • Interior DesignSandalwood Design

These relationships allow us to maintain a high level of craftsmanship, communication, and consistency throughout every build.

Inspired to Design your own home?

Download the Oakbridge showhome pack or Twizel plan below to start your inspiration like these clients. Or visit it for yourself at 9 Oakbridge Boulevard, Marshland – Friday – Sunday 12-4pm.


Download Oakbridge Showhome