We’re in Abode Magazine — And Here’s the Story Behind the Build
There are builds that go well. And then there are builds like this one.
The Marshlands home in Ōtautahi Christchurch is the kind of project that reminds us exactly why we do what we do. Architecturally designed by BD Design, it’s a home that turns heads from the street and stops you in your tracks once you’re inside. And now, it’s been featured in Abode Magazine — one of New Zealand’s most respected home and design publications.
We couldn’t be prouder. But we also want to pull back the curtain a little, because a result like this doesn’t happen by accident.
The Home
The clients came to us through our Oakbridge showhome with an architectural plan already in hand. They knew what they wanted — they just needed a builder who could make it happen. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
The result is a striking 280sqm home that sits on a 643sqm section backing onto the Waitikiri golf course. The exterior makes a bold statement — dark cedar cladding meets slim-profile Canterbury Clay brick, with dark-framed windows tying the two materials together beautifully. It’s a home that feels both considered and confident.
Inside, every detail has been thought through. The designer kitchen — crafted by Kristen Reid and completed by Sydenham Joinery — is the undisputed heart of the home. Rich walnut cabinetry, an engineered stone benchtop stretching nearly five metres, and a layout designed around how this couple actually loves to live. Fiona Renton from Sandalwood Design guided the clients through their colour and interior selections, helping bring the whole vision together with a warmth and coherence that flows from room to room.
This is what’s possible when you arrive with a great plan and hand it to the right team.
The Build
The clients started their new build journey with Hallmark Homes in January 2025 and moved into their dream home in November 2025 — on time and on budget.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Here’s what the clients had to say:
“Our experience with Hallmark from planning to completion exceeded our expectations in all facets. Right from the start we felt like we were in good hands — and over the duration of our build, we were proven right.”
They were looked after every step of the way by project managers Chris Marr and Debbie Stewart, whose communication and professionalism kept the build running smoothly from start to finish. Design consultant Jodi McIntosh was on hand to work through the technical challenges that only reveal themselves once construction is underway — and she handled every one of them with expertise and care.
Build foreman Simon led the on-site team with skill and patience, going out of his way to answer every question the clients had along the way. And Hallmark owners Esther and Mike were involved throughout — genuinely invested, always available, and bringing the kind of hands-on expertise that only comes from building homes for a long time.
“Esther and Mike made it very clear that they were always available to us for advice and any issues. We really valued having access to the owners of the company and being able to run ideas past them.”
Special recognition also goes to Tim the electrician and Kevin the bricklayer, who both went above and beyond in their areas of expertise — exactly the kind of trades we’re proud to have in our corner.
As our General Manager Patrick Dixon puts it: “When we build architecturally designed homes it’s all about bringing together a range of experts to collaborate on the project to deliver outstanding homes. A project like this takes careful design and planning, and we work hard to ensure all the details and finishings meet our clients’ vision of the home.”
The Shoot
When Abode approached us to feature this home, we wanted to do it justice. So we brought together a team as talented as the one that built it.
Fiona Renton from Sandalwood Design returned to style and stage the home, drawing out every bit of warmth and character the space had to offer. Anna McLeod captured it all through her lens — the light, the textures, the quiet details that make this home feel genuinely lived-in and loved. And Canvas Media came in at twilight, their photography and videography showing the architecture at its most dramatic and compelling.
The result is a feature we’re incredibly proud of — and a home we’ll be talking about for a long time.
Thinking About Building With an Architect’s Plan?
This project is a great example of what Hallmark Homes does best. If you’ve already got a plan — or you’re working with an architect and looking for a builder who can truly deliver — we’d love to talk.
We work closely with clients from the very first conversation through to handover, and we bring the kind of team, experience, and care that turns a great design into an extraordinary home.
